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Each country has its own flavor, its quirks, customs, and mannerisms that make it wonderfully distinct. Sometimes, those differences are so strong, it’s surprisingly easy to tell where someone is from without them saying a word. Take Americans, for example. From clothing choices to how they walk into a café, people often say they can spot a tourist from the U.S. almost instantly.
So when someone on X (formerly Twitter) asked, “Heard that people in Europe countries can tell when a tourist is from the US? What are some things that give it away?” the internet had a field day. The replies were both hilarious and oddly specific, from voice volume to excessive friendliness. Keep scrolling to see which habits made the list, and whether you’re guilty of any of them while traveling!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
You managed to p**s off all of europe with the bullsh*t that has happened lately. Backstabbing allies, talking about military force against denmark and canada. Your VP comes to europe and behaves like an a*s. Throwing Ukraine under the bus. We are FURIOUS! And this will never be forgotten!
Geoffrey Scott 7 months ago (edited)
YOU are furious? We are riders on this bus, and by now I would estimate the majority are NOT happy at all with the skill of the driver, save those whose idolatry to the 'Orange God' proves they are hopelessly insane. Trust me, we are yanking on the 'stop cord' repeatedly. You may find this objectionable, but my hope is we do not go on a "world wide apology" tour as Obama did, this was the ONLY knock I had against him. It added no value, and diminished our reputation in the world IMO. Let us show our shame by our corrective actions instead.
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#2
Oh that's easy. No disrespect, but you guys are loud. And you take it for granted that everyone else speaks English.
And you enter the house with shoes, that is an insult in most European countries
#3
The lack of knowledge of where they are visiting. As in - while in Italy the feedback was “everyone spoke a foreign language “. Nope. Just speaking Italian
P1 No-Name 7 months ago
Forgive me if I am wrong, but the arrogant assumption that the 'locals' will speak your language is the issue, you have to at least try :-)
Every country has its thing, that one little habit or social rule that might raise eyebrows elsewhere. Just like the USA has loud conversations and free refills, other places come with their own delightful quirks. These unique customs often catch travelers off guard, but they’re a big part of what makes the world so fascinating.
From dining etiquette to timekeeping, there’s always something new to learn. And hey, if nothing else, they make for great dinner table stories. Let’s take a tour through some of the most memorable ones.
#4
1) Thinking they can pay with dollar bills in countries other than the US;
2) Assuming that American holidays are celebrated in countries other than the US;
3) Being very loud in virtually every context;
4) Inability to speak even a bare minimum of a language other than English.
Oh, and 5) continually tagging the name of a country onto the name of a city - London, England or Rome, Italy - as if anyone other than another American would think that otherwise they meant tiny little towns in Connecticut or Colorado - and doing it not just in writing, but in speech!
Jrog 7 months ago
The "pay in dollars" thing is true, and frankly ridiculous. It's especially ridiculous when they expect to pay in dollars at 1:1 rate the price in Euro. Yo, buddy, even if I wanted to take the hassle of exchanging it out of charity, US dollar is worth jack s**t here. Right now it's 0,88 EUR per USD, in freefall since January (guess why).
#5
Americans will often tell you they're 1/16th Scandinavian and expect us to cheer and celebrate them as a long-lost cousin...
#6
The lack of any manners (gobbling down food in a fancy restaurant and leaving immediately), the lack of any foreign language skills and the expectation that everyone speaks their language and – last but not least – the mockery of foreign customs and traditions…
Lazy Panda 2 7 months ago
I was out with a group of Americans in Scotland. One night we were at dinner and the constant lack of "please" finally couldn't be ignored. I got the demand to, "pass the bottle," and without thinking I went, "what's the magic word?" I know it's different cultures, and I also know that to some we seem overly polite, to the point I've been accused of being sarcastic. But sometimes just lean into the culture around you. I remember to tip heavily in the US, even though that's not in our culture.
Take Japan, for example, greetings are sacred. Bowing is the norm and comes in different depths depending on the formality. Shoes off at the door is another golden rule because homes are considered clean spaces. The line between inside and outside is taken very seriously. Slippers are even provided at some places to bridge the gap. It’s neat, respectful, and very Japanese.
#8
The stupid questions about Europe. Such as "Brussels is not a country?".
#9
They act like all countries are American colonies and we are wrong for not trying to be like them. Part of their delusion comes from the fact that they travel to other countries thinking that they are going to theme parks with American employees, not actual foreign countries.
In India, eating with your left hand can raise eyebrows. That’s because the left hand is traditionally considered unclean—used for hygiene tasks. So, eating or passing food with it might seem impolite. While the younger generation is more flexible, this cultural rule still stands in many places. It’s all about respecting what’s served and who’s serving it. So next time you're invited for a meal, reach out with the right!
#10
Lack of manners, they are loud, and expect everyone to speak English to them (I’ve seen them even get mad when people don’t speak English).
Sarah 7 months ago
In Ireland , I served a French gentleman he pointed at credit card machine ( I said yes we take cards) said it three times with me nodding before my colleague clocked he was ignoring me until I answered in French so she leaned across and said Oui. Then he smiled and was happy with himself. That was 25 years ago. I probably need to let it go now
#11
Most telling was my Texan friends mum on a stroll through Utrecht, the Netherlands, shouting: “OMG! These houses are older than America!” 🤦♀️ so ignorant. Where do you think Americans migrated from?
