This dictionary explains some of the thousands of cultural references to American life and history that you come across when reading about the USA. It contains 1000 references – it could be 10,000, of course – this  s only a selection

The basic criteria for the selection are that we want to include what a non-American might need to know when reading American books, magazines, newspapers, listening to American podcasts or watching American films and videos.

These are the cultural references to people, places, events, history, institutions etc. that non-locals might not know about. Topics include:

• People – names of famous writers, artists, politicians etc
• Places – geographical places, towns, cities, tourist sights that non-Americans may not know much about and would like to learn more about
• Events – historical and more recent events that contribute to understanding the development and nature of the USA
• Lifestyle – references to the way people live, what they eat and drink, their customs, their entertainment, that might be seen as different by visitors
• Institutions – governmental institutions (schooling, the law, democratic structures) that are specifically American
• Art & culture – references to artists, writers, musicians, painters, architects who have enriched America’s cultural life.