1

Hamburger

Image: Carles Rabada

Due to their popularity and widespread appeal, hamburgers are considered an unofficial national dish of the United States, and there’s good reason for this. It's hard to think of a more American dish than a hamburger, right?

Well, hamburgers may be a national treasure today, but their very name gives us a clue about their true origin: Germany’s Hamburg .

2

Hot dogs

Image: Peter Secan

Few things are as American as buying a hot dog from a street vendor and enjoying it in the sun, right? Well, not exactly. The more formal names of the humble hot dog—frankfurters and Vienna sausages—give us, once again, a hint about their German and Austrian true origin.

3

French fries

Image: Elizabeth Jamieson

While French fries have been a national staple for quite some time, their very name also gives away their foreign origin. There is an ongoing debate about whether these fries are actually French or Belgian , but in any case, these delicious bits of joy are not American.

4

Mustard

Image: Peter Werkman

Mustard, the first of many popular condiments cherished by Americans, was first consumed by the Egyptians in its original seed form and later by the Romans as the paste we most commonly use today.

5

Ketchup

Image: Dennis Klein

Another condiment that is at least as popular as mustard in America, if not more, ketchup originated as a Chinese fermented fish sauce called "kê-tsiap." Over time, the sauce evolved, leaving the fish behind and replacing it with tomatoes to become the ketchup we know today.

6

Pickles

Image: Mehmet Uzut

Another food highly appreciated on American soil is pickles. Whether on burgers, served as a side with sandwiches, chopped into relish for hot dogs, or enjoyed in many other ways, these vinegar-soaked cucumbers are a staple of our cuisine. But multiple records trace the origin of these treats as far as ancient Egypt , where even Cleopatra was rumored to love them.

7

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

This may be shocking to some, but alas, it is true: the quintessentially American apple pie is not really American. The earliest known recipes for apple pie belong to the ancient Greeks . And Dutch bakers created the modern version of the pie in the 15th century.

8

Mac and cheese

Image: Hermes Rivera

Thomas Jefferson is often credited with inventing macaroni and cheese after bringing back a macaroni machine from a trip to Europe, but he was not the first to come up with the idea.

The original recipe for macaroni baked with cheese sauce first appeared in the 14th-century cookbook Liber de Coquina, which is believed to have been written by an Italian author.

9

Bacon

Image: Casey DeViese

Nobody "invented" bacon, right? It’s just a piece of meat. The origins can be traced back to the ancient world, where curing and preserving pork became a common practice. But, as it happens, most sources agree that the Celts were the first to prepare and cook it in the way we do today.

10

Meatloaf

Image: RitaE

A humble recipe, for sure, meatloaf was made in Medieval Europe from scraps of meat held together by fruits, nuts, and seasonings. It was created to stretch leftover beef or create a more substantial meal from less expensive cuts of meat.

11

Mayonnaise

Image: May_hokkaido

The third and final condiment on our list is another American staple, even though its French name might give us a pretty straightforward idea of its origin. But it's not that simple.

The French mayonnaise is likely derived from Spanish versions of aioli, which is a garlic mayonnaise.

12

Barbecue

Image: Andrik Langfield

Surely, something as American as a barbecue must be a local invention, right? Wrong, again. Known as "barbacoa" in the West Indies long before it became popular in America, barbecues have been around for a long time. Even the modern barbecue, with spice-rubbed meat slowly cooked over a fire and topped with sauce, originated in the Caribbean .

1

The Show-Me State

Image: Chris Duan

Missouri’s license plates contain one of the strangest state nicknames in our list: The Show-Me State. Does that speak of residents with a no-nonsense, skeptical character? In part. This title can be traced back to 1899, when U.S. Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver used the phrase in a speech, implying that Missourians aren't easily swayed by "frothy eloquence" and need proof, saying, "I am from Missouri. You have got to show me. "

Since then, though "Show-Me State" isn't an official legislative title, it has been recognized as part of the state’s identity. Beyond this nickname, Missouri also holds others such as "The Cave State" due to its large number of caves, and "The Mother of the West" because of its historical significance in westward expansion.

2

The Hoosier State

Image: Pixabay

Indiana is famously known as "The Hoosier State", though the origin of this monicker is one of the most debated topics in the state’s history. One popular theory attributes it to a canal contractor named Samuel Hoosier, who preferred to hire workers from Indiana. These laborers were known as "Hoosier’s men," which eventually shortened to "Hoosiers."