Multa Nocte 7 months ago
Actually, "real" Americans were already in America. You must mean the immigrants from Europe and elsewhere.
#12
An Italian shopkeeper told me she knew we were English, rather than Americans "because they don't have indoor voices"
Petra Peitsch 7 months ago
They don't have it even for churches. Every time, I'm hearing american tourists speaking freaking loud in churches, I wonder, if they are doing this at home too, at their churches, what they are attending regulary?
Pointing with your index finger? In Malaysia, that’s a no-go. Instead, people use their thumbs to gesture at things or directions. It might seem odd if you’re used to finger-pointing, but it’s considered much more polite. Using the index finger can come off as accusatory or even aggressive. It’s a great reminder that even small hand gestures carry big meaning. So, thumbs up for manners, literally.
#13
In Venice at Harry's Bar an American family wanted to enter and the waiter pointed out that unfortunately they were not allowed in shorts and sandals. The gentleman freaked out and said to the waiter: I will personally speak to Mr. Cipriani when I return to the United States.
#14
Very loud! Often complaining about small showers (your in a heritage building what do you expect!), having to walk stairs (again it’s a historic building), shit coffee (you guys drink Starbucks you don’t know good coffee!), basically complaining about anything that’s not America even though you are somewhere in Europe. Oh forgot heard lots of complaint’s about normal size restaurant meals and drinks as opposed to MEGA plates or food or drink. I’m a kiwi who heard all this travelling Europe!
Rick Murray 7 months ago
Listening to them freak out because very few places around here accept Amex, also practically nobody swipes cards any more as it's all chip&PIN.
#15
Baseball caps on men. University clothing. Poorly behaved children. Wanting everything to be just like at home. I'm an American who lived in Windsor, UK. We used to sit outside the castle and guess where the tourists were from.
Let’s talk about Greece, specifically, the custom of spitting to ward off evil. Sounds wild, but it’s a traditional gesture done symbolically, especially during good luck moments. At weddings or baptisms, you might hear a light “ftou ftou ftou” sound to keep bad energy at bay. No actual saliva is involved, thankfully. But hey, superstition meets tradition in the most unexpected ways.
#16
1) thinking that Europe is a country.
2) saying i visited "enter countrynames" and when asked, they just stayed one day for shopping in Paris as exemple.
3) the typical usa accent.
4) they don't understand a word in an other language.
#17
Yesterday I had to ask a couple of Americans sitting next to me at a restaurant, to please keep it down. Speaking for everyone to hear. Disrespectful and arrogant. We don’t really want to hear your conversation.
BeesEelsAndPups 7 months ago
I can say it is something that I have a difficult time with living in the USA. My girlfriend is so loud in public. As was my ex-wife. Even having lived here as long as I have, it's something I never got used to. I hate going to a restaurant and feeling as though I have to yell to be heard by the person next to me
#18
Not knowing the difference between Kyiv and Reykjavik at Manchester airport ! Yes !
In Germany, being late is pretty much a crime of manners. Punctuality isn’t just expected, it’s demanded. Being even five minutes behind can be seen as disrespectful. It’s a country that runs like clockwork, quite literally. Schedules are sacred, and timeliness is a sign of professionalism. Set your watches ahead if you’re planning a visit!
#19
They stop their rented car to yell at me (at the time a 10 year old kid) in english, to tell me where the strawberry farm is. First rule of sweden, you don’t talk to strangers ever, and especially not kids, thats a big no-no. And in english?? I mean I could speak a little bit english but not enough to give directions by car, I ALSO CANT DRIVE I’M 10 ITS 10 KM AWAY I HAD NO IDEA DUDE
Cammy Mack 7 months ago
Hahahe, "strawberry farm". Everyone knows strawberries come from the grocery store...
#20
For the whole “the way Americans carry themselves” thing, it’s called the American lean. As in Americans have a tendency to lean on things and stand with most of their weight on one side. Supposedly the CIA actually has to train it out of their agents so that they don’t give themselves away.
Firefly 7 months ago
Once my husband and I were in a Central American country sitting on the beach. He is from the USA, but had lived in the country for several years. We saw a couple walking down the beach, and he said they must be from Germany. I asked him how he knew they were not from the USA, and he said you could always tell Americans by the way they walk. He said they walk as if they own the whole world. Later we struck up a conversation with the couple, and it turns out he was right, they were from Germany. I told them what he had said about how Americans walk, and they said it was very true.
#21
Loudly declaring how wealthy/superior they are whilst knowing nothing about the country they are visiting.
The Netherlands has a deep love for practicality and directness. People here say what they mean and don’t beat around the bush. They’ll comment on prices, quality, or even your lateness without a second thought. It’s not meant to offend, it’s just cultural honesty. They value simplicity and straightforwardness. A bit blunt, maybe, but refreshingly real.
#22
Loud, loud, loud! Obnoxious, wanting everything to be like home, asking ridiculous questions. Running shoes, leggings, athletic wear.
#23
Canadians behave like Europeans. Americans behave like Americans.
#24
Fannypack, overly bright clothes, wearing gym clothes, being loud and obnoxious, etc
Apatheist Account2 7 months ago
Calling it a f***y pack is also a dead giveaway. Entirely different meaning in the UK.
France is all about etiquette: especially at the dinner table. Bread goes on the tablecloth, not the plate. Cheese has a course of its own, and don’t even think about asking for ketchup. Dining is considered a social ritual here, not just a quick bite. And yes, the French do judge coffee orders. But with pastries that good, who’s complaining?
