Trivia Questions On Americanism: Quiz!

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    Which word would Americans use instead of…  (maize) - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  (maize)

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About This Quiz

Explore Americanisms with this engaging quiz! Dive into terms linked to U. S. Culture, history, and societal contributions. Test your knowledge on historical terms, political jargon, and everyday American English. Perfect for learners keen on American cultural insights.

Trivia Questions On Americanism: Quiz! - Quiz

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  • 2. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  (Car Boot) - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  (Car Boot)

    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "trunk" instead of "car boot". In American English, the trunk refers to the storage compartment at the back of a car, where they would store items such as groceries or luggage. The term "car boot" is primarily used in British English to refer to the same storage compartment. Therefore, "trunk" is the word that Americans would use in this context.

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  • 3. 

    An "empty nester" is:

    • The last child to leave home.

    • Someone whose children have left home.

    • Someone whose parents have passed away.

    • Someone who vacates an apartment.

    Correct Answer
    A. Someone whose children have left home.
    Explanation
    An "empty nester" refers to someone whose children have left home. This term is commonly used to describe parents who are experiencing a new phase of life after their children have grown up and moved out. It signifies a transition where the parents are no longer responsible for the day-to-day care of their children and are now living in an empty house without them.

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  • 4. 

    A ghetto blaster is:

    • A large gun

    • A loud car

    • A motorcycle

    • A portable radio/CD player

    Correct Answer
    A. A portable radio/CD player
    Explanation
    The correct answer is a portable radio/CD player. A ghetto blaster refers to a portable audio device that typically includes a radio tuner and a CD player. It gained popularity in the 1980s and was often carried on the shoulder or played loudly in public spaces. It allowed people to listen to music on the go and became a symbol of urban culture.

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  • 5. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  mechanical lift - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  mechanical lift

    Correct Answer
    elevator
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "elevator" instead of "mechanical lift" because "elevator" is the commonly used term in American English to refer to a device that moves people or goods between different floors in a building. "Mechanical lift" is a more generic term that can refer to various types of lifting devices, but "elevator" specifically refers to the type of lift commonly found in buildings.

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  • 6. 

    Police use the term BOLO for "Be on the look-out".

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The term BOLO is indeed used by the police to mean "Be on the look-out". This term is commonly used in law enforcement to alert officers to be vigilant and watch for a particular person, vehicle, or situation. It is a way for the police to communicate and share information about potential threats or suspects within their jurisdiction. Therefore, the statement "Police use the term BOLO for 'Be on the look-out'" is true.

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  • 7. 

    "Sit-rep" stands for:

    • Situation report

    • Sitting representative

    • Situated repeater

    • Sitting response

    Correct Answer
    A. Situation report
    Explanation
    The term "sit-rep" is a commonly used abbreviation in military and emergency response contexts. It stands for "situation report," which refers to a concise summary of the current status and conditions of a particular situation or operation. This report is usually provided to higher-ranking officials or decision-makers to keep them informed and help them make informed decisions based on the situation at hand.

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  • 8. 

    Which word would Americans use instead of… underground?

    Correct Answer
    subway
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "subway" instead of "underground" to refer to an underground train system. This is a commonly used term in the United States to describe the transportation system that runs below ground level. The word "subway" is more commonly understood and used in American English, while "underground" is more commonly used in British English.

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  • 9. 

    Conscription is an illness that many soldiers got overseas during WWI and WWII.  

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Conscription is another name for draft, or compulsory military service

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  • 10. 

    Which word would Americans use instead of… curtains?

    Correct Answer
    drapes
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "drapes" instead of "curtains" to refer to window coverings. This term is more commonly used in American English and is interchangeable with "curtains" in this context. Both words refer to the same thing, which is fabric or material hung to cover windows for privacy or to block out light.

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  • 11. 

     Meaning a dwelling, a song and referring to Irish immigrants, this term became popular during the 1800s:

    • Cabin

    • Shanty

    • Shack

    • Choctaw

    Correct Answer
    A. Shanty
    Explanation
    The term "shanty" is the correct answer because it encompasses the meaning of a dwelling, which can be a small, crudely built house or cabin. It also refers to a song, specifically a type of folk song that originated in the 1800s. Additionally, "shanty" is often associated with Irish immigrants, who were known to live in these small, temporary houses during that time period.

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  • 12. 

    Frisk, a trial or test period (especially of a ship or aircraft) and extortion all describe:

    • Blackmail

    • Shakedown

    • Launch

    • Kidnapping

    Correct Answer
    A. Shakedown
    Explanation
    The term "shakedown" is the correct answer because it aligns with the given definition of "Frisk, a trial or test period (especially of a ship or aircraft) and extortion." A shakedown refers to a period of testing or trial, often used in the context of testing the performance or stability of a ship or aircraft. Additionally, it can also refer to extortion or the act of forcefully obtaining money or goods. Therefore, "shakedown" is the most suitable term that encompasses both meanings.

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  • 13. 

    A Bruce Springsteen song from the 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town", the title of a 1973 Terrence Malick film and a land formation are all known as:

    • Hoodoos

    • Badlands

    • Canyons

    • Ravines

    Correct Answer
    A. Badlands
    Explanation
    The correct answer is badlands. A Bruce Springsteen song from the 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town" is titled "Badlands." Additionally, "Badlands" is the title of a 1973 Terrence Malick film. Lastly, badlands also refer to a type of land formation characterized by rugged terrain, eroded cliffs, and barren landscapes.

