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We all make fools out of ourselves every now and then. Nobody is safe from that unwelcome sense of anxiety once you realized the thing you just said makes zero sense. But things that leave your mouth, whether IRL or online, do stay there, oftentimes forever.

And there’s a whole corner of Reddit, r/S***AmericansSay, dedicated entirely to the mission of collecting the stupidest, funniest, and sometimes embarrassing cases of people being so convinced they know better when they couldn’t be further away from the truth.

So let’s ready ourselves for the ensued hilarity, ‘cause we are about to have a fair share of it, trust me.

#2

“Who Was The First Country On Planet Earth To Ban Slavery? That’s Right, America”

“Who Was The First Country On Planet Earth To Ban Slavery? That’s Right, America”

Aironwood Report

There’s an abundance of scientific evidence that shows humans are poor judges of their own abilities, whether it’s their sense of humor or grammar. In fact, psychologists believe that we are more blind to our own failings than we realize. This idea comes from the 1999 study in which David Dunning and Justin Kruger from Cornell University, New York, tested if people who lack skills and abilities are also more likely to lack awareness of their lack of ability.

#3

You're On The Internet, Which Is American

You're On The Internet, Which Is American

Nulligravida Report

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Sum Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The internet has helped us see how much of a total s**t show the USA is... they can't hide behind the propaganda machine we call movies

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The results of the tests led the authors to the interpretation that accurately assessing one's skill level relies on some of the same core abilities as actually performing that skill. It led them to the conclusion that the least competent maybe suffering a double deficit.

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#6

Well Allocated Funds

Well Allocated Funds

lNoahl Report

“Not only are they incompetent, but they lack the mental tools to judge their own incompetence,” Kruger and Dunning thought. During the course of four individual tests run on participants, the scientists discovered that “People who scored in the lowest percentiles on tests of grammar, humor, and logic also tended to dramatically overestimate how well they had performed (their actual test scores placed them in the 12th percentile, but they estimated that their performance placed them in the 62nd percentile).”

#7

Pridemonth

Pridemonth

unknown Report

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Cath Homer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Homosexuality is illegal in Liberia. Maybe it was deliberate? *reaching*

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#8

'People Who Leave Their Phones Set To Military Time Are War Criminals'

'People Who Leave Their Phones Set To Military Time Are War Criminals'

reddit.com Report

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was older than I would EVER care to publicly admit when I learned that “military time” I often heard referred was not some secret, complicated way of working out the time you’re only privy to having served in the army but simply the reading of a 24 hour clock.

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Dunning shared his impressions in an article for Pacific Standard: "In many cases, incompetence does not leave people disoriented, perplexed, or cautious. Instead, the incompetent are often blessed with an inappropriate confidence, buoyed by something that feels to them like knowledge." The phenomenon is known as the Dunning-Kruger Effect and most of us have surely encountered numerous cases of it in real life.

#9

Go To Panama, This Is America

Go To Panama, This Is America

Pontoisien Report

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Hans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be tempted to argue that THIS is the virtual, borderless world....

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#11

“More People Use Imperial Than Metric”

“More People Use Imperial Than Metric”

Corporal-Porpoise Report

#13

People Engaging Me In German Because I Look German

People Engaging Me In German Because I Look German

Mr_-_X Report

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PiscesMama
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m so confused by your comment. The first poster is questioning why when they go to Germany people talk in German to them because they must look ‘super German or something’ the second poster is pointing out that they speak German in Germany, so what other language would they address someone in?...so who are you calling Captain Obvious? Or have I missed something?

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wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pfft that's ridiculous. Next you're gonna tell me they speak Italian in Italy or something.

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Rakjell Hanwell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, there is literally no way to 'look German' unless you believe in some third Reich ideology bullshit. My husband is from England and he does not look less German than I do, which is why people are sometimes surprised by his accent. The first guy is probably the same type of person who brags about how 'nordic' they look.

juliajuhas avatar
JuJu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fear not, if we see a MAGA hat or stars&stripes-socks, we usually switch directly to slow and simply English.

scanningforviruses avatar
Vanta Black
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Guten tag!" "F**k you, I ain't German!" "Nein. Du bist ein dummkopf..."

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Jill Bussey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You were in Germany and they spoke to you in German? Amazing!

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Lily Mae Kitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's like those dang foreigners have a different word for everything! /s

shead26 avatar
Steve
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and I must look like God, because every time I walk past someone outside the nearby church, they engage me with "Praise Jesus!"

