36 Times Americans And Europeans Roasted The Hell Out Of Each Other And Ended Up Online
Interview With Expert
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.
This post may include affiliate links.
On Measuring
USA! USA! We're Number 1... Except When It Comes To Medical Expenses
How does having a flag on the moon make you free? By that logic, people living in China would now also be free.
Time
We don't even have to calculate anything. We look at it and we just know
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.
Rome
*European Confusion*
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.
Americans
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.
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.”
The English Language Can Be Tricky
Damn. I Always Thought England Was Made Up To Scare The French
America Is The Reason You Have Cars
Never gets old ! 🙃 https://youtube.com/shorts/QH1GgIJ7TPs?si=p6eJXfchdXHZ7QM6
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.”
American vs. European Homes
Education
Cotton Candy
British here, everyone I know calls it candy floss. Liking fairy floss though
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.
Education
I'm certain that someone will say that Switzerland is American since America beat them in a war.
Dumb Europeans
When You Try To Roast Europe For Not Being Knowledgeable Enough About Coffee, But Europe Has A Reverse Uno Card Up Its Sleeve
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.
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.
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.
French
Celsius
Americans, Please Confirm
And in the south, “bless her/his/your/their hearts/ hearts” means “ I really hope they die while on fire for awhile”. If “ they can’t help it” as in “ bless his heart, he can’t help it “ means , I’d set him on fire myself but he’s so stupid everyone else would blame me for setting him on fire so I’ll just say / do it this way and warn the people I am talking with.
This cracks me up whenever I hear someone try to say "bless his heart" in the North in a positive way. I get their intent but they either sound like a jerk or an idiot. Bless their hearts.
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Especially if there is heavy emphasis on the F.
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We were originally an English colony. We have retained more than a little of the British sarcasm.
Fine means I'm semi-okay but something is wrong, but I know you don't want details so I'll say fine.
Quite an accurate analysis but, it also might mean "I don't want to share the details so I'll say fine."
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The one that annoys me is when someone tells me "you want to do this". No! YOU want to do this!
I always try to say "I recommend this" or "you might want to do this", and explain why
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Nope i started being honest with people. Them: How are you?? Me: Livin the nightmare! How bout you?
Those are true - sure, but you should research Southern terms if you want a good laugh. For example, "Bless your heart" could mean anything from sympathy to an insult.
In Britain "not too bad" means anywhere from "fine" to "amazing"
It's nice to have an example of Americans and the rest of the world agreeing with one another and not arguing or trying to one up each other! More like this please.
Or how are you doing today? ‘ I’m here”. (subtext: I pried my head from dreams and rest upon my pillow, I literally would rather be any where on earth that didn’t kill my soul and body, than be here,but I’m so tired and mean I’ll just say this)
As an American some of these bug me lol. Awesome has lost all meaning to the point I do a double take when used correctly, and no, no, we are not friends after 5 minutes (actually I think people like me so that might be true to them. Not bragging I literally wish people would like me less)
Where does OK mean bad? I have never in my life seen someone use Ok to mean bad
I think it depends on the tone used, if you say "I'm OK "in an upbeat voice, then they are fine, but if they say it a bit monotonous or dour, then there is something wrong, but they really don't want to elaborate.
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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.”
Silly Americans And Their Weird Lingo Amirite?
Ok, this one made me spit out my tea! Yes we do call it a k**b of butter in the UK
Americans On The Internet Always Think Everyone Else Is American
Hmmmmmmm
❗❗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
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.
Long Distance Rivalry
Confused Non Americans
Growing up partly in England, partly in Canada, with the States next door, I have no idea what I call things anymore.
Healthcare
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.
Europeans Try To Come Up With An Original Joke Challenge (Impossible)
"At Least American Toilets Aren't Just Holes In The Ground"
Americans Are Asleep, Let's Mock Their Accents
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.
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.”
Do Europeans Have A Spice Rack?
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?
Celsius
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!
S'mores And The Great British Bake Off
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!
