The first time I heard the words “ugly American/s” to describe any of the American swimmers was in The New York Post, Friday, August 19, 2016 edition. The front page showed a picture of Ryan Lochte with the large-letter Caption: “THE UGLY AMERICAN.” Also included with the photo were the words, “Liar, liar, Speedo on fire.” Here's the link:
Ryan Lochte Blasted As ‘Ugly American’ On ‘NY Post Cover’ Over Robbery Scandal
When the New York Post called Ryan Lochte the ugly American, I thought they were referring to
The Ugly American, a 1958 a runaway bestselling book by Eugene Burdick and William Lederer. The book, which was fictional but bore a powerful resemblance to the political realities of the times, described American arrogance, incompetence and corruption in Southeast Asia. Like the Americans in the book, Lochte felt superior to those around him and thought he could do whatever he wanted with no fear of consequences. After all, Lochte was an American, a gold medal winner; a better man than the peons around him, or so he thought. Now that he has seen the tide of public opinion turn against him and realizes he has lost a fortune in potential endorsements perhaps he will become a tad more modest. I said perhaps.