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Jen Cook
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Weird! Me too, I'm half German and half Ukrainian, in Germany they engage me in German, and in the Ukraine in Ukrainian, but oddly here in Canada, usually English, except for Quebec which the try French on me, and the one that really blew my mind, in China they spoke Chinese to me, it's like I'm a chameleon of facial adaptation to my surroundings. Mind blowing right?

perspgold avatar
Persp Gold
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is no German look. Skin color, hair color, stature all vary.

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Lawrence Carter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This from the citizen of the country that likes to yell "You're in America Now! Speak English!"

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Daniele Ribolla
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but everywhere people aren't guessing on your language when engaged for a question or so... they speak their own language at start! but WTF?

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Luuta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not Clever is showing he's a refuge from Yahoo Answers.

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H.L.Lewis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What! They speak German? In Germany? Is that even allowed? ( for my fellow, sadly stupid, Americans, that was sarcasm.)

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Violet Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had a Korean co-worker married to a German fellow. She (the Korean) was required by German law to learn German before they could marry. So now she knows Korean, Japanese, English, and German. Pretty impressive.

dc1 avatar
DC
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... und wo ist das Problem? Jeder weiß doch, daß das genetisch ist! Man erbt von seinen Eltern das Amerikanersein, woraus logisch und unweigerlich resultiert, daß man in allem besser ist als alle Anderen. Das ist halt das großartigste Land der Welt - und dieser Kommunistenscheiß da, Krankenversicherung und so - es ist einfach unamerikanisch, wenn einem aus ökonomischen Gründen der Tod zusteht, sich diesen nicht auch zu nehmen, und teilen darf man den schonmal garnicht. Kommunisten teilen!

ashtree80 avatar
Amma Wahl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess I look "super German" too, because all the German citizens in Germany kept speaking German to me! Lol

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John Fahlman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am in Thailand, and would you believe that some people talk to me in Thai? Imagine that!!

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Sac Shim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Italy, people often spoke to me in “English” as I’m Asian. They’re pleasantly surprised once they learn that I speak Italian though.

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uh, duh.... I learned A-level German just to take a vacation to Germany. To be polite. C'mon already. Americans aren't all this stupid or "ugly"-minded.

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Nika Strokappe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And even if there is a good reason to assume you might not be speaking German, chances are that they will still engage to you in German...

vt_shinomi avatar
Shinomi Chan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well gee. Germans speaking GERMAN?? What has the world come to?!

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Not-so-MadMax
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe wear your murican flag shirt next time you visit Germany

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Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and the instant they discover you're American, they switch to English.

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Katinka Min
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hm...that's actually not true. Casual racism is incredibly strong here (in Germany) and if someone isnt WhityMcWhite most people wil assume they're not German.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

dumbass ... if you're going to another country it is up to YOU to learn THEIR language.

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Sonja
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

for instance the question "do you speak english?" :)

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#15

Where Does It Say In The Constitution Or Any Of The Amendments That Eating Is A Human Right?

Where Does It Say In The Constitution Or Any Of The Amendments That Eating Is A Human Right?

Liam_Noble Report

#16

"More People Know About Our Smallest State Vermont Then The Amsterdam"

"More People Know About Our Smallest State Vermont Then The Amsterdam"

Particular_Edge2308 Report

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"SHUT UP ! DON'T PROVE ME WRONG YOU FILTHY INFERIOR FOREIGNER!!!!!"

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#17

“We Will Never Rewrite The Constitution”

“We Will Never Rewrite The Constitution”

reddit.com Report

#18

Your Haircuts Are Un-American

Your Haircuts Are Un-American

3Squareheadz Report

#20

Hmmmmmmm

Hmmmmmmm

Classic-CJ Report

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Eslamala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sure, just like "america" celebrates other countries' independence day 🙄

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#21

Why Is Munich Spelled "München" On Signs In Germany?

Why Is Munich Spelled "München" On Signs In Germany?

Merlin428bretz Report

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Marianne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Munich citizen here. I can confirm that we do, in fact, write signs in our own language. We are crazy people!

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#22

“...your Hip Would Break Because Their Medical Staff Is Garage...”

“...your Hip Would Break Because Their Medical Staff Is Garage...”

ThatMusicKid Report

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Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know people who have travelled to other countries to get medical/dental care because the air fair and other expenses plus cost of treatment were cheaper than in US. It is literally true.

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#23

Do You Guys Have Refrigerators?