#25
American expat living in NZ past 20 years - this is how I notice Americans (esp cruise ship passengers)
1. Good teeth (thnx fluoride)
2. Overweight
3. Gaudy clothing
4. White socks
5. Loud (even louder than Aussies)
6. Aggressively friendly
7. Can’t understand why they can’t use US$ cash in NZ
8. Profusely complimentary of NZ people, landscapes, way of life
#26
Loud, louder when drunk. Superiority complex when in company, think everyone cares they have money, land, hogs, Christian virtue. No humility or grace. And I got all of this in a week surrounded by Americans in Jamaica. Never crossing the Atlantic
again.
Sorry to all the decent ones. ( for context have visited the US 4
times in the 90’s and 00’s without issue)
Deborah B 7 months ago
American christian is different to other christians too. In America they will even go to lunch after church, act superior about being a "Church-going Christian" and knowing the waitress is tip dependent, will tip them with fake money with bible verses or Trump on it. The mental gymnastics must be exhausting.
#27
Cutting up their entire plate of food then proceed to eat with a fork in the right hand.
It really is fun seeing how travel exposes us to all the charming (and occasionally chaotic) ways people act around the world. And yep, these “tells” Europeans pointed out? Spot on. What do you think? Share your favorite signs that scream American tourist or any that deserve a spot on the list!
#28
Loud and entitled, clapping at movies and when plane lands oversharing personal stuff. In London they always cause chaos on the tubes stopping at the bottom or top of escalators, not standing to the side to allow people in a hurry to climb, just in front of turnstiles then start looking through giant tote bag, or just as you get on the tube not moving down the carriage, these things are just etiquette, Many traveling Americans are very nice and polite too, not everyone is like that.
Melissa Childers 7 months ago
Tons of people do this, not just Americans. When I lived in Paris, God knows how many Parisians did this every time on the Metro and RER.
#29
When I was in the UK, Americans always outed themselves in restaurants: overly loud, rude to waitstaff (I have seen so many Americans snap their fingers to get the attention of staff). In Canada: we’ve had Americans come north to cottage country with their skis; expecting to ski in the summer. Who doesn’t research their holiday?
#30
Wearing college and university sweaters is a giveaway. No other country does that. Turning education into a brand name
Sarah 7 months ago (edited)
Also, students would ask was I in a fraternity or some such thing .. flat out answer was no such thing exists in Ireland. Had one lad say hey.. I’m in Harvard .. can I ask how much you’re paying as a student here. I said no fees - we have free education. My colleague walked off.. she’d had enough of listening to them brag abt the wonderful expensive Uni they attended. I was only 19 and in first year of un- didn’t really understand back then abt exorbitant US fees but I learned from talking to more US studenti, I couldn’t believe it . But now at 45 I’d love to go back and have better quips or better responses
#31
They are the loudest and most obnoxious people ever. Last week I was on the train and heard an American on the phone from multiple carriages away, and when he got closer to me I had to block my ears because he was so damn loud. But the hate towards Americans is definitely universal, as all the Danes rolled their eyes at him too 😂 love my country
#32
Europeans are more reserved, less outspoken, more mannered and diplomatic - which could seem rude and unfriendly but are really not. We never say "hi, how are you?" to strangers because we don't care for that fake conversation filler you always do. We dress better, most of us have normal weight and we're not obese, we speak 2-3 languages and know geography very well - we can even name all of your states! I could go on forever but US tourists are none of those. Rarely.
#33
Italian working with tourists here:
- "hi how are you" instead of just "hi"
- heavy American accent and loud conversation
- white families with 4 or 5 kids are 99% American
- this one is the thing I hate the most: GRASSY instead of "grazie" said in a "look at how cool I am, I know an Italian word, now worship me" way
- they always think prices are in dollars
- they think we don't do card payments
- "do you speak English?" Bro, we're in the city centre of a major Italian city and it's 2025.
#34
In Poland, we don’t smile at people when we make accidental eye contact— Americans though? Biggest smiles lmao
#35
I’m Canadian and I can tell if a tourist is from the USA. They are rude, entitled and arrogant. If you talk to them, they all have “I problems”. I do this, I do that, I own this, I own that- not in the least bit interested in anyone or anywhere else.
#36
Americans are generally nice but many are a bit clueless about Europe. One lady said to me - I’ve walked so much. Would you believe on day I walked all the way from the Eiffel Tower to the Colisseum”. They also tend to talk politics, something we Europeans tend to avoid with strangers.
#37
Two american tourists visiting the Colosseum: "when they finish it, it will look awesome"
LooseSeal's $10 Banana 7 months ago
To be fair, this is the kind of thing I'd say to my wife as a joke.
#38
Most of them are loud and not very educated. In restaurants they wear gym clothes, baseball caps and don't know how to eat with fork and knife. They know almost nothing about geography.
MsPlants 7 months ago
I think its not eating the European way as someone put it its more about learning to eat proper and with manners. it wasnt till recently mid 80's and forward that American society kinda moved away from teaching proper table manners and that includes how to eat with a knife and fork, what different forks and spoons are used for and what the meaning of placement of said utensils on your plate indicate to waitstaff. Now its kind of just a free for all. people arent even taught to keep there elbows off the table or to bring the food to your mouth and not your mouth to your food. this drives me insane and yes I am an American but its still annoying to watch people eat with no manners. Also no im not old either lol but table manners were drummed into me. I hated it as a kid but now I am thankful.
