America in so many words: words that have shaped America

Abstract

America is built of words, say the authors of this fascinating journey through America's linguistic past, and this book tells the story of the words that have made us what we are today. Year by year, from the early 1600s until the late 1990s, it discusses words that Americans have added to the English language and words that they have embraced in their struggle to build a nation. From Indian (1602) and corn (1608) to newbie (1993) and Ebonics (1997), the words Americans have championed and debated are discussed in historical context, with quotations from contemporary sources bringing the language to life.

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