AMERICAN ISMS

are words or phrases current in the U.S. but not in Britain, though many are becoming so, partly owing to descriptive matter jn connection with Amer. films— (e.g.), crook for criminal. They may be divided under two headings—viz., words which were common to both countries before the separation of 1783, but_which have since become obsolete in Britain; and words which have come into use in America since that event. Among the former cla may be placed: chore, trifling job, or errand; creek, small stream; deck, pack of cards; and fall, autumn. In the latter cla may be_ indicated: elevator, for lift; section, for district; exposition, for exhibition; Duichman, for German; candy, any kind of sweet stuff; biscuit, hot roll; cracker, biscuit; the cars, a train; depot, railway station; gums or rubbers, galoshes, overshoes; store, shop; railway, tramway; mail, to post letters; and many others.