A form of made-up, modern American music which borrows from traditional country, bluegrass, folk and blues which is conceived and played by people who haven't explored those genres of music and really don't care to. This music can often be found next to the Starbucks cash register. Typically, Americana musicians superficially pretend to be traditionalists, adopting traditional clothing (vests and overalls) and hairstyles, but secretly dislike real traditional music.
A term for Americanisms or inventions that are gradually disappearing, as described in the book "Going Going Gone: Vanishing Americana" by by Susan Jonas and Marilyn Nissenson.
Hood ornaments. Prank phone calls. Phonebooths with doors. Blue laws. Hitchiking. Men's clubs. Garter belts. The 'Red Menace'. Typewriters. Rotary telephones.