Buy new:
-20% $14.40
FREE delivery Thursday, July 11 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$14.40 with 20 percent savings
List Price: $17.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, July 11 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 8 hrs 56 mins
In Stock
$$14.40 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.40
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.

Return instructions

Item must be in original condition and packaging along with tag, accessories, manuals, and inserts. Unlock any electronic device, delete your account and remove all personal information.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$11.87
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Friday, July 12 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 8 hrs 56 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$14.40 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$14.40
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Josh Katz
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Speaking American: How Y'all, Youse, and You Guys Talk: A Visual Guide Paperback – September 1, 2020

by Josh Katz (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 594 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$14.40","priceAmount":14.40,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"40","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"D%2BuFUR3GvA14owLRVePcmjPu5FuQAlcsCklKOlGBt6WexRtl16PKjQf%2FjxtTFn8N%2Bb%2Br6V8%2FAuWbGGH4FA33UB7DhS97i2clkI888%2Bh%2BlM%2BIfvOWPR4%2BJwsCO61SNwY6BJsLx1Hg4p%2BOC3mkUNg%2Fng%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$11.87","priceAmount":11.87,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"11","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"87","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"D%2BuFUR3GvA14owLRVePcmjPu5FuQAlcsShc2Om6Us52u4wl4RGtdqqou8A2ax69MzlUo0Ktd0MH49kwZv8oINVq6A0EL5l6ixyhNkiXtLB0Nc%2FSCJmoQMXtj6cNkpfuBrlDsLeJzc%2BC%2F8lMvs3CtZl630L11dcuDtogu8lydiC78Ha7jTpNxRvo2UutJy%2BYE","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

From the creator of the New York Times dialect quiz that ignited conversations about how and why we say the words we say, a stunning and delightful exploration of American language.

Did you know that your answers to just a handful of questions can reveal where you grew up? When Josh Katz released his interactive dialect quiz in the New York Times in 2013, it became the most viewed page in the paper's history. Now a graphics editor, Katz harnessed the overwhelming response to that quiz to create Speaking American, an extraordinary and beautiful tour through the American vernacular.

How do you pronounce "pecan"? What do you call a long sandwich with varieties of meats and cheeses? Do you cut the grass or mow the lawn?

The answers to these questions—and the distinctions they reveal about who says what and where they say it—are not just the ultimate in cocktail party fodder; they are also windows into the history of our nation, our regions, and our language. On page after page, readers will be fascinated and charmed by these stunning maps of how Americans speak as they gain new insights into our language and ourselves.

For fans of Eats, Shoots and Leaves and How the States Got Their Shapes, Speaking American is an irresistible feast of American regional speech.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Mariner Books
  4. Publication date
    September 1, 2020
  5. Dimensions
    10 x 0.57 x 9.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0358359937
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0358359937
  8. See all details
Next slide of product details
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

Speaking American: How Y'all, Youse, and You Guys Talk: A Visual Guide
$14.40
Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 11
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
North American Maps for Curious Minds: 100 New Ways to See the Continent
$15.39
Get it as soon as Monday, Jul 15
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Sold by ❄ FirstSnowball and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.
+
Brilliant Maps for Curious Minds: 100 New Ways to See the World
$16.16
Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 11
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Control
Some of these items ship sooner than the others.
Show details Hide details
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JOSH KATZ was born and raised in South Jersey, where he ate hoagies, wore sneakers, and celebrated Mischief Night. After graduating from the North Carolina State University Department of Statistics, he began work as a graphics editor with the New York Times,where his work has focused on finding patterns in data and turning them into stories. He lives in New York.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books (September 1, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0358359937
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0358359937
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.95 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10 x 0.57 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 594 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Josh Katz

Josh Katz

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
594 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book fun and a great conversation starter. They also appreciate the colorful illustrations and wonderful presentation of a study. Readers describe the book as fascinating and well done. However, some feel the content is less than expected.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
EnjoyabilityConversation starterIllustrationsChildren's contentVisualsHumorContent
96 customers mention "Enjoyability"96 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fascinating, fun, and interactive. They also say it's well-done, especially the graphics. Customers also mention that the hardcover version is nice.

"Very well done, especially the graphics. Many examples I have come across my self.Bought several copies as gifts." Read more

"If you’re a word nerd you’ll love this book. Fascinating and fun to dip into anywhere. Get it!" Read more

"I didn't read the whole thing yet, but it's a fun book!! Shipping was a little slow, but it still got to me!" Read more

"...to talk like you're from..." for all of the states and that was fun to read through too...." Read more

23 customers mention "Conversation starter"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book a great conversation starter, providing regional slang and words different parts of the country use. They also say it's a perfect book for a group gathering.

"...There were tons more maps than what was posted online. Really interesting conversation starter and very fun to read through with someone else...." Read more

"Such a great conversation starter! I originally saw this book at our financial planner’s office and immediately knew I wanted a copy...." Read more

"Fun book gives regional slang and the words different parts of the country use for common items...." Read more

"...Great coffee table book…fun conversation starter!" Read more

19 customers mention "Illustrations"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the illustrations in the book wonderful, interesting, and well researched. They also say the book contains sufficient details where explanation would help. Customers also say it's an easy read and a great ESL teaching resource.

