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As a society—doesn’t matter which one—we’re past calling each other idiots or other simple, mono-to-duo-syllabic insults. And that’s for the best. Because when you start elevating the level of the insult, making it complex, witty or outright comedic, it’s no longer acting upon an impulse of hate. No… it’s an exercise in creativity that knows no boundaries.

And while this is not a rule, nor a statistic, equating someone’s lack of skill or cranial aptitude to a meteorological phenomenon might just crack them up to a degree where they couldn’t even be mad at you. And then you’d hug and forget why you were even arguing in the first place.

Now, apply that same logic between Americans and Europeans. This is that story.

We've also contacted Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, psychologist, author, and the man behind the From Insult To Respect blog, to discuss insults.

#1

On Measuring

On Measuring

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Miki
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saying mathematicians were involved in a process is a compliment :p

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#2

USA! USA! We're Number 1... Except When It Comes To Medical Expenses

USA! USA! We're Number 1... Except When It Comes To Medical Expenses

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CanadianDimes
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How does having a flag on the moon make you free? By that logic, people living in China would now also be free.

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#3

Time

Time

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troufaki13
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't even have to calculate anything. We look at it and we just know

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Insults are, to put it simply, a way to offend and be rude to people. This is often done in the hopes of belittling, offending or humiliating folks who may or may not deserve it.

The deeper reasons as to why people do that can vary wildly and are complex in their nature. But to keep with the simplicity of this explanation, it can come from a place of anger, pain, trauma, guilt, bigotry, lack of self-esteem, patience, or just plain old not knowing any better.

#5

*European Confusion*

*European Confusion*

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Noname
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recently needed to take a ride in not one but two wee-yoo wagons-- one to the nearest hospital ER and then the second to a different hospital for the necessary surgery. With my national healthcare coverage, I paid €7,86. An Uber would've cost a lot more, and have no paramedics to keep me stable.

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However, insults can also be a form of bonding among friends. Dr. Jeffrey Rubin, psychologist, author, and the man behind the From Insult To Respect blog, discussed this in a post of his. Bored Panda got in touch with Dr. Rubin for an interview.

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To put it simply, insults can be fun, and fun means laughter, and laughter means a pleasant experience. If anything, insults among friends can be a way of telling them you like them “without being mawkish about it.” 

#7

The English Language Can Be Tricky

The English Language Can Be Tricky

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#8

Damn. I Always Thought England Was Made Up To Scare The French

Damn. I Always Thought England Was Made Up To Scare The French

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#9

America Is The Reason You Have Cars

America Is The Reason You Have Cars

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Aww but Eww
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never gets old ! 🙃 https://youtube.com/shorts/QH1GgIJ7TPs?si=p6eJXfchdXHZ7QM6

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We asked Dr. Rubin if this idea of insults among friends as a way of bonding can extend to countries and continents.

“I think so. Although, it’s useful to keep in mind that the very joke that will delight some will deeply offend others. Unless the humorist is willing to deal with the blowback, such humor might be wisely avoided.”

“There are types of humor to be avoided in either case. Jokes directed at the people of another country that can’t change, such as some facial characteristic or color of their skin, or some historical event that has long passed serves nothing positive. Much better are quips about some behavior that has the potential to be improved, so it spurs some thoughtful consideration. The safest humor, in my opinion, is directed to something that occurs in one’s own country as well as the other country or countries so, in this way, a shared bond is created.”

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#10

American vs. European Homes

American vs. European Homes

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#12

Cotton Candy

Cotton Candy

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SewingStaffy
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

British here, everyone I know calls it candy floss. Liking fairy floss though

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While it can be a case of superiority, bigotry, comebacks, and the like when it comes to international relations, there’s also this thing called friendly rivalry. Friendly rivalries are competitions between parties at odds with each other over certain issues, but they do so in a civil and sometimes humorous manner.

#13

Education

Education

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TheElderNom
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm certain that someone will say that Switzerland is American since America beat them in a war.

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#14

Dumb Europeans

Dumb Europeans

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#15

When You Try To Roast Europe For Not Being Knowledgeable Enough About Coffee, But Europe Has A Reverse Uno Card Up Its Sleeve

When You Try To Roast Europe For Not Being Knowledgeable Enough About Coffee, But Europe Has A Reverse Uno Card Up Its Sleeve

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GoGoPDX
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awe, I don't fault this person. There is so much to learn and understand about another country and their culture, that it is impossible to learn everything, or even a sliver of everything when traveling. I have a friend who immigrated from Malaysia, and even after being here for a couple years, told me one day how they really wanted to buy a " Christmas donut". I thought it was cute that he was getting excited over what I thought, and most native English speaking US Americans would conclude, a red and green decorated donut. Well, I brought him just that a couple days later and learned through some laughs, he was talking about a Christmas wreath! As long as someone is trying, we really shouldn't judge when they don't know every little difference or intricacy of things. These people were in a new country with a different language, money, culture, etc and learned that Latte means milk, and Cafe Latte means the coffee drink.

