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Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences in life. You discover different parts of the world, soak in new cultures, and gain new perspectives that help you become a well-rounded person. After all, you learn about all the similarities and differences your homeland shares with these faraway territories. But at the same time, people over there also observe that you’re far, far away from a local.

To people outside the US, Americans are a recognizable bunch. Apparently, it’s not only the accent that gives them away. Extremely extroverted? Check. Wears shoes inside? Yes, sir. Asks for refills? Spotted in plain sight! And many more similar traits, as Reddit user TheRighteous999 proved when they posted this question, "What are some things American people do that instantly tell you that they're American?"

Sure enough, the thread received an avalanche of responses with typically "American" traits that make them stick out in other countries. We’ve gone through the answers and gathered the ones that bleed blue, white, and red. So if you wish to be a more discreet traveler, scroll down and consider these giveaways for your next trip. Keep reading to also find an in-depth interview with travel blogger Megan Starr. Then let us know which of the replies you agree with most, and be sure to share your own takes in the comments!

#1

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Talks about “freedom” like it’s an exclusive American privilege and not the bare minimum for a good chunk of the world.

rockwoolcreature , Edgar Colomba Report

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Ange Marsden
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Trump called my country a Socialist Hell; We're hoping that puts his family off moving here

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#2

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans "I'm french, italian, spanish, portuguese and serbian"

**Born and raised in Connecticut, never left the state, only speaks english and maybe took a 23andme test**

Or

"You're french ? I'm french too ! My great great ... great grandmother was in Paris one time when she was a toddler !"

Matrozi , Mental Health America (MHA) Report

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DrBronxx
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. Americans claiming to be from another country without any qualifiers is a pet peeve of many around the globe. The first time I met an American while I was traveling abroad, she said "I'm English", and I, assuming she must have moved to the US as a child, said "Oh really? Which part?" Her response was "Oh, I don't know. I just know that my great grandparents came from there." The exchange left me very confused.

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It’s no secret that citizens of the most powerful country in the world often find themselves in the spotlight. The internet’s fascination with America, from its culture to its politics to its people, seems to be beyond control. It looks like everyone has at least a few opinions to share about the nation, and, news flash! They’re usually far from great.

In reality, not all typically American characteristics are negative. Every culture has peculiar quirks that can tell people around the world what country someone came from, even without asking. But differences between the US and other places can sometimes be so painfully obvious that they make for some amusing moments of confusion whenever pointed out.

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To learn more about the subtle and not-so-subtle things American tourists do that immediately out them in other countries, we reached out to a writer and travel blogger Megan Starr who is originally from Virginia, US. She is one of the authors of a blog called Megan & Aram that’s purely dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Scandinavia, the Eastern bloc, and beyond. Living abroad for 12 years now, Megan is an avid traveler that has explored many breathtaking places around the globe and has amassed an arsenal of experiences she’s eager to share with others.

#4

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Smug and overconfident. Especially applies to White American men. I work in engineering consulting and it constantly amazes me how comfortable they are listening to the sound of their own voices and being wrong or inaccurate more than 50% of the time.

Apprenhensive-Sun-236 , Andrew Wise Report

#5

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans They make a huge fuss over your accent.
I was in London and some American tourists asked for directions, I told them and they were like ‘you sound so British!’ and even called his friend over to marvel at my accent. Like, dude you’re *in* England. What do you expect? The people aren’t a f*****g museum attraction

Eli_JMI , Janis Oppliger Report

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Mokayokok
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

British and Australian accepts *ARE* sexy as hell, but yes, tourists acting like this is uncalled for.

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#6

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Most Americans I meet are some of the friendliest, polite people. That being said, they are unmistakably loud and over-sharey of personal details.

Also they should know that the customer is not always right, that service industry jobs are respectable occupations, and asking for ketchup is a dead giveaway.

ZealousidealRush2899 , zoetnet Report

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Lakota Wolf
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do NOT over-share personal details! I mean, the ONLY thing you REALLY need to know about me is that I'm 5'5", I have curly hair, I have two cats who are named Kohl and Preacher, and Kohl was named for the mineral stibnite, and Preacher was named for one of my favorite comic book series, and I have a puppy named Stilgar, and I really like pears, and I like pretty much all insects except for earwigs, and I was adopted at birth, and my adopted mother is a toxic narcissist who was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive towards me my entire life, and I have one adopted sister and two biological sisters, and my adopted dad died last year, and he was an awesome dad and a great guy, and I have this one hair on my chin that grows out all bristly and thick, and we call those "bruja hairs" in my family, and I like parsnips and beets and pretty much all vegetables, and I'm 40 years old, and when I was a kid I had a small speaking part in a TV series so I have an actual IMDB listing, and

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When asked if she could reveal certain things that instantly expose Americans as tourists, she said that extreme confidence is probably the biggest one. "I can always tell an American (especially when abroad) because they walk around with confidence, they speak loudly and clearly (sometimes too much), and they are quick to say hello and be social," she told Bored Panda. "When I am abroad, this is usually how I can spot an American."