#39
Calling the whole of the UK 'England'.
SirWriteALot 7 months ago
Seems about right from people who use the name of an entire continent as their country's
#40
Disgusting table manners. Americans cannot use a knife & fork correctly. They use the s**b and shovel system.....revolting
on second thought.... 7 months ago
Oh I don't know. What are correct table manners can be different for each country, region or even be defined by your social background. There is no absolute right or wrong with this.
#41
1. Clothing - Cargo shorts, super long swimshorts. Also swimshorts worn as shorts.
2. Poor manners (I saw a woman use her napkin as a bib)
3. Caps and hats worn at the table, or at a church. Girls in short shorts goibg into churches.
4. Loud
5. They both assume that everyone speaks English and at the same time think NO ONE does and discuss people around them like they're not there.
6. Start their interactions with Excuse Me, instead of Hello.
#42
Americans can be entitled, rude, condescending, and embarrassing. Americans think they are superior and treat indigenous people in their countries without respect. Said it.
#43
Rude, loud, acting entitled, dressing poorly (like not understanding what to wear in a region or what is appropriate and stylish), messy. They act like America is the center of the world. An American is easy to spot most of the time.
#44
You hear Americans before you see them, and when you see them you need the earplugs. Apart from that rather negative point, I find Americans warm, trusting and inquisitive (in a nice way). You're very welcome to tour my country any time you wish🇮🇪. Céad míle fáilte!
#45
Volume. It’s the volume. You aren’t the centre of the universe, we do not all need to hear you.
#46
Dress, fashion, shoes, tone of voice, selfie sticks, snapping of fingers to service staff, impatience, weight, baseball caps, special requests, esp on menus, gluten free in italy, lots of allergies or intolerance to foods, getting drunk in public, no proper greetings, make up, uninvited conversations, courtesy, touching art
#47
They think the world revolves around them. When asked where they’re from, they’d always only give the name of the city or the state. Other tourists would just mention the country.
And they can be obnoxious and arrogant, disregarding the local culture.
And the way they dress. Mostly very unfashionable and non-flattering or overly casual clothes.
Joseph Miller 7 months ago
idk... Since you know they're from USA, maybe the city/state would be more helpful?
#48
Terrible fashion choices. Everyone is free to dress how they like, but people rarely wear flip flops and sweatpants all over the place in Europe…
#49
Ketchup on everything and please speak properly Englishiated Americaneeze
Brian Droste 7 months ago
I use very little ketchup. About the only tings I use ketchup for are hotdogs hamburgers and French fries.
KDS 7 months ago (edited)
I am the same way I just use ketchup to dip fries and that’s it.
Load More Replies... Rick Murray 7 months ago
Ketchup? Pfft. I dip my chips (fries) in Tabasco, and I love that McDonald's Nether Flame sauce which blows away Tabasco. I went and bought twenty little tubs of it (so about 500ml for €6 which is actually cheaper than hot sauce in a supermarket 🤯) so I can enjoy properly aggressive chips. Unfortunately the French don't seem to like spicy stuff much, unless it involves mustard seeds, so there's not a lot of choice.
#50
A Fanny pack and sneakers.
#51
Ehhh I got many, but mainly the fact that most tourists think that tipping is common and I’ve heard some be like “we are NOT tipping them” like I’m sorry, the waitress/waiter could careless
Norm Gilmore 7 months ago
A David Mitchell rant about "could care less" .. :-) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om7O0MFkmpw&t=74s
#52
Beside the already mentioned tendency to be loud (esp. in restaurants) there is still the clothing style that gives them away. It‘s not really worse but certain brands and styles (also the ladies’ hairdos and gentlemens‘ hats) are typically American.
I‘m a German flight attendant going to the USA regularely. When greeting passengers at the airplane door I can tell whom to adress in English without looking at the passport in their hands.
#53
“Where did you hear about Slovenia? How do you know about this country?”-some lady asked me in Bled, Slovenia 😅I was so shocked and taken aback…
#54
The hats and pensioners with out and proud varicose veins (in Europe we can get ours treated FOR FREE - imagine.....)
Other signs:
"Yesterday we did Scotland"
Overuse of the word "cute"
"Can I get....?" (No, but you may have...)
"Thank you so much" (cheers will suffice, or thanks. NOBODY says thank you so much without sounding mildly sarcastic)
#55
From your voices. Which are usually louder than European voices (Italians excepted). And your accent of course.
#56
Asking for Heinz Ketchup for their fillet steak.
The_Nicest_Misanthrope 7 months ago
So what I got from this is that the rest of the world thinks they're rude, loud, overweight and thick AF. Of the admittedly few Americans I've met so far, this tracks for all but two of them.
#57
For starters, Americans are more overweight, the way we dress, our shoes and of course, the obvious cameras and flocking to touristy places.
#59
Loud voices. No manners. Rude comments. Obesity
#60
They don't look European is one (I mean facial features). Another is clothing, and third is behaviour.
What do you think ?
Hell'n Damnation 7 months ago
Sadly, it's the badly behaved people of any country that stand out and are remembered. We generally don't notice the many nicer tourists because they aren't obnoxious.
Sarah 7 months ago (edited)
Disagree! I remember so many of the loveliest Americans. Never got asked on a date after work so much! A lovely older man told me .. who could concentrate on the museum with me around! I said thank you. He said .. NO NO.. thank you!