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A good example of friendly rivalry can be seen among universities. They often keep up friendly rivalries amongst each other as this sort of civil competition pushes these institutions to bring to the forefront their very best, knowing well enough that if it is lacking, it will be pushed to second place.

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Another example is friendly rivalries among military units. These also have the potential for encouraging internal cohesion through sports competitions, with some members excelling more productively as a result.

#17

Celsius

Celsius

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#18

Americans, Please Confirm

Americans, Please Confirm

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Now, it is important to note that constructive humor has to be done right. Hence, insults have to be well thought out to be able to achieve the aim of positive change.

“Great humor is designed to spur some thoughtful consideration about something that can potentially be changed,” explains Dr. Rubin. “Focus on a topic about something you believe needs changing and make that the target of your humor.”

#19

Silly Americans And Their Weird Lingo Amirite?

Silly Americans And Their Weird Lingo Amirite?

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Charlie the Cat
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, this one made me spit out my tea! Yes we do call it a k**b of butter in the UK

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#20

Americans On The Internet Always Think Everyone Else Is American

Americans On The Internet Always Think Everyone Else Is American

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Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I sometimes specify the USA when making a post. The USA isn't the entire world. And the USA may not be the same in another ten years, or so--

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Pernille.
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This annoys me so much, the presumption that we know what Costco is grinding my gears too. If I need to mention Leclerc, I have to explain that it's a supermarket, but a US american will assume I know effing Walmart.

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Zedrapazia
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was little, I assumed a Walmart was a whale market because of how it sounds with German pronunciation. I was like 4 or 5 tho

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Anyone-for-tea?
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone does this here! Please don’t say “in my country” and not say where you are! I’m not asking for your exact location or home address.

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buttons
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe we non Americans should start asking which country they're from?

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Matt Luce
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me, pointing erratically: I'm not with them! I'm American, but I'm not a stupid one! (I think)

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MusicalNerd
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair, we sometimes don't state the country when talking in our national language...

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Illustrious G
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a US resident, I do admit that I do this myself. Being in BP has actually really opened my eyes to this, because it’s the only international forum that I interact with, so I don’t usually think to mention it. However, I do really enjoy learning about all the different cultural differences (along with explanations!) that these boards are full of!

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Random Archetypes
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I need to say my country, then give it's location and usually mention the goddamn bird. Good ol N.Z.

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MetaMaxNL
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

haha yep.... what if we all gonna do this? sure it will lead to some weird posts haha

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Sonja
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only say that when location is automatically identified next to username, which on a lot of sites, it is.

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BPisaddictive
Community Member
6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I actually always list the country I'm from. Essential info for a minimum of context

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2WheelTravlr
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe it has less to do with arrogance and more to do with many US citizens living at least a day's drive away from another country. It's easy to feel like the only player on the field when you're far enough away to never interact with the players on other fields.

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Linda James
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where I grew up (Kansas City), it was 13 hours NONSTOP driving to get to Canada, and 15 hours to Mexico.

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Windtree
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've seen this frequently. Whenever I am seeing a live stream and someone asks where we are all from people from the USA all answer with the name of their state.

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Petra
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's to save time and avoid repetitive conversations. The overwhelming majority of the time, if one answers "USA" the next question will be "which state". By saying our state, we answer the question asked and the next question to come at the same time.

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SharJo
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found this to be true when traveling as well. I often go on tour groups when visiting a new country. During the brief intro, the tour guide asks where we are from. I found that everyone except for Americans say which country they are from, while Americans say which city they are from.

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Bryan W.
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How to out yourself because you don't know what projection is.

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René Sauer
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep. Unless you tell me, or there are some hints in your user name or something I always assume everyone I write with online is american...

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Trish
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I assume 'this country' means America because that's the country I'm sitting in when I read that statistic on an American website/periodical. If I were reading something that was written in another country, my mind would assume the author meant that country.

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Spittnimage
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I disagree. Europeans are more arrogant and self-centered than Americans. They're always up America's a$$ because we don't do things the European way.

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Parmeisan
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But even the most self-centered European will be used to being dramatically outnumbered online. I don't think it's really about being arrogant actually, I think Americans just don't get reminded constantly that they're not the center of the universe.

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#21

Hmmmmmmm

Hmmmmmmm

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GoGoPDX
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6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

❗❗it has come to my attention that this comment is not accurate and does not reflect the reality of Cinco De Mayo. I was taught throughout childhood an inaccurate version of why this holiday is celebrated, among other things (whitewashed history is a real issue). I am sorry if I hurt or offended anyone and I will continue to educate myself about this subject. I am only human, and made a mistake, but I want to learn from it to be better. Thank you to all who commented and brought this to my attention. I am leaving my original post how it is, because I don't want to erase my mistake, I would rather bring attention to it to show that we all still have a lot to learn about others in this country and world ✌️❤️We do celebrate Cinco De Mayo, which is the Mexican Revolution. It isn't a national holiday, but it is celebrated. Lots of fairs, parties, etc. Mexican Americans make up a huge portion of our population, and over the years, many non Mexican Americans have participated in celebrating Cinco De Mayo, some just for a reason to celebrate and party, others because it has integrated to become part of their communities culture especially if you grew up or live in towns and cities with a large Latino community. If we had a Russian American population as big as the Mexican American population, we would more than likely do the same for Red October Revolution. Say what you will about the US, we have many, many issues. But one thing we do well is integrate others cultures and traditions fairly well, since we are technically a country made up of immigrants. And yes, there is a part of our population, (ahem, the right wing, red hat wearing, red staters) that throw a big fit about anything that isn't "white, Christian, and and revolved around them" the majority of us really love the variety that other cultures bring

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Another form of insulting that can possibly be justified is found in dealing with difficult people. It is a knee-jerk reaction to being bad-mouthed that actually starts adding nuance to insults.