"...The illustrations are really colorful, and text is brief enough for a group to read together, but contains sufficient details where explanation..." Read more

"...Visual representation of the ways different parts of the country differ in their speech and usage...." Read more

"...Fun. Easy to read. You find yourself looking up phrases or words you use. Speaking American is worth penny. Clever and well done. GET IT TODAY...." Read more

"...This is a wonderful presentation of a study that I saw on the internet a few years ago...." Read more

11 customers mention "Children's content"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the children's content interesting, fun, and excellent to share with family and friends. They also say it's great for kids.

"...You will get beautiful color pictures but that is all you get. It's great for kids." Read more

"Interesting and a fun book to read with the family!" Read more

"Great gift! Purchased for someone who lives in a different region/culture from where they grew up in the US." Read more

"What a fun coffee table book/ conversation starter, a great gift for someone moving across the country." Read more

10 customers mention "Visuals"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the illustrations in the book colorful.

"...The book is a nice-looking coffee table book. The illustrations are really colorful, and text is brief enough for a group to read together, but..." Read more

"...You will get beautiful color pictures but that is all you get. It's great for kids." Read more

"...I learned quite a few tidbits, and that's always a plus in my book! Big graphics, easy to read. I only wish the book had had more content." Read more

"This book shows great color coded maps of where different words and phrases are spoken...." Read more

7 customers mention "Humor"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book super funny and informative.

"...This book was very cleverly designed with good humor...." Read more

"An amusing, short review of language differences across the United States. I learned quite a few tidbits, and that's always a plus in my book!..." Read more

"...Was a fun gift.It is very accurate and amusing!" Read more

"The usual well written and filled with subtle humor book by Bryson." Read more

14 customers mention "Content"0 positive14 negative

Customers find the content of the book much less than expected, with very little information and mediocre illustrations. They also say the book is a waste of money with too many pages devoted to graphics.

"...Waste of time." Read more

"...Well this book is of excellent print quality but the content is shallow for adults. You will get beautiful color pictures but that is all you get...." Read more

"...Big graphics, easy to read. I only wish the book had had more content." Read more

"Interesting at times. MUCH less content than I expected. If subject is not something you know you would be interested in....this book not for you." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Deboraht10
5.0 out of 5 stars extremely interesting
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2024
Verified Purchase
Very well done, especially the graphics. Many examples I have come across my self.
Bought several copies as gifts.
Helpful
 Report
B. Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh, gosh, fabulous
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
If you’re a word nerd you’ll love this book. Fascinating and fun to dip into anywhere. Get it!
Helpful
 Report
Carsten Moreno
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
I didn't read the whole thing yet, but it's a fun book!! Shipping was a little slow, but it still got to me!
Helpful
 Report
Rachel
5.0 out of 5 stars So much fun
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2018
Verified Purchase
I purchased this book after reading through the maps that were available online. Since I enjoyed those so much I figured I would see what the rest of the book had to share and I'm so glad I did! There were tons more maps than what was posted online. Really interesting conversation starter and very fun to read through with someone else. I've lived in three states and even though they're all in the Midwest it was fascinating to see what things were different even between those places. Also there are sections on "how to talk like you're from..." for all of the states and that was fun to read through too. Overall it's a great coffee-table book and I am happy I chose to purchase it.
11 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Manatee
4.0 out of 5 stars Learn about your country.
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
Interesting reading.
Helpful
 Report
soulanchor
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun as a group reading activity!
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
My hubby heard a radio interview with Josh Katz and knew this book was for me. This book was very cleverly designed with good humor. Josh Katz mixes up the way his humorous comparisons are articulated, so that as one pages through the book the comparisons sound fresh and even play on the previous page as a continuing joke. Our family loves to discover how things are said around our country and around the world. So this was a great gift to me from my hubby. It was even funnier when our son read it with his wife. He got some vindication for all the "funny things" he (a native Minnesotan) says around her Chicago family. We laughed and laughed at the differences and enjoyed how our family proved Katz's statistics. Another family member, raised in Pennsylvania, had some "aha!" moments as well.

The book is a nice-looking coffee table book. The illustrations are really colorful, and text is brief enough for a group to read together, but contains sufficient details where explanation would help. We are delighted with this book!
13 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Mimicat
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun book
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is great for a coffee table book. It’s especially interesting if you’ve traveled or lived in various parts of the US.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
alana sullivan
3.0 out of 5 stars Boring without insight.
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
I’ve lived in many places with distinctive regional accents that are mentioned in this book. It’s possible the author spent very little time in any of them.
Waste of time.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Williams Mark Thomas
2.0 out of 5 stars Sólo vocabularo pero no pronunciación
Reviewed in Spain on January 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
Este libro nos informa de los cambios en vocabulario usado según donde estés en USA, pero NO nos enseña como cambia la pronunciación/acento de una zona geográfica a otra. El título es un poco engañoso.
Report
Robert Greenwood
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2021
Verified Purchase
Very interesting book. My daughter just moved to the USA with her new husband. Loved it!
Report
Mr. R. Bull
4.0 out of 5 stars it arrived in good time
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2018
Verified Purchase
The book arrived in good time and was well received by the member of family i had bought it for as a birthday present
One person found this helpful
 Report