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Gavin Johnson 7 months ago
Some of my nicest guests at our hotel were American. Yes we were an expensive country house hotel and we attracted a certain type of clientele but there’s plenty of well-heeled idiots. We basically had three types of American guests, touring bands, businessmen / women and tourists. Generally bands were a pain in the a**e irrelevant of nationality, business types were pretty relaxed and tended to be well travelled, y’know it broadens the mind? And the tourists spent most of their time taking photos of the building as the core of it was built in the early 1500s not long after that Columbus chap was off finding a land that’d already been found. So we were a v old place with tons of history that they loved. Getting to stay in a building with exposed beams from 1500ish is quite calming I guess? Worst guests? Not by a long shot, weirdly a Japanese Bank used to stay with us regularly and stopping them smoking inside was the devil’s own job.
Pernille 7 months ago
Therapy for the rest of the world, the US is slightly more unpopular than usual at the moment.
Load More Replies... Jonas Fisher 7 months ago
What is this, BP? Another thread of pretty transparent US-bashing for the lowest common denominator of people.
Christos Arvanitis 7 months ago
Behind on your America bashing quota, BP? What an absolute hateful crock of s h i t e.
chicken soup 7 months ago
If this was supposed to be friendly, can we do one for Europeans too?
Connor N 7 months ago
Yeah let's talk about all the countries that love England...
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Connor N 7 months ago
And smile too much and are too sincere with our thank yous
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Emilu 7 months ago
F***y pack is a gross term for anyone not in the US. As an Aussie, I’d love if we nuked that term into the sun. Also, what’s the harm in asking if someone speaks English? If not, no big; move on. People on this list are acting like the mere asking about it is worthy of the guillotine or something.
Sarah 7 months ago
It’s a funny question that can be met with a different response. Some take it as an insult.. thinking we don’t all Speak your language, learn a few phrases when abroad. But also, when I was in Amsterdam at museum, I didn’t want to be obnoxious tourist expecting everyone to speak my language. So when I asked if they spoke English, the lady took offence and said… yes of course I do. and got frosty
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Petra Schaap 7 months ago
nooooo stop with this c**p. Most (or at least a lot of) Americans are normal people but you wont notice because in your mind all Americans are weird.
Rick Murray 7 months ago
Now let's have a list about "how you can tell a Brit abroad", especially given as our mastery of foreign languages is woeful, there's that whole sticky Brexit thing, and even stickier is the drunken puke left all around Ibiza. Not to mention the finger snapping and calling all of the waiters Juan or horrifically mispronouncing words like Majorca.
Peeka_Mimi 7 months ago
I guess I was raised with manners because when I lived in Germany, I was never mistaken for an American. Yes I do speak Spanish, German, and English. Also when I am on vacation, I dress well. At home it's athleisure all day and night but even when I go grocery shopping, I dress reasonably well. Hell even when I go hiking, I have at least a little makeup on. Furthermore, I understand geopolitics and have never acted entitled to anything, not even in the US. There are quite a few people like me in the US, perhaps you've failed to notice because we camouflage well and do not act like ugly Americans. Also money can't buy you class and my countrymen would do well to learn that.
Johnnynatfan 7 months ago
More of the same s**t talk about Americans. Get some original ideas BP. How many times are you going to post s**t like this?
Sarah Suelzle 7 months ago
Yeah...yet another "lets all talk about how horrible America/Americans are". It must be nice to be so perfect. (ಠ_ಠ)
Insignificant loser 7 months ago
GUYS GUYS!!!! CALM DOWN! What we NEED to accept is that at the end of the day, we are individual people, and we shouldn't all be grouped into one category, such as "Americans," or "Europeans" ... We are all human. Let's be peaceful for once. Love each other! (Except Trump, Elon & Friends) and stop being rude to each other! You're making enemies where you could be making allies. You don't have to listen to me, it's ok, besides, I'm only 16, what do I know lol. I have more I wanna say but idk if that would get me downvoted, XD. I don't feel like making a new account.
Sarah 7 months ago
Change your user name!! At 16 with opinions , give yourself credit and don’t undervalue yourself with a username like that! This is meant kindly
Load More Replies... SlightlyTarnished 7 months ago
How many ways can this topic be regurgitated? I've been lucky enough to live for long periods of time in countries on four continents. The majority of what is repeatedly mentioned in these rehashed kick-the-American posts can be applied to basically any tourist anywhere. The smugness of many comments are rather laughable.
Jerome Lenovo 7 months ago
mmmhhh the buzz the clickbait, watching people insult each others .... ads, views money..... PASS
Forrest Grump 7 months ago
Bored Panda Staff: "Let's repost this list every week. It is easier than finding new content. And there are gullible people who will pay for a Premium subscription regardless of what we post."
Ladedah 7 months ago (edited)
Wow. The preview for this list showed something about a "lean," so I clicked on it mostly expecting some quirky little tells... but - instead - found a lot of insulting generalizations. How small of you contributers. It made the people posting these sound just as bad as they insinuate that we all are. Americans are not all loud, dumb, and uncultured stereotypes.
Portentia9 7 months ago
What petty, whiny, immature, baby b.ullshit is this site promoting? I quit Reddit years ago because of the same toxicity, but here it is, Reddit Lite.
Scott Rackley 7 months ago
Most of these comments are directly aimed at a certain subset of US citizens. They tend to also like colorful hats and insurrection.
Rick Murray 7 months ago
Hmm, hate the piece of excrement running the US, don't hate Americans. I mean, how the hell could anybody hate Zooey Deschanel?
