What is "yam"? Does American eat "yam" in Thanksgiving day? Is it same as sweet potato?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

A "yam" is a root vegetable similar to a potato. They are not typical to eat on Thanksgiving. However, Americans often eat sweet potatoes during Thanksgiving, and mistakenly call them "yams". This is because when sweet potatoes were first imported to the United States, the African name sounded like "yam". So even today, a lot of Americans still call sweet potatoes "yams".

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Popular Q&As

01/08

1
I've seen a boy calling other boys a "dude" while not familiar with calling girls that way. Is it common to call a girl a "dude?"
Yeah, it's an informal term to address anyone, really. While the literal meaning means "man," it's become common to refer to girls with "dude" as well, especially amongst friends. Ex: 'Sup dude! Are you ready to go to the skatepark? Ex: Dude. I love your makeup!

2
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3
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4
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