Do You Guys Have Refrigerators?

anotherwankusername Report

#24

"Offended By Our Patriotism, Wattpad Girl?"

"Offended By Our Patriotism, Wattpad Girl?"

KWAKUDATSU Report

#25

The Titanic Is Just A Movie, Right?

The Titanic Is Just A Movie, Right?

unknown Report

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canadians also think Star Wars was completely made up so I wouldn’t worry too much about what they think.

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#27

“I Am In Rhode Island”. “Nice, Ever Been To The USA Before”?

“I Am In Rhode Island”. “Nice, Ever Been To The USA Before”?

reddit.com Report

#28

Biden's America

Biden's America

unknown Report

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*Random person falls down in Greece* “Biden’s America”.

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#29

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

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

RogueArtemis Report

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't Angel Merkel just pee in the Spree ? Doesn't the queen's butler empty her chamber pot in the Thames every morning ?

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#30

What Does He Care? He's Not A Us Citizen, He's Not Effected

What Does He Care? He's Not A Us Citizen, He's Not Effected

sandiercy Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn’t realise that the US was global, oh wait, they do have the World Series which only the US plays in. so I guess it makes sense lol.

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#31

Would Love To See Some Of These Countries Try To F With Us

Would Love To See Some Of These Countries Try To F With Us

louckak Report

#32

“The White House Is Bigger Than All The Countries You Named”

“The White House Is Bigger Than All The Countries You Named”

theelleintraveller Report

#33

"I'd Rather Receive False Information..."

"I'd Rather Receive False Information..."

Theemuts Report

#35

Commie Divas

Commie Divas

Gerceval_ Report

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N G
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh, this doesn't belong here. "Soccer" is a British word. Yes, the Americans took it and ran with it (no pun intended), but it originated in Oxford in about 1890. Americans didn't invent it.

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#36

(Sad) Mistake A North Korean Flag For A Texan Flag

(Sad) Mistake A North Korean Flag For A Texan Flag

GriffinFTW Report

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Gemma
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Plot twist: they're holding a sign denouncing Kim Jong-un.

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#37

But We Can Pock Whatever Doctor Or Healthcare Insurer We Want! We Win

But We Can Pock Whatever Doctor Or Healthcare Insurer We Want! We Win

Mr_-_X Report

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Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We can pick whatever doctor or hospital we want to be in debt to for the rest of our lives!

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#38

“They Started Faking An Accent”

“They Started Faking An Accent”

ArkhamKnight342 Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people believe that the Earth is 2000 years old. This one thinks it's 200 yo apparently

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#39

"[...]although My Ancestry Dna Gives Me Zero Italian Dna On My Dad's Side, I'll Stick With Being 1/4 Italian!"

"[...]although My Ancestry Dna Gives Me Zero Italian Dna On My Dad's Side, I'll Stick With Being 1/4 Italian!"

azulhombre Report

#40

"It's Amazing To See How Few Countries Know That "Soccer" Is The Correct Term"

"It's Amazing To See How Few Countries Know That "Soccer" Is The Correct Term"

Andros1510Ro Report

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#42

Is Mediterranean A Slur To Italians?

Is Mediterranean A Slur To Italians?

big-black-ramarro Report

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m actually going to start using this! “Ugh, you’re *so* Mediterranean”.

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#43

Are We Acting Like That's Not Possible?

Are We Acting Like That's Not Possible?

DoUEvenCloudDistrict Report

#44

"American Deaths Are Worth More"

"American Deaths Are Worth More"

zzvu Report

#45

European Countries Don't Have Elections As They Are Too Poor To Pay For The Patent Rights

European Countries Don't Have Elections As They Are Too Poor To Pay For The Patent Rights

StrammerMax Report

#46

Wait Other Countries Didn't Have To Sing Their National Anthem Everyday At School For 12 Years???

Wait Other Countries Didn't Have To Sing Their National Anthem Everyday At School For 12 Years???

reddit.com Report

#47

The Real Heros Are The Ones Who Served The Us Military

The Real Heros Are The Ones Who Served The Us Military

A_Cat_Named_Frank Report

#50

My Ancestors Are American And They Came From America

My Ancestors Are American And They Came From America

reddit.com Report

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe they are a 100% pure native american with a French surname and the Quebec province is a myth ? No. Definitely not. They are just an ignorant idiot.

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#51

Europe Is A Country

Europe Is A Country

unknown Report

Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 51 images based on user votes.