More American Than You Think
The United States has exported so much culture, food, and entertainment that plenty of things now feel completely international. You’ll find them in restaurants, stores, and homes around the world, so it’s easy to forget where they actually started. From everyday snacks to major inventions, these are some things Americans might not realize began right in the U.S.
1. The Cheeseburger
Hamburgers may have German origins, but the cheeseburger is as American as it gets. Someone figured out that melting cheese on a hamburger was delicious, and now it’s sold everywhere. While delicious, it’s so ubiquitous now that it hardly feels like American food.
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2. Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing was invented in the U.S. and became a global food phenomenon. Americans love using ranch as salad dressing, dip, pizza topping, and more. Its popularity has spread far beyond the country where it was first created.
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3. Peanut Butter
While peanuts aren’t native to America, peanut butter didn’t become widely popular until American food culture adopted it. Peanut butter became part of lunches, desserts, snacks, etc. Peanut butter is not as global as it is in America.
4. The Fortune Cookie
Fortune cookies are usually associated with Chinese food, but they didn’t actually originate in China. Many believe it was invented by an American, and whoever it was, Americans made it a common dessert in Chinese American restaurants.
5. Blue Jeans
Denim existed before the United States, but blue jeans became the iconic clothing item people recognize today thanks to American workwear culture. Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis helped popularize riveted denim pants in the 19th century. Now, you can find jeans almost everywhere, making their American history easy to overlook.
6. The Shopping Mall
While other places had large collections of stores, the shopping mall was developed in America. Everyone loved the idea of being able to go to one place to shop at dozens of stores. Malls have evolved over time, but you can find them around the world.
7. The Drive-Thru
Drive-thrus are so common in America that it’s easy to forget they didn’t used to exist. As cars became more popular in America, drive-thrus changed how we bought food, filled prescriptions, and even handled banking. Other countries have them now, but the idea started in America.
8. American Football
It’s easy to think of football as a universal sport until you realize how many countries call soccer “football.” The sport that Americans recognize as football actually originated in the States, developing from rugby and association football. Rules and positions changed until it became the game we recognize today.
9. The Supermarket
While small grocery stores existed before, the first full supermarkets were created in America. Instead of having a butcher, grocer, and produce guy, America introduced us to one-stop shopping with aisles. Now you’ll find supermarkets all over the world.
10. The TV Dinner
Frozen meals predate TV dinners, but the popular “TV dinner” was certainly American. These meals were made to be eaten in front of, you guessed it, the television. Nowadays, many families eat frozen pre-made meals, although they may not come in a tray.
11. Ketchup as a Table Staple
Ketchup has a long history, with versions dating back to Europe. However, the sweet ketchup most people are familiar with today is pretty American. Large companies based in America helped popularize the condiment worldwide.
12. The Garbage Disposal
If you’ve ever traveled outside the U.S., you may have realized not every country has garbage disposal units in their sinks. Garbage disposals were both invented and popularized in America. If you’ve grown up with one, it’s hard to imagine not having one.
13. Jazz
Originating from African American music in places like New Orleans, jazz music took the U.S. by storm. While the genre was influenced by other international music, it was molded into what we recognize today in the U.S. These days, jazz is international.
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14. The Hot Dog
While sausage is not American, the hot dog was popularized in America. It became a staple at ballgames, carts, and amusement parks. While popular all over now, you can find nothing that beats a classic American hot dog.
15. The Electric Guitar
There were many stringed instruments that used electric amplification, but the electric guitar shines through as American. Companies such as Fender and Gibson helped shape the instruments that defined rock, blues, and countless other genres. Much of modern popular music would sound very different without it.
16. The Cocktail
People have been mixing drinks for centuries, but the modern idea of the cocktail developed in the United States. American mixologists made specific drinks with names and recipes that everyone knew. Now you can find cocktails all over the world, but many of the classics are American.
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17. The Disposable Razor
Modern disposable razors became widely associated with American innovation and mass production. The concept of making everyday products cheap, convenient, and replaceable became a huge part of consumer culture. Whether you love or hate disposable products, the idea certainly spread.
18. The Skateboard
Skateboarding originated in America, primarily in California. Surfers needed something to “ride” when there were no waves. Skateboarding took off as a sport and culture that is recognized all over the world.
19. The Potato Chip
Thin fried potatoes existed before the American snack known as the potato chip. George Crum is credited with the invention, although it may not be the whole truth. One thing is for certain, the potato chip became a huge industry in America.
20. The Modern Movie Industry
Movies weren’t invented in America, but Hollywood helped create the cinema we know today. American film helped popularize the concept of genres, film stars, and even movie culture. Hollywood can be annoying, but you can’t argue with its success.
