'Merica

American  

[mer-i-kuh] / ˈmɛr ɪ kə /

Also 'Murica, or Merica

noun

Informal.

1. contraction of America (often used humorously to suggest either a sarcastic or patriotic sentiment).

   Wage earners here in ’Merica are no better off.

   Can’t wait to get back to ’Merica!

---

Etymology

Origin of 'Merica

First recorded in 1800–05 ; by loss of initial, unaccented syllable of America ( def. ) (in the sense “United States of America”)

Example Sentences

Associated Press writers Dan Merica and Michael Biesecker contributed to this report.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

So is the entire ruling class of what turns out to be an alternative society, The United States of Nu Merica.

From New York Times • Jun. 26, 2017

Before their officiant, dressed as Darth Vader, introduced Mr. and Mrs. A. Merica, Adam grew emotional and removed his Deadpool mask.

From Washington Post • Jun. 22, 2017

In another email, in February, Mr. Merrill described CNN Politics Producer Dan Merica and Mrs. Clinton as “basically courting each other at this point.”

From Washington Times • Oct. 13, 2016

And when Sidney was seated, Merica was requested to draw a bucket of water fresh from the well, so that Sidney might have a nice cool drink.

From Oldfield A Kentucky Tale of the Last Century by Banks, Nancy Huston