While the accent is seemingly their biggest giveaway, body language, behavioral differences, and even fashion choices also help people to recognize that a tourist is from the US. "That and the fact that they are likely wearing a t-shirt from their favorite college or sports team," Megan added.

#7

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Measure everything in eagles per squarefoot

firebullmonkey , Aaron Doucett Report

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Nathan Jones
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Literally nobody has ever done this. We strictly measure in football fields.

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#8

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Based on my personal experience:
“I don’t understand why no one here speaks English” - In a foreign country where actually a lot of people do speak English although not at a native level.
Also “You guys have no customer service” just because Karens in my country don’t get free food.

Poeberry_fields , Clem Onojeghuo Report

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Mokayokok
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of us absolutely cringe when we here about Karens doing this - we're really sorry, we want to throat punch them as much as anyone else does.

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#9

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Introduce themselves as their ancestors nationalities lmao

sweatybisexy , Sora Shimazaki Report

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Ange Marsden
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Australians and Kiwis don't do this; You gonna live in the past, better mention all the shifty things your ancestors did too....

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Most of the responses from the community can be considered as clichés that poke fun at American citizens, and as we all know, stereotypes do tend to have a grain of truth in them. However, they may also form a rather negative view of the country for those who have never come into contact with the culture. Since Americans wear their identities proudly, they often become subject to "America vs. the rest of the world" comparisons.

When asked why some people spend so much energy frowning upon the US, Megan believes it has become trendy for some to make "hating Americans" their personality. "I feel bad to say that... but I know many people that have allowed that to become their entire personality. As an American (who has plenty of issues with her home country), I have found many American tourists to be better behaved than other nationalities," the travel blogger said. "I feel like (for the most part), our best people travel abroad."

#10

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Drive from one shop to the next even if it is 50 meter by walk

maldobar4711 , mentatdgt Report

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Vector
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"honey, can you get me the keys? mummy needs to drive to the fridge..."

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#11

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Extremely extroverted and talkative
I've lived in germany for 14 years and I've never seen strangers talk really. when I went to America everyone was so nice and talkative. it was a nice but strange experience

doykjoe , Tim Douglas Report

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Latchkey
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American and still hate it when other American strangers talk to me 😬😬

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#12

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Honestly all the American I saw in my town were particularly cheerful and enthusiasts about things we take for granted. Like walking in a thousand years old street.

I also find them very expansive about their feelings. They don't hesitate to say: "Oh! this guy is so funny, man" in public. whereas in Europe I have the impression that we have lost the habit of communicating together in public.

Nikokab , Jacek Dylag Report

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Lakota Wolf
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Our country is kind of embarrassingly young and we don't have much history/historical culture. So we do tend to be fascinated and awed by the old stuff in other countries :)

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Even if stripes and stars seep through your pores, the chances are that you sometimes want to be a more discreet traveler. Maybe you’re tired of feeling singled out, or perhaps you experienced unfortunate situations only because locals knew you’re a foreigner. Whatever the reason, Alyse, The Invisible Tourist, shared a few tips on how to blend in when traveling.

First, do a bit of research. The odds for you to look more like a local grow significantly if you spend time learning about the culture and etiquette. "Not only will this demonstrate to locals that you respect their heritage, but they’ll also be super appreciative of your efforts," she wrote. Also, learning a few basic phrases in their language can help you find a way out of troubling situations. Then, avoid proudly displaying your camera or selfie stick out in public, as they’ll immediately blow your cover. "Unless you’re a professional photographer, do you really need a flashy camera permanently draped around your neck that makes you look like a tourist?" Alyse asked. Well, that's for you to decide.

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#13

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Maybe woosh, but...

If you hold your fork on the left, and cut with the knife in the right, then you would usually keep the fork on the left to eat with.

Very American to cut with the right, then swap the fork to the right to eat that bit, then swap again to cut with the right. Rinse and repeat.

Eldowon , ROMAN ODINTSOV Report

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Regal Kitten
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American and I don't switch them. I wasn't taught to, and when I try, I literally can't do it, as in I'm so clumsy I nearly took my own eye out with the fork

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Justme
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same. I can’t do it they way they’ve described. I can only use a fork in my right hand and a knife in my left.

