America's Secret Slang

Season 2

TV-PG

Host Zach Selwyn hits the streets to ask everyday people what they know about the origins and meaning of American slang, and then he reveals the true etymology and hidden history of common phrases and words that are unique to the United States. In each 30-minute episode, Selwyn focuses on a specific period in American history, revealing words that originated during that era or had significance for the geographic region.

Where to Watch Season 2

8 Episodes

Straight from the Horse's Mouth
E1
Straight from the Horse's MouthHow American English has been changed by animals, food, sports and death.
Riding Shotgun
E2
Riding ShotgunExploring words and phrases that are rooted in history.
Lower the Boom
E3
Lower the BoomHow American English was influenced by the seas, the ancient world, big business and the news industry.
Off the Cuff
E4
Off the CuffWays American English has been shaped by clothes, crimes, punishments, insults and the Internet.
Cut to the Chase
E5
Cut to the ChaseHow entertainment influenced common words and phrases.
Bite the Bullet
E6
Bite the BulletWords that originated in the military, police, aviation and baseball; a "last ditch effort"; freelance workers; pushing the envelope.
Go for Broke
E7
Go for BrokeExploring the ways the language has been shaped by Vikings, the Cold War, computers, music and gambling; the meanings behind the colors of the rainbow.
Hail to the Chief
E8
Hail to the ChiefPresidents, sex and romance, and manners have influenced American English.