Ugly American

noun

1. a stereotypical representation of an American tourist as a brash and insensitive philistine

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ugly American¹

C20: from title of a novel (1958) by William Lederer and Eugene Burdick

Example Sentences

Jordan is insufferable, the worst kind of self-entitled Ugly American, but also endearing, perceptive and admirable in his tenacity.

From Los Angeles Times

I'd already heard the expression "the ugly American" — although I then knew nothing about the prophetic 1958 novel with that title about U.S. diplomatic bumbling in southeast Asia in the midst of the Cold War — and it seemed to me that those interlopers in France fit the term perfectly.

From Salon

“We try so hard not to be the ugly American,” one woman lamented.

From New York Times

“We try so hard not to be the ugly American, and here is Emily with her terrible accent and garish clothing, shouting at French people in English and expecting them to understand,” she said.

From New York Times

Everyone's favorite hapless "ugly American" returns.

From Salon