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Disgruntled Panda
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YES!! I noticed it in tv-series and was so confused! After looking it up it appears to be more classy table manner. Since then I'd never be amused by it anymore because I rhink it's nice of people to try and be polite and show good table manners, even if they're different from yours

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DDmaybeandor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cut it all up, then lay my knife down and eat with the fork in my right hand. I would be spotted right away. I also know that we use knives less often than the English at least, opting instead to use the side of our forks to cut if possible. My English friend says it “baffles “ him how rarely we use knives.

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Lee Kerr
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s how my mam, who was friendly with US army wives in the 50s, described Americans eating. If I’m eating alone and reading at the table, I do it too.

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Ash
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fun story on the origin of this difference! When forks first became at all common in the US, this was the popular way to use them in Europe. It slows down your eating speed, so for a short time, this was considered the polite way to use your silverware in Europe. So when Americans started getting silverware imported, this was how they also learned to USE said silverware. Eventually the Europeans decided it was too much work and went back to the old way (keeping the knife in the right hand the whole time). However, because the vast majority of Americans had never HAD a previous way of using silverware, they just kept using the same method they had originally been taught. So that's why a custom that was a relatively brief fad in Europe became the norm in the US.

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Den Ver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks for the history. I referenced your post in mine. I hope that was okay.

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Lazy Panda (she/her/hers)
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here, and I'm aware that the fork in the left and not switching when cutting is the classy way to do it, but mostly from TV where that's how Old Money types do it, not from having ever seen real people do it that way.

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Norah Reilly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do you let that affect you so much? What difference can it possibly make so long as those involved practice decent table manners?

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Den Ver
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

EDIT: Sorry I didn't mean to respond to you. I meant to make a general comment regarding the post. ... .... ... Fork in the left hand is more efficient. Eating with fork in the right hand might be indication of being American. Ash's comment (currently way down this list) gives a bit of history for the right vs left hand difference. If you hold your fork in the left hand, good for you, but it's not something to act snobby about. On several occasions (decades ago), I met Brits who acted very superior and made a big deal about this. One went so far as to take the utensils out of a 9 yo kid's hands (at school lunch) and insisted he eat properly.

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YetAnotherSarah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a difference in etiquette, but it *is* the "proper" US method.

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Y D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Active implement in dominant hand. Taught as proper etiquette for fork-knife meals. We're not switching chopsticks hand to hand.

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Mike
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Literally have never seen this in my entire 40 years in America

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Noah
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I eat something I have to cut I usually cut it all and then switch to eat.

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RoanTheMad
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I eat left handed, fork in the right, knife in the left. I don't know why, because I write with my right hand, but there you go. I also used to do fencing left handed too. It's strange. But as far as I know, I was never forced to write with my right hand, either.

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Eat Dirt Crow
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can we all agree that "table manners" are just an arbitrary construct and have no practical use?

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SGH
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope! Keep your mouth closed when eating, don't talk with your mouth full, Do Not reach over my meal and take off your cap!

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Curly potato
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well I hold my fork in the right and knife in the left... So what does that make me?...

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Moosy Girl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just discovered I do this too and just had a whole discussions about it with my dad, who served food at fancy parties for a while in the 70’s and was appalled to find out his daughter is a savage! We’re waiting for my mom (who is a leftie) to come home and settle it, might get disowned today… ;)

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Sue Knerl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, I'm right handed and to keep the fork on the right is stupid.

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SGH
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This doesn't bother me, but wearing caps indoors, particularly at the table...🤯

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Morti
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not american and I usually do that. For some reason it make me nervous to cut and inmediately prick with the fork to eat, I like to prepare mi food in bite sized pieces.

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André Carvalho
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or just do it all with the fork on the right hand. Use the fork to "cut" the food. With the proper utensil for cutting right there.

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Jeffrey Diehl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a left-handed person it is easier for me to hold the fork with the left and cut with the right and not change. But, when I am in the kitchen, I cut with whichever knife I am using in the left hand and holding the meat or veg or what ever with the right.

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backatya
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoa foreign Karen. Don't get your knickers in a bunch just for that.

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Margaret Weaver
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where did you find a murican that knew how to operate both a knife AND fork? I thought they were separated by knife stabbers and fork cutters?

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Erica Cochrane
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i'm scottish and i do this. but i also still get told off by my mother for doing this... but it's just easier!

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Gypsy Lee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll own this. It’s how we were raised. Here it’s not given any thought.

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JP Purves
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, the European way of eating is so sophisticated: mash everything with the knife against the back of the fork and chase it all over the plate.

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AliJanx
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does it matter, as long as the food doesn't land in your lap?

