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Vocabulary : Slang : U : Uncle Sam

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Uncle Sam

Meaning: the U.S.A., the U.S. government

For example:

  • Most of my students think Uncle Sam made a big mistake by invading Iraq.

  • Many people blamed Uncle Sam for the world economic recession.

Origin: first appeared in the early ninteenth century, possibly as a play on the initials "U.S."

Quick Quiz:

If someone says Uncle Sam has too much power in the world, they are referring to
  1. Europe
  2. North America
  3. the U.S.A.

Discuss: Uncle Sam

Slang of the Day

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