American English has evolved significantly since the early days of British colonization in North America. Here’s a brief overview:

1600s-1700s: Colonial Period

Settlement and Diversity: The English language arrived with British colonists in the early 17th century. Various dialects from different regions of England mixed with languages of Native Americans, African slaves, and other European settlers.

Distinct Characteristics: American English began to diverge from British English, incorporating words and phrases from these diverse groups such as “cookie” from the Dutch word “koekje”, introduced by early Dutch settlers in New York, “barbecue” from the Spanish word “barbacoa”.

1800s: Expansion and Standardization

Westward Expansion: As settlers moved west, they encountered new landscapes and cultures, leading to the creation of new words and expressions.

Noah Webster: In 1828, Noah Webster published his American Dictionary of the English Language, standardizing American spelling and usage. His work differentiated American English from British English, favoring simpler spellings (e.g., “color” instead of “colour”).

Noah Webster popularized such spellings in America, but he did not invent most of them. Rather, he chose already existing options on such grounds as simplicity, analogy or etymology. Other differences are due to the francophile tastes of 19th century Victorian era Britain (for example they preferred programme for program, manoeuvre for maneuver, cheque for check, etc.)

1900s: Modernization and Media Influence

Mass Media: The rise of radio, television, and film in the 20th century spread American English globally. The influence of Hollywood, music, and later the internet, solidified American English as a dominant global variant.

Immigration Waves: Continued immigration brought new linguistic influences, enriching the American English lexicon with words from various languages including “ballet” from French, “feng shui” from Chinese, and so on.

2000s-Present: Digital Age

Internet and Technology: The digital revolution has further accelerated the evolution of American English. Social media, texting, and global communication have introduced new slang (e.g. “hashtag”, “swipe”, “selfie”, etc) and abbreviations (“LOL”, “FOMO”, “BRB”, etc).

Cultural Exchange: American English continues to be shaped by cultural and social changes, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of the United States such as “foodie”, “staycation”, “influencer”, etc.

American English remains a constantly evolving entity, shaped by historical events, cultural shifts, and technological advancements, making it a rich and varied form of communication.