In Bill Bryson's book "Made in America," he explores the development of American English and its peculiarities. He uses the character Yosemite Sam as a humorous example of the speech patterns that might resemble the British and American dialects of the late eighteenth century. Bryson highlights how this character embodies the quirks and manners of speech that could be reflective of that historical period.

The comparison to Yosemite Sam serves to illustrate the playful and rugged aspects of American identity, showcasing how language has evolved while retaining some of its original essence. Bryson emphasizes the richness of American English, illustrating how it has become distinct yet still connected to its British roots through characters and cultural references.