AMERICAN CHINESE Meaning and
Definition
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American Chinese refers to an amalgamation of Chinese cuisine and culture that has been adapted and modified to suit the tastes and preferences of American consumers. It is a term commonly used to describe an Americanized version of Chinese cuisine that became popular from the late 19th century onwards.
American Chinese cuisine combines elements of traditional Chinese cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavors with American influences. It typically features dishes such as General Tso's chicken, sweet and sour pork, Mongolian beef, and kung pao shrimp. These dishes often use ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and various vegetables, along with American additions like bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes. American Chinese cuisine tends to have a sweeter and milder taste than traditional Chinese food, as it caters to the American palate.
Apart from the culinary aspect, American Chinese also encompasses cultural adaptations, including the décor, restaurant ambiance, and the use of English in menus and customer service. American Chinese restaurants often have a distinct style with decorative elements like Chinese lanterns, dragon motifs, and red folding screens.
The term "American Chinese" is also used to describe Chinese immigrants or individuals with Chinese heritage who have adopted American culture and have become acculturated or assimilated into American society while still maintaining some aspects of their Chinese background. Overall, American Chinese refers to the unique fusion of Chinese and American elements within cuisine and culture, representing a distinct subset of both Chinese and American traditions.
Etymology of AMERICAN CHINESE
The term "American Chinese" refers to the cuisine and cultural integration of Chinese immigrants and their descendants in the United States. It does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of the words "American" and "Chinese" to describe this unique fusion.
The etymology of the word "American" comes from the Latin "Americānus", which means "pertaining to America". The Latin word originates from the name of the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who was one of the first to suggest that the lands discovered by Christopher Columbus were part of a new continent, separate from Asia.
The word "Chinese" refers to the people, language, and culture from China. The term comes from the Sanskrit word "Cīna", which referred to the Qin dynasty, an ancient Chinese empire. Over time, the term expanded to encompass the entire country and its people.