Others say it came from the frontier slang word hoozer , meaning "someone from a rural area". Whichever version is real, "Hoosier" gained popularity in the 1830s through a poem titled The Hoosier's Nest by John Finley, which celebrated Indiana’s rural charm. The "Hoosier Dome" (now the site of Lucas Oil Stadium) and companies like the Hoosier Bat Company embraced the nickname. Indiana is sometimes also known as the "Crossroads of America" for being a key geographical center for major highways.

3

The Beehive State

Image: David Hablützel

The nickname "Beehive State" has roots in Utah's founding by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). When these settlers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley, they viewed the beehive as an emblem of industriousness, unity, connection, and hard work —qualities they wanted their new society to represent.

The other term used to reference all things Utah is "Deseret," with a similar story: the term appeared in the Book of Mormon standing for "honeybee." It’s also the reason why the state’s motto is "Industry", and features an illustration of a beehive in the center of the state’s flag.

4

The Land of 10,000 Lakes

Image: Josh Hild

Minnesota actually has around 11,842 lakes , excluding smaller ponds and wetlands. But calling it "The Land of Over 11,842 Lakes" would have been a nuisance. This nickname evokes the territory’s vast natural beauty: The catchy term was adopted as part of a strategic tourism campaign in the early 20th century, aiming to get more Americans to visit the state. With the automobile industry booming, Minnesota promoted itself as a destination for camping, boating, and fishing.

The slogan helped create a reputation for Minnesota as a water paradise and led to the formation of the Ten Thousand Lakes of Minnesota Association in 1917, which spread the message of the joys of lakeside vacations. Within a decade, Minnesota's lakes were drawing visitors from across the country. The state is also sometimes called "The North Star State" or L'Étoile du Nord for being the northernmost state in the contiguous U.S.

5

The Empire State

Image: Frederik Sørensen

The Empire State is New York's longstanding nickname. It’s hard to dispute: it stands for the state’s significant economic, cultural, and historical influence. Though the exact origin of the nickname remains unclear, it’s believed to have stemmed from a comment by George Washington in 1785, where he referred to New York as the "Seat of the Empire" in recognition of its central role in the post-Revolutionary War. With time, this expression grew into the nickname "Empire State".​

The famous Empire State Building is an example of the prevalence of the nickname: The iconic skyscraper was completed in 1931 and held the title of the world's tallest building for several decades. The Empire State Plaza in Albany, a government complex, is another example. New York also goes by other nicknames, including "The Excelsior State," referencing the state motto, "Excelsior," meaning "ever upward."

6

The Pelican State

Image: Zac Lois

How many pelicans does it take to earn a full state this nickname? It is said that early settlers were impressed not just by the amount of birds in the territory’s bayou, but by the nurturing character that the birds showed. The brown pelican eventually became the state’s official bird and prominent emblem. It was endangered in the '60s, but fortunately, thanks to the state’s efforts in banning the pesticides that harmed them, the population was restored.

Louisiana also has other descriptive nicknames. It’s known as "The Bayou State" for its lush marshlands, "The Creole State" for its unique culture, and "The Sportsman’s Paradise."

7

The Lone Star State

Image: Lucas Beck

The "Lone Star" reflects Texas's struggle for independence from Mexico , when Texas briefly became its own republic before joining the United States in 1845. This star stood as a symbol of pride and the determination for self-governance. Today, it still shines bright in the middle of Texas’ flag.

Texas has a few other nicknames, though they’re less well-known. In the 1960s, The New Yorker called it the "Super-American State". Texas has also been called "The Beef State" and "The Jumbo State".

8

The Golden State

Image: Elizabeth Iris

Is it because of the beautiful sunsets tainting the Pacific Coast in a golden light? Well, no. California’s nickname, "The Golden State," refers to multiple facets of its history. Most prominently, it alludes to the California Gold Rush of 1848-1855, a period that saw thousands flock to the state. Gold remains a powerful symbol in California, commemorated by the state’s official colors, blue and gold, representing the state’s skies, beaches, and mineral wealth.

The state also boasts an official fish, the California golden trout, and a butterfly, the California dogface butterfly, whose hues contribute to this golden theme. There are other unofficial names, such as "The Land of Milk and Honey" and "The Grape State."

9

The Sunshine State

Image: Nextvoyage

Who could dispute this nickname? Florida boasts an impressive average of 237 sunny days a year, so of course we would refer to it as "The Sunshine State." Florida's year-round pleasant weather has positioned it as a top destination for those seeking a break from colder regions, especially in winter. But technically, Florida isn’t the sunniest state —that title goes to Arizona .

Before settling on "The Sunshine State," Florida had other, less recognized nicknames, including the "Alligator State" and "Everglade State." Today, the "Sunshine State" nickname supports Florida’s brand as a sunny paradise, though it’s worth noting that its climate also includes frequent rain and thunderstorms, making it both sunny and tropically lush year-round.

