un-American
|un-a-mer-i-can|
🇺🇸
/ˌʌnəˈmɛrɪkən/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌnəˈmɛrɪk(ə)n/
not American; contrary to American values
Etymology
'un-American' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'un-' combined with the word 'American', where 'un-' meant 'not' and 'American' referred to 'of or relating to America'.
'American' is derived from 'America', the name given in the early 16th century after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci (Latinized as 'Americus Vespucius'); the adjective 'American' developed from this, and the negative prefix 'un-' was attached in English to create 'un-American'.
Initially it meant 'not of or relating to America' in a neutral sense, but over time—especially in 20th-century political usage—it gained an accusatory sense meaning 'contrary to American values' or 'unpatriotic'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
contrary to what are regarded as American principles, values, or interests; often used as an accusation meaning unpatriotic or disloyal.
The senator's critics called his silence on the issue un-American.
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Adjective 2
not characteristic of American people, habits, or culture; not typical of Americans.
Many thought his refusal to help a neighbor in need was un-American.
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Last updated: 2025/08/23 17:33