un-American
[uhn-uh-mer-i-kuh n]
- not American; not characteristic of or proper to the U.S.; foreign or opposed to the characters, values, standards, goals, etc., of the U.S.
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Origin of un-American
An Americanism dating back to 1810–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for un-american
Contemporary Examples
Fortunately, these un-American arguments are destined to fail with the American public as the issue ripens.
It seems almost un-American to double down on the Clinton and Bush dynasties that ran the country for a generation.
And any lover of “Seinfeld” would regard banning the “Soup Nazi” episode as scandalously un-American.
When Bauer pointed this out, the phrase that went through my mind like a grim joke was, “How un-American of him.”
Most disconcerting of all was the sense that this perilous post-election limbo was so very un-American.
Historical Examples
"Very un-American," remarked the singer, as he ate his crab bisque.
MelomaniacsJames Huneker
And if this—Berg—thought him un-American for drinking an imported beverage, what of it?
SecurityPoul William Anderson
The men were asked if they had heard of any un-American goings-on in the Navy Yard.
Secret ArmiesJohn L. Spivak
They denounce those who cling to the doctrine as un-American.
FolkwaysWilliam Graham Sumner
Some of his compatriots hinted that his English life was making him un-American.
The ArenaVarious
un-American
- not in accordance with the aims, ideals, customs, etc, of the US
- against the interests of the US
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for un-american
un-American
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
un-American
A term used, primarily by extreme conservatives, to attack principles or practices considered to be at odds with the values of most Americans. Many object to the use of the term on the grounds that it is vague, shortsighted, and intolerant.
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Note
The House of Representatives maintained a Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) for several years. It was especially known for investigation of alleged communists. (See Alger Hiss.)
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.