You see, this situation is no longer necessarily coming from a place of pain or anger. Instead, it’s fighting fire with fire because it’s a form of self-defense. Either that, or the one throwing insults stepped out of line and you simply asked them to get back behind it. And that can be justified.

#23

Confused Non Americans

Confused Non Americans

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Andrew Burke
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Growing up partly in England, partly in Canada, with the States next door, I have no idea what I call things anymore.

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#24

Healthcare

Healthcare

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PeTeH
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do Americans think that countries with national health care don't also have private health care providers?

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If anything, creative insults can very effectively derail and thus defuse an argument. How? Because we tend to laugh at unexpected things.

So, if you’re creative enough, you might just make your insulter laugh so much, they might just end up embarrassed and storm out or they might also accept defeat and apologize. And if you can hug it out in the end, hey, that’s all that matters.

#25

Europeans Try To Come Up With An Original Joke Challenge (Impossible)

Europeans Try To Come Up With An Original Joke Challenge (Impossible)

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#26

"At Least American Toilets Aren't Just Holes In The Ground"

"At Least American Toilets Aren't Just Holes In The Ground"

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Terran
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, completely normal plumbing. *Nervously looks at plumbing that was improvised by some dude in 1923 into the 800yo wall and was expended 7 times and is still in use because you need at least three plumbers and 8 archaeologists to do anything with it*

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#27

Americans Are Asleep, Let's Mock Their Accents

Americans Are Asleep, Let's Mock Their Accents

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Painted Dog
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is awesome. Went to the US as a kid, and with English as a second language, the way they run their words with no real spaces made understanding them really hard.

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Another thing to keep in mind with insults is that they change with time. What was once a joke that could pass as appropriate might no longer be available for whipping out in casual conversation. And vice versa.

“In many places in the U.S., jokes about gay people and cross-dressers are still regularly heard, but they have lost much of the meanness that was typical in earlier times,” elaborates Dr. Rubin. “I think that recent literature and films that depict these people in a much more sympathetic manner than the past is largely the reason for this.”

#28

Do Europeans Have A Spice Rack?

Do Europeans Have A Spice Rack?

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Fraxinus excelsior
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Quick question, not being an a**e or anything, but why don't Americans pronounce Herbs how it is spelled, with a H rather than Erbs?

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#29

Celsius

Celsius

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Gustav Gallifrey
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uh-oh, listen up you 185 countries that use Celsius (you can go back to sleep, you 10 countries that use Fahrenheit, all except one of which are American possessions or protectorates): the Americans have threatened to stop ourcallowance unless we see sense and revert to Fahrenheit immediately!

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#30

S'mores And The Great British Bake Off

S'mores And The Great British Bake Off

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80 Van
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The trick to a good s’more is to not let the marshmallow burst into flames over the campfire. That’s it. That’s all the instructions.

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Whatever the case, if you need more input on your comedic repertoire, this Bored Panda list about hilarious comebacks might just hit the spot.

Be sure to also check out Dr. Rubin’s work on From Insults To Respect as well as his “Cool Steve” trilogy of novels and a free ebook on dealing with criticism.

Or, if you’re already gifted at roasting people like they’re a rotisserie chicken, then why not share your know-how and jokes in the comment section below!

#31

I Saw A Map That Compared Texas To Europe And I Didn’t Know That Texas Was So F**king Large

I Saw A Map That Compared Texas To Europe And I Didn’t Know That Texas Was So F**king Large

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CanadianDimes
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You may have states larger than the UK, and that doesn't change the fact that London is still f*cking huge.

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#32

American Television According To Europeans

American Television According To Europeans

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#33

Someone: "American's Aren't Uneducated!" Americans:

Someone: "American's Aren't Uneducated!" Americans:

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#34

After All The Years Of British People Saying Americans Don’t Know Anything

After All The Years Of British People Saying Americans Don’t Know Anything

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Mat Hall
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6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In defence of the GBBO, I suspect in the Mexican equivalent nobody would be able to pronounce Worcestershire sauce or know what a plum duff is...

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#35

Americans

Americans

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Poison Ivy/Boo
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Over the years of living in the UK I have adapted to using the British names for things (elevator/lift, sidewalk/pavement, vacation/holiday etc), but I will not give up my pronunciation of mirror......it will always be "mir" to me lol.

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#36

Football

Football

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JoMeBee
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New sport! Play both ways, same field, simultaneously! Four teams take the field but teams for both versions are paired up and can help each other out...

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