DeoManus Argentem 7 months ago
What's with the "snapping fingers at waitstaff"? Is this something people have actually witnessed in person or just old timey movies? I'm American, have been to around 55 different countries, and have never myself snapped, or seen another American snap their fingers either in the US or abroad.
Rick Murray 7 months ago
Witnessed, sadly. In a McDonald's, no less. The staff were amused by it because table delivery service isn't the same thing as being a waiter, particularly when one gives their order to a machine.
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Tiffany 7 months ago
Oh wow x_x yeah, if I ever pay off the medical debt I'd like to travel someplace. I'm not exactly loud or rude. Most Americans tell me to speak up because they can't hear me. But I enjoy nice leggings, a crop top, baseball cap and good running/ walking shoes for long walks. But I like dresses and heels for fancy places. As far as difference in learned behaviors like table manners. I mean who can help that? It takes time to change a learned behavior since birth. 🤷♀️ I have a low entitlement also. My therapist has been working with me on achieving a healthy sense of entitlement. So I'm definitely not full of myself. Im actually Self Defeating and been working on self esteem and confidence. I don't know too much about other countries but I tend to Google other countries to look for healthy living over American food and such. I also practice gratitude. As far as old historian churches go? You couldn't pay me to step in one. No way. So I don't have that to worry about.
Princess Possum 7 months ago
American schools (in some areas) have started providing elementary-level languages classes just in the last 15 years or so, and sometimes with actual native speakers. Previously, they were just offered at the high school level. My sister's high school Spanish teacher pronounced everything with a distinct southern US drawl. Re: clothing, America has definitely become an acolyte of comfortable athletic wear, unfortunately. It's worn everywhere, as are flip-flops. What types of clothing and shoes should we wear when in the UK and European countries?
dollh h 7 months ago
Language classes have been offered in elementary schools since the 60s, depends where you are.
Load More Replies... axnyslie 7 months ago (edited)
I am American and happy to say I don't fit these stereotypes. I always travel solo so no reason to be loud, In fact I had one Indian driver tell me I was too quiet. Never carry bottled water and only carry local currencies. I always dress to blend in keep it conservative and toned down, I mean that's common sense you don't want to make yourself an easy mark for touts and scammers. I only know English and Hindi but I learn basic salutations in whatever country I'm visiting so they know I am trying. If asked I always say I am from USA not "America" because there are obviously many other countries in the Americas. Most of all I never lose sight of the fact that I am a guest in their country. I know many from US think just because they're spending money in a poor country they can act entitled and condescending. I will say though I eat and leave restaurants quickly. I'm a solo traveler why would I hang around a restaurant alone when limited time is a factor to get in as much of the sites as I can.
Child of the Stars 7 months ago
I suspect that a fair amount of this is confirmation bias, a bit like the joke about BMW drivers and turn signals.
Apatheist Account2 7 months ago
I find it curious that Americans are berated for not speaking foreign languages, when they're such a polyglot nation. I expect most of them to speak Spanish or Italian, depending where they're from - but I guess those that do don't get to travel to Europe (or don't want to). BTW people from Malta can be quite loud too :)
Jrog 7 months ago
You are WILDLY overestimating the cultural level of Americans. Only about 43M Americans (13%) can speak Spanish, and over half of those are immigrants (26,5M). Fewer than 1% of Americans who are not from Spanish-speaking cultures are fluent in Spanish, the rest achieve only basic or intermediate proficiency. French is the second most-taught language, and is spoken fluently by about 2M people, mostly from culturally French families. Less than 10M being able to understand or speak at any level, and the post-education retention is in the low single digit percentage. Italian and German have about 1M native speaker, and less than 0,5% of Americans can speak the languages at any level.
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Lace Neil 7 months ago
Wearing yellow baseball caps, baggy shorts and bumbags. Shouting all the time.
Taylor Hth 7 months ago
As somebody from the US, I gotta say - lotta b******t Americans in these comments. The gist of this article is that most Americans go about with disregard for the people and setting where they are visitors/guests - which suprises me very little as that's also how many of them act at home. These are the folks who come back from their one-time abroad and complain about the whole trip. That's what happens when you're raised in a country with an individualism-centric culture. Very old money (Europe) vs. New Money (The US).
Taylor Hth 7 months ago
So basically, Americans act with disregard towards the people and the setting where they are guests. That's what happens when you're raised in an individualism-centric culture. I have the freedom to do-so I can. The difference between old money (europe) and new money (the US). I say that at someone from the US.
Connor N 7 months ago
Want to go through the history of Europeans showing disregard for other people and setting where they are guests? We're just the most current punching bag
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Becky Samuel 7 months ago
Welp. When you get off your ásses and do something about the fact that you're disproportionately fúcking the rest of the world over, then we'll have a rethink. Until then it's only going to get worse.
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Historyherstory (old guy) 7 months ago
Now I don't feel the way I said above, but let's see how it lands
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dollh h 7 months ago
It's just as rude and ill mannered to lump every person in a geographic area together, as though they are some homogeneous mass. Plus it's ridiculous.
Load More Replies... Hell'n Damnation 7 months ago
Sadly, it's the badly behaved people of any country that stand out and are remembered. We generally don't notice the many nicer tourists because they aren't obnoxious.
