American Culture You NEED To Know

Summary

In this video, Vanessa from SpeakEnglishWithVanessa.com explores 10 distinctly American expressions, traditions, and cultural elements that every American knows. From celebrating the Fourth of July (Independence Day) and saying 'I plead the fifth' to terms like 'shotgun' for the front passenger seat and 'bang for your buck' for getting good value, Vanessa explains common idioms and practices that reflect American culture. Whether it's making s'mores at a bonfire or enjoying a baseball game while singing 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game,' this lesson helps you understand what makes these expressions so uniquely American.

Takeaways

• 😀 Americans commonly refer to July 4th as 'the fourth,' celebrating Independence Day with fireworks and gatherings.
• 😀 The term 'Benjamin' is a slang reference to a $100 bill, named after Benjamin Franklin, who appears on the bill.
• 😀 The phrase 'I plead the fifth' refers to the Fifth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, used informally to avoid self-incrimination.
• 😀 In the U.S., 'senior' refers to the final year of high school or college, with terms like 'freshman,' 'sophomore,' and 'junior' used for other grades.
• 😀 'Sign your John Hancock' means to sign your name, originating from John Hancock's bold signature on the Declaration of Independence.
• 😀 The expression 'bang for your buck' means getting good value for your money, with 'buck' referring to dollars.
• 😀 Calling 'shotgun' means claiming the front passenger seat in a car, a term commonly used by kids and teenagers.
• 😀 'S'mores' is a popular American treat made with graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, typically enjoyed at bonfires.
• 😀 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' is a classic American song associated with baseball games, reflecting the cultural significance of the sport.
• 😀 'Knocked it out of the park' means to perform exceptionally well, inspired by hitting a home run in baseball, where the ball leaves the field.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to download a free PDF worksheet to solidify learning about these American cultural references.

Q & A

What is 'The Fourth' and why is it significant in American culture?

'The Fourth' refers to July 4th, which is American Independence Day. It is commonly shortened to 'the fourth' in casual conversation. On this day, Americans celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, often with fireworks, barbecues, and other festivities.

What does the expression 'I found a Benjamin on the street' mean?

In this context, 'a Benjamin' refers to a $100 bill, as Benjamin Franklin's portrait is featured on the U.S. $100 bill. So, 'I found a Benjamin on the street' means finding a $100 bill.

What is the meaning of 'I plead the fifth' in daily conversation?

'I plead the fifth' refers to the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which gives individuals the right not to incriminate themselves in legal matters. In everyday speech, it is used humorously or lightly to avoid answering a question, often implying guilt or reluctance to reveal information.

What are the terms used in the U.S. for different years of high school and college?

In the U.S., students are referred to by terms based on their year in high school or college. A freshman is in their first year, a sophomore is in their second year (with a silent 'O' in the middle), a junior is in their third year, and a senior is in their fourth or final year.

What does 'sign your John Hancock' mean?

'Sign your John Hancock' is an expression used to refer to signing one's name or giving a signature. The term comes from John Hancock, who signed the Declaration of Independence with a large, bold signature.

What is meant by 'bang for your buck'?

'Bang for your buck' means getting good value for the money spent. The term 'buck' is slang for dollars, and 'bang' suggests a good return or result, especially when spending money wisely.

What is 'calling shotgun' in the context of a car ride?

'Calling shotgun' refers to claiming the front passenger seat in a car before a ride. It is a common expression used, especially among friends or siblings, to secure that seat, and it is not related to actual shotguns or hunting.

What is the American treat 's'mores' and how is it made?

S'mores are a popular American treat, often made around a bonfire. They consist of a roasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers. The treat is known for its gooey, sweet, and toasted texture, and it is a beloved snack during outdoor gatherings.

Why is the song 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' important in American culture?

'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' is a famous American song traditionally sung during baseball games. It has become a staple of American culture, symbolizing the excitement of attending a baseball game, and is often sung by crowds before the game begins.

What does it mean to 'knock it out of the park'?

To 'knock it out of the park' means to perform exceptionally well or exceed expectations. The phrase comes from baseball, where hitting the ball out of the park is a home run, a highly successful action in the game.