I Saw A Map That Compared Texas To Europe And I Didn’t Know That Texas Was So F**king Large
You may have states larger than the UK, and that doesn't change the fact that London is still f*cking huge.
American Television According To Europeans
Someone: "American's Aren't Uneducated!" Americans:
I think I met Alvita Zane in passing. She was on her way out.
After All The Years Of British People Saying Americans Don’t Know Anything
Americans
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.
Football
i actually kinda liked these lol, rather than make fun of a single country, let's just make fun of all of them haha. we're all weird might as well laugh at it
I'd agree, but then we'd get all the haters. Irish have good self deprecating humour, but then all the Irish hating Brits would jump onboard, and it'd become toxic. Shame.
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Ok, once again, Americans are all uneducated idiots that can't tie their own shoes. Sigh.
To be honest, this one actually isn't that bad. It's everyone making fun about everyone
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Oh shocker, it's BP "author" Robertas Lisickis with yet another episode of "Americans R Dumb"
I have an honest question for all the Americans here: If you say someone is Indian, how do you know if it's a native American person or someone from India?
These day's I'm pretty sure the type of people who would still call Natives, Indian, wouldn't even know the country India exists
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Do people really care? Yes, I love my country & I'm proud that we are a bit odd. Blimey, stop arguing, we're mates aren't we? Different is good.
A couple of these seemed angry, but most were people having good fun back and forth across the pond :)
I am really sorry to say that but to me most Americans sound as if they were brainwashed. No, US isn't the best country in the world and definitely not the only one where people are free. Obviously I don't think they are all stupid as I know some who are definitely not but the once I know have been around the world and it shows. Unfortunately like everywhere the most stupid once are the loudest, that goes for every country in the world
Have you talked to most Americans, how exactly did you determine most were brainwashed?
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Yes, there are some of the other countries, but I know the source that a lot of these were taken from, they left out a lot concerning the other states. Nevertheless, we're on the right path of multiple countries able to be insulted.
Americans have been waiting for 300 for the British to learn to speak English.
Long ago, a caveman poured hot water on some leaves, and suddenly developed a British accent. “What do you think?” He asked his American neighbor. His neighbor said “OOGA BOOGA” and pulled out a shotgun
i actually kinda liked these lol, rather than make fun of a single country, let's just make fun of all of them haha. we're all weird might as well laugh at it
I'd agree, but then we'd get all the haters. Irish have good self deprecating humour, but then all the Irish hating Brits would jump onboard, and it'd become toxic. Shame.
Load More Replies... Ok, once again, Americans are all uneducated idiots that can't tie their own shoes. Sigh.
To be honest, this one actually isn't that bad. It's everyone making fun about everyone
Load More Replies... Oh shocker, it's BP "author" Robertas Lisickis with yet another episode of "Americans R Dumb"
I have an honest question for all the Americans here: If you say someone is Indian, how do you know if it's a native American person or someone from India?
These day's I'm pretty sure the type of people who would still call Natives, Indian, wouldn't even know the country India exists
Load More Replies... Do people really care? Yes, I love my country & I'm proud that we are a bit odd. Blimey, stop arguing, we're mates aren't we? Different is good.
A couple of these seemed angry, but most were people having good fun back and forth across the pond :)
I am really sorry to say that but to me most Americans sound as if they were brainwashed. No, US isn't the best country in the world and definitely not the only one where people are free. Obviously I don't think they are all stupid as I know some who are definitely not but the once I know have been around the world and it shows. Unfortunately like everywhere the most stupid once are the loudest, that goes for every country in the world
Have you talked to most Americans, how exactly did you determine most were brainwashed?
Load More Replies... Yes, there are some of the other countries, but I know the source that a lot of these were taken from, they left out a lot concerning the other states. Nevertheless, we're on the right path of multiple countries able to be insulted.
Americans have been waiting for 300 for the British to learn to speak English.
Long ago, a caveman poured hot water on some leaves, and suddenly developed a British accent. “What do you think?” He asked his American neighbor. His neighbor said “OOGA BOOGA” and pulled out a shotgun