Sarah 7 months ago (edited)
Disagree! I remember so many of the loveliest Americans. Never got asked on a date after work so much! A lovely older man told me .. who could concentrate on the museum with me around! I said thank you. He said .. NO NO.. thank you!
Load More Replies... Gavin Johnson 7 months ago
Some of my nicest guests at our hotel were American. Yes we were an expensive country house hotel and we attracted a certain type of clientele but there’s plenty of well-heeled idiots. We basically had three types of American guests, touring bands, businessmen / women and tourists. Generally bands were a pain in the a**e irrelevant of nationality, business types were pretty relaxed and tended to be well travelled, y’know it broadens the mind? And the tourists spent most of their time taking photos of the building as the core of it was built in the early 1500s not long after that Columbus chap was off finding a land that’d already been found. So we were a v old place with tons of history that they loved. Getting to stay in a building with exposed beams from 1500ish is quite calming I guess? Worst guests? Not by a long shot, weirdly a Japanese Bank used to stay with us regularly and stopping them smoking inside was the devil’s own job.
Pernille 7 months ago
Therapy for the rest of the world, the US is slightly more unpopular than usual at the moment.
Load More Replies... Jonas Fisher 7 months ago
What is this, BP? Another thread of pretty transparent US-bashing for the lowest common denominator of people.
Christos Arvanitis 7 months ago
Behind on your America bashing quota, BP? What an absolute hateful crock of s h i t e.
chicken soup 7 months ago
If this was supposed to be friendly, can we do one for Europeans too?
Connor N 7 months ago
Yeah let's talk about all the countries that love England...
Load More Replies... Connor N 7 months ago
And smile too much and are too sincere with our thank yous
Load More Replies... Emilu 7 months ago
F***y pack is a gross term for anyone not in the US. As an Aussie, I’d love if we nuked that term into the sun. Also, what’s the harm in asking if someone speaks English? If not, no big; move on. People on this list are acting like the mere asking about it is worthy of the guillotine or something.
Sarah 7 months ago
It’s a funny question that can be met with a different response. Some take it as an insult.. thinking we don’t all Speak your language, learn a few phrases when abroad. But also, when I was in Amsterdam at museum, I didn’t want to be obnoxious tourist expecting everyone to speak my language. So when I asked if they spoke English, the lady took offence and said… yes of course I do. and got frosty
Load More Replies... Petra Schaap 7 months ago
nooooo stop with this c**p. Most (or at least a lot of) Americans are normal people but you wont notice because in your mind all Americans are weird.
Rick Murray 7 months ago
Now let's have a list about "how you can tell a Brit abroad", especially given as our mastery of foreign languages is woeful, there's that whole sticky Brexit thing, and even stickier is the drunken puke left all around Ibiza. Not to mention the finger snapping and calling all of the waiters Juan or horrifically mispronouncing words like Majorca.
Peeka_Mimi 7 months ago
I guess I was raised with manners because when I lived in Germany, I was never mistaken for an American. Yes I do speak Spanish, German, and English. Also when I am on vacation, I dress well. At home it's athleisure all day and night but even when I go grocery shopping, I dress reasonably well. Hell even when I go hiking, I have at least a little makeup on. Furthermore, I understand geopolitics and have never acted entitled to anything, not even in the US. There are quite a few people like me in the US, perhaps you've failed to notice because we camouflage well and do not act like ugly Americans. Also money can't buy you class and my countrymen would do well to learn that.
Johnnynatfan 7 months ago
More of the same s**t talk about Americans. Get some original ideas BP. How many times are you going to post s**t like this?
Sarah Suelzle 7 months ago
Yeah...yet another "lets all talk about how horrible America/Americans are". It must be nice to be so perfect. (ಠ_ಠ)
Insignificant loser 7 months ago
GUYS GUYS!!!! CALM DOWN! What we NEED to accept is that at the end of the day, we are individual people, and we shouldn't all be grouped into one category, such as "Americans," or "Europeans" ... We are all human. Let's be peaceful for once. Love each other! (Except Trump, Elon & Friends) and stop being rude to each other! You're making enemies where you could be making allies. You don't have to listen to me, it's ok, besides, I'm only 16, what do I know lol. I have more I wanna say but idk if that would get me downvoted, XD. I don't feel like making a new account.
Sarah 7 months ago
Change your user name!! At 16 with opinions , give yourself credit and don’t undervalue yourself with a username like that! This is meant kindly
Load More Replies... SlightlyTarnished 7 months ago
How many ways can this topic be regurgitated? I've been lucky enough to live for long periods of time in countries on four continents. The majority of what is repeatedly mentioned in these rehashed kick-the-American posts can be applied to basically any tourist anywhere. The smugness of many comments are rather laughable.
Jerome Lenovo 7 months ago
mmmhhh the buzz the clickbait, watching people insult each others .... ads, views money..... PASS
Forrest Grump 7 months ago
Bored Panda Staff: "Let's repost this list every week. It is easier than finding new content. And there are gullible people who will pay for a Premium subscription regardless of what we post."
Ladedah 7 months ago (edited)
Wow. The preview for this list showed something about a "lean," so I clicked on it mostly expecting some quirky little tells... but - instead - found a lot of insulting generalizations. How small of you contributers. It made the people posting these sound just as bad as they insinuate that we all are. Americans are not all loud, dumb, and uncultured stereotypes.
Portentia9 7 months ago
What petty, whiny, immature, baby b.ullshit is this site promoting? I quit Reddit years ago because of the same toxicity, but here it is, Reddit Lite.
