"American Columbo" is a term used to describe the iconic detective character, Lieutenant Columbo, as portrayed by actor Peter Falk in the television series "Columbo." Some synonyms for this term could include "scruffy investigator," "quirky detective," "unconventional sleuth," "rumpled gumshoe," or "eccentric inspector." These phrases all capture various aspects of Columbo's distinctive approach to solving crimes, which often involved seemingly innocent small talk and a persistent questioning of suspects. While there may not be a single perfect synonym for "American Columbo," these terms all convey the distinctiveness of this beloved character and his unique approach to the detective genre.