The term "American" originally carried negative connotations, suggesting a lesser, provincial figure. This view depicted early American settlers as unsophisticated and lacking the refinement found in Europe. Similarly, the label "democrat" was used disdainfully to describe someone who appeals to the base desires of the public, highlighting a lack of sophistication and depth in political thought.

As these terms evolved, they transformed into identifiers of pride and collective identity. The early derision associated with being American or a democrat gradually gave way to a sense of belonging and democratic ideals, reflecting the complex history of a nation seeking to define itself and its values amidst the revolutionary changes of its time.