Scott Rackley 7 months ago
Most of these comments are directly aimed at a certain subset of US citizens. They tend to also like colorful hats and insurrection.
Rick Murray 7 months ago
Hmm, hate the piece of excrement running the US, don't hate Americans. I mean, how the hell could anybody hate Zooey Deschanel?
DeoManus Argentem 7 months ago
What's with the "snapping fingers at waitstaff"? Is this something people have actually witnessed in person or just old timey movies? I'm American, have been to around 55 different countries, and have never myself snapped, or seen another American snap their fingers either in the US or abroad.
Rick Murray 7 months ago
Witnessed, sadly. In a McDonald's, no less. The staff were amused by it because table delivery service isn't the same thing as being a waiter, particularly when one gives their order to a machine.
Load More Replies... Tiffany 7 months ago
Oh wow x_x yeah, if I ever pay off the medical debt I'd like to travel someplace. I'm not exactly loud or rude. Most Americans tell me to speak up because they can't hear me. But I enjoy nice leggings, a crop top, baseball cap and good running/ walking shoes for long walks. But I like dresses and heels for fancy places. As far as difference in learned behaviors like table manners. I mean who can help that? It takes time to change a learned behavior since birth. 🤷♀️ I have a low entitlement also. My therapist has been working with me on achieving a healthy sense of entitlement. So I'm definitely not full of myself. Im actually Self Defeating and been working on self esteem and confidence. I don't know too much about other countries but I tend to Google other countries to look for healthy living over American food and such. I also practice gratitude. As far as old historian churches go? You couldn't pay me to step in one. No way. So I don't have that to worry about.
Princess Possum 7 months ago
American schools (in some areas) have started providing elementary-level languages classes just in the last 15 years or so, and sometimes with actual native speakers. Previously, they were just offered at the high school level. My sister's high school Spanish teacher pronounced everything with a distinct southern US drawl. Re: clothing, America has definitely become an acolyte of comfortable athletic wear, unfortunately. It's worn everywhere, as are flip-flops. What types of clothing and shoes should we wear when in the UK and European countries?
dollh h 7 months ago
Language classes have been offered in elementary schools since the 60s, depends where you are.
Load More Replies... axnyslie 7 months ago (edited)
I am American and happy to say I don't fit these stereotypes. I always travel solo so no reason to be loud, In fact I had one Indian driver tell me I was too quiet. Never carry bottled water and only carry local currencies. I always dress to blend in keep it conservative and toned down, I mean that's common sense you don't want to make yourself an easy mark for touts and scammers. I only know English and Hindi but I learn basic salutations in whatever country I'm visiting so they know I am trying. If asked I always say I am from USA not "America" because there are obviously many other countries in the Americas. Most of all I never lose sight of the fact that I am a guest in their country. I know many from US think just because they're spending money in a poor country they can act entitled and condescending. I will say though I eat and leave restaurants quickly. I'm a solo traveler why would I hang around a restaurant alone when limited time is a factor to get in as much of the sites as I can.
Child of the Stars 7 months ago
I suspect that a fair amount of this is confirmation bias, a bit like the joke about BMW drivers and turn signals.
Apatheist Account2 7 months ago
I find it curious that Americans are berated for not speaking foreign languages, when they're such a polyglot nation. I expect most of them to speak Spanish or Italian, depending where they're from - but I guess those that do don't get to travel to Europe (or don't want to). BTW people from Malta can be quite loud too :)
Jrog 7 months ago
You are WILDLY overestimating the cultural level of Americans. Only about 43M Americans (13%) can speak Spanish, and over half of those are immigrants (26,5M). Fewer than 1% of Americans who are not from Spanish-speaking cultures are fluent in Spanish, the rest achieve only basic or intermediate proficiency. French is the second most-taught language, and is spoken fluently by about 2M people, mostly from culturally French families. Less than 10M being able to understand or speak at any level, and the post-education retention is in the low single digit percentage. Italian and German have about 1M native speaker, and less than 0,5% of Americans can speak the languages at any level.
Load More Replies... Lace Neil 7 months ago
Wearing yellow baseball caps, baggy shorts and bumbags. Shouting all the time.
Taylor Hth 7 months ago
As somebody from the US, I gotta say - lotta b******t Americans in these comments. The gist of this article is that most Americans go about with disregard for the people and setting where they are visitors/guests - which suprises me very little as that's also how many of them act at home. These are the folks who come back from their one-time abroad and complain about the whole trip. That's what happens when you're raised in a country with an individualism-centric culture. Very old money (Europe) vs. New Money (The US).
Taylor Hth 7 months ago
So basically, Americans act with disregard towards the people and the setting where they are guests. That's what happens when you're raised in an individualism-centric culture. I have the freedom to do-so I can. The difference between old money (europe) and new money (the US). I say that at someone from the US.
Connor N 7 months ago
Want to go through the history of Europeans showing disregard for other people and setting where they are guests? We're just the most current punching bag
Load More Replies... Becky Samuel 7 months ago
Welp. When you get off your ásses and do something about the fact that you're disproportionately fúcking the rest of the world over, then we'll have a rethink. Until then it's only going to get worse.
Load More Replies... Historyherstory (old guy) 7 months ago
Now I don't feel the way I said above, but let's see how it lands
Load More Replies... dollh h 7 months ago
It's just as rude and ill mannered to lump every person in a geographic area together, as though they are some homogeneous mass. Plus it's ridiculous.
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