10

The Natural State

Image: Jessica Garner

The state is renowned for its 52 state parks , lush forests, clear rivers, and diverse geography that includes everything from mountainous regions to bayous. Arkansas earned its official nickname, "The Natural State," in 1995, replacing "The Land of Opportunity." This new name aided in promoting it as a top destination for outdoor-enthusiast tourists.

Arkansas has had several other notable nicknames throughout its history. "The Bear State" was one of its earliest names, winking at the high number of black bears once found there. "The Wonder State" was adopted in the 1920s to highlight its natural wonders, and "The Land of Opportunity" came into use around the 1940s as part of an economic development initiative.​

1

Independence Day

Image: Jason W

Nothing beats a classic apocalyptic alien invasion, where extraterrestrials arrive to destroy the planet, but encounter a group of humans willing to give everything to save humanity. This is the premise of Independence Day (1996), one of the most famous disaster films. Starring Will Smith, the movie marked a turning point in science fiction, showcasing visual effects that, although they may not be as surprising today, set a new standard at the time.

2

Armageddon

Image: Javier Miranda

It’s hard to keep track of how many explosions light up the screen in Armageddon (1998), but rest assured, there are a lot of them. This film follows the classic natural disaster formula: a massive asteroid threatens Earth, and the only hope for survival is to destroy it. When the planet’s at risk, who better to call than Bruce Willis? Alongside Ben Affleck, he steps up to risk everything in a race against time.

Do you also remember this movie every time you hear Aerosmith's "I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing"? You are one of us!

3

The Day After Tomorrow

Image: Mason Mulcahy

A new Ice Age threatens humanity after a series of devastating storms strike the planet in The Day After Tomorrow (2004), a film that takes climate change and pushes its possible consequences to the extreme. With spectacular disaster sequences and visuals, the movie became a total box office success worldwide.

4

I Am Legend

Image: Natalya Letunova

Imagine waking up one day and realizing that you are, as far as you can tell, the last survivor in the city. This is what happens to scientist Robert Neville, played by Will Smith, in I Am Legend (2007). The now-classic apocalyptic theme is a deadly virus that has devastated humanity, and it is Dr. Robert Neville who appears to be the only one capable of doing something to reverse the effects of this.

5

Interstellar

Image: Guillaume Le Louarn

In 2014, we saw one of the most exciting movies to hit the big screen: Christopher Nolan's Interstellar . Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike for its visual effects and its complex and thrilling plot, this film is one of those you’ll find hard to forget. Set on an Earth that is becoming uninhabitable, Matthew McConaughey plays Cooper, a former NASA pilot who joins a mission to travel through a wormhole near Saturn in search of a new place for humanity.

Fun fact: It’s not surprising that it has been well received even by the scientific community, since a Nobel Prize–winning physicist collaborated on the script.

6

Planet of the Apes

Image: Mateusz Suski

In the original Planet of the Apes (1968), the story takes us to a distant future planet where chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans have evolved to possess human-like intelligence and social structures, dominating that world while humans are reduced to an oppressed species. Featuring one of the most shocking and unforgettable plot twists in cinema history, the film stands as an essential classic of dystopian science fiction.

7

Night of the Living Dead

Image: Daniel Jensen

We couldn’t leave Night of the Living Dead off this list, the 1968 film that changed cinema forever. While the concept of "zombies" may feel familiar today, this George A. Romero’s film was the first to present the idea of the dead rising again and becoming a real threat to the living.

8

12 Monkeys

Image: Liam Andrew

Bruce Willis is once again called upon to help humanity (or what remains of it) in the 1995 film 12 Monkeys , this time alongside none other than Brad Pitt, who earned an Oscar nomination for this role. Set in a dark future, most of humanity has been wiped out by a deadly virus, and Willis’s character must travel back in time to gather information about its origins and help find a way to stop it.

9

Dawn of the Dead

Image: airci K

Of course, George A. Romero wasn’t going to appear just once on this list. In 1978, Dawn of the Dead was released, once again portraying the end of the world brought on by the return of the undead. A group of survivors takes refuge in a shopping mall, but human conflicts soon emerge as a threat equal to, or even greater than, that posed by the zombies themselves.

10

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Image: Michael Herren

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) is definitely a science fiction classic. Unlike the other films on this list, its catastrophe is not inevitable; disaster can still be avoided. Rather than centering on spectacular destruction, the film delivers a philosophical warning to humanity. An alien visitor arrives on Earth to deliver a stark message: abandon nuclear violence, or face devastating consequences.