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  • 14. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  (Braces) - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  (Braces)

    Correct Answer
    Suspenders
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "suspenders" instead of "braces". "Suspenders" refers to the straps worn over the shoulders to hold up pants, while "braces" typically refers to orthodontic devices used to straighten teeth. This term difference reflects the linguistic variation between American English and British English.

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  • 15. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  merry-go-round - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  merry-go-round

    Correct Answer
    carousel
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "carousel" instead of "merry-go-round" because "carousel" is the more commonly used term in American English to refer to the amusement ride with rotating seats and horses, while "merry-go-round" is more commonly used in British English.

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  • 16. 

    First used in the U.S. as a political term on January 14, 1863, an elected official who is approaching the end of his or her tenure, and especially an official whose successor has already been elected, is known as a:

    • Term limit

    • Dated termination

    • Recall election recall election

    • Lame duck

    Correct Answer
    A. Lame duck
    Explanation
    A "lame duck" is a term used to describe an elected official who is approaching the end of their term and has limited power or influence because their successor has already been elected. This term originated in the U.S. on January 14, 1863, and is commonly used in politics to refer to officials in this situation. It suggests that the official is no longer as effective or influential as they once were, similar to a duck that is unable to fly properly due to an injury.

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  • 17. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  waistcoat - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  waistcoat

    Correct Answer
    vest
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "vest" instead of "waistcoat". In American English, the term "vest" is commonly used to refer to a sleeveless garment that is worn over a shirt and under a jacket. On the other hand, "waistcoat" is the term used in British English for the same type of garment. Therefore, "vest" is the correct answer as it is the word that Americans would use in this context.

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  • 18. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  caretaker - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  caretaker

    Correct Answer
    janitor
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "janitor" instead of "caretaker" because "janitor" is the more commonly used term in American English to refer to a person who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining a building, especially in a school or office setting. "Caretaker" is a less frequently used term in American English and is more commonly used in British English to refer to a person who takes care of a property or looks after someone's needs.

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  • 19. 

    This pejorative term is one in which Southerners gave to Northerners (also referred to as Yankees) who moved to the South during the Reconstruction era, between 1865 and 1877.

    • Copperheads

    • Missionaries

    • Carpetbaggers

    • Migrationists

    Correct Answer
    A. Carpetbaggers
    Explanation
    Carpetbaggers is the correct answer because it refers to Northerners who moved to the South during the Reconstruction era. The term is pejorative because it implies that these individuals were opportunistic and seeking personal gain by taking advantage of the South's post-war economic and political instability. The name "carpetbaggers" comes from the image of these individuals arriving with their belongings in large bags made of carpet material.

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  • 20. 

    Before the introduction of the kitchen stove in the mid-19th century, a commonly used cast iron cooking pan called a __________ had a handle and three legs used to stand up in the coals and ashes of a fire.

    • Spider

    • Tripod

    • Legger

    • Octopus

    Correct Answer
    A. Legger
    Explanation
    Before the introduction of the kitchen stove in the mid-19th century, a commonly used cast iron cooking pan called a "legger" had a handle and three legs used to stand up in the coals and ashes of a fire.

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  • 21. 

    Which word would Americans use instead of… paraffin?

    Correct Answer
    kerosene
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "kerosene" instead of "paraffin" because both words refer to the same substance, which is a flammable oil used as fuel for lamps, stoves, and heaters. While "paraffin" is commonly used in British English, "kerosene" is the preferred term in American English.

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  • 22. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  lodger - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  lodger

    Correct Answer
    roomer
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "roomer" instead of "lodger" to refer to someone who rents a room in someone else's house. Both words essentially mean the same thing, but "roomer" is the more commonly used term in American English.

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  • 23. 

    Which word would Americans use instead of… tram?

    Correct Answer
    street car
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "street car" instead of "tram". The term "street car" is commonly used in American English to refer to a vehicle that runs on tracks along city streets, transporting passengers. While "tram" is more commonly used in British English and other parts of the world, Americans typically use the term "street car" to describe the same mode of transportation.

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  • 24. 

    Which word would Americans use instead of… music hall?

    Correct Answer
    vaudeville
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "vaudeville" instead of "music hall" because vaudeville refers to a type of variety entertainment that was popular in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Vaudeville shows typically featured a series of unrelated acts, such as comedy sketches, song and dance numbers, acrobatics, and magic tricks. This term is specifically associated with American entertainment culture, whereas "music hall" is more commonly used in British English to refer to a similar type of venue or performance.

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  • 25. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  a sale of donated goods (for charity) - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  a sale of donated goods (for charity)

    Correct Answer
    rummage sale
    Explanation
    Americans would use the term "rummage sale" instead of "a sale of donated goods (for charity)". A rummage sale refers to a sale where secondhand items, usually donated, are sold at low prices to raise funds for a charitable cause. This term is commonly used in the United States to describe such events.

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  • 26. 
    Which word would Americans use instead of…  suitcase - ProProfs

    Which word would Americans use instead of…  suitcase

    Correct Answer
    valise
    Explanation
    Americans would use the word "valise" instead of "suitcase". The term "valise" is less commonly used in American English compared to "suitcase", but it is still understood and used by some individuals. "Valise" refers to a small piece of luggage or a traveling bag that is used for carrying clothes and personal belongings during travel. While "suitcase" is the more widely used term in American English, "valise" is a valid alternative that can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jun 13, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Ajith Kumar
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