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  What it means

  Literally “the American dream.” Refers to the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work — regardless of their background. Used both sincerely and ironically in Polish.

  Vocabulary

  • amerykański — American
  • sen — dream / sleep

  Grammar note

  'Amerykański' is a masculine adjective agreeing with 'sen' (masculine noun). In oblique cases: 'amerykańskiego snu' (genitive), 'amerykańskim śnie' (locative).

  Cultural context

  The phrase entered Polish from English and carries the same cultural weight — and the same ambivalence. It can be used admiringly or as gentle mockery of naive optimism.

  Beginner

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