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Alysoun Learmonth
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hold my fork in my right hand and my knife in my left hand.. I'm not left handed..it just works for me. It's also not to do with being any certain nationality

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April
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm left handed but I guess I learned to cut with my right so I wouldn't have to switch back and forth like that. Fork stays in my left hand.

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Elizabeth Mitchell
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I met midwestern adults who couldn’t use a knife and fork at the same time. Aussies learn that at the dinner table as young children.

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I'mNotARoboat
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hardly use a knife if I can get away with it. I broke a finger on my left hand and got used to just using my right hand. I often cut and eat with a fork. (Canadian)

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Bella10
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s actually a thing. The old bait and switch. I’ve never seen this except in the US.

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Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American and I don't know about anyone else, but at least what I've noticed where I live everyone eats with their dominant hand. I'm the only lefty so I hold my fork in my left hand and use my right hand to use my knife. Everyone else in my family, including my boyfriend holds their fork with their right and uses their left hand to cut with their knife.

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Edurne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Spanish and I kinda do this, except I cut all the meat or whatever it is I am eating into bites and then I swap the fork to the right and eat

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Leigh Jones
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean, knives and forks. Posh. What's wrong with fingers and wiping grease down your leg for later? Lol

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neil jagurdo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What about knife in the left hand, fork in the right, no swapping? Is that a Swiss thing?

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H M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I must be a monster then, I have knife in left hand all the time. Seems more natural to me, you eat with fork, and I am right handed. The rest of you are weird.

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Nitka Tsar
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love it when people say cutting with the knife in the right hand and eating with the fork in the left hand is „classy“, while it is just our normal way of eating with a knife and fork.

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Mathieu Brouwers
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It could be worst. I was in Vienna, Austria in a famous and expensive hotel. The first morning a newly married Arab couple was having breakfast. She was (always) in black, veiled and with gloves, but the few jewelry on her wrists were worth a fortune. Despite the veil, she ate according to the most chic table etiquette. The young groom, on the other hand, was given a large wooden spoon. He had the skills of a toddler at the table. I saw the couple in town and in the hotel a few more times, but I think they only used room service since.

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Terry Tobias
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For a long time that was proper etiquette. The first time I saw someone keep the fork in their left hand was when I went to Scotland as a teenager. I taught myself to do it because it made more sense. Now you watch food shows on tv and they all do that.

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Lace Neil
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's cuz Americans don't use forks to eat, they use a shovel.

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BadCat
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is giving me bad flashbacks of when my mom's last husband lectured me on which hand to cut and which to hold the fork, and got ragingly offended when I had to switch because my left is more comfortable cutting than my right. I use the side of my fork out of spite ever since.

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ItsJess
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm left-handed so I only hold the fork in the left and use the knife on the right to cut. No swapping. I didn't even realize that people did this.

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Benita Valdez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've never really noticed this before unless you cut up all your food first then switch to your dominant hand since you no longer need a knife

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Olivia Lisbon
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This never made sense to me. If you have just a fork, people typically use their right hand. Add a knife and suddenly the fork goes to the left hand. So I just cut with my left hand, and keep my fork in my right. Drives my mum insane for some reason.

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OneHappyPuppy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband does this and isn't American. I just use the fork in my right and knife in my left hand. Mostly goes unnoticed

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Brando Dean
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do that but I'm ambidextrous. Oh And Australian.I don't think that's exclusively American.

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Mokayokok
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm confused as to why this would even matter - I'm even surprised you took it upon yourself to pay so much attention to it - who cares which hand the fork is in, you're going to use your dominant hand which you do for almost everything.

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julie son
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, if you weren't raised in America, it's almost impossible not to notice it. In Europe and probably other parts of the world we learn the 'fork on left, knife on right' as good etiquette, regardless of dominant hand, and "never switch back and forth". As it's something that will be repeated to you until you learn it, you can't help but noticing if others do it differently. The post is not derogatory in any way, it just talks about another difference about American customs.

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StarlightPanda!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American, and I do this when I eat steak. However, most of the time I eat steak I just use my hands. 🤦‍♀️

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StarlightPanda!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also noting that I'm right handed. So I always feel the need to use the right hand for the utensil I place in my mouth. 🤷‍♀️

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🥔SaltyPotato🥔
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry y'all foreigners think we're weird for this. We do have a sad version of being american. It's called a redneck.

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Rachel Ashwell
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So are you saying Americans who eat with the fork in their right hand are rednecks?

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Valerie Solanas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not american, never even been in America, and I do this all the time

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SAF saf
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

no no....you're the nutty person here. I don't even use a knife unless it's absolutely needed.

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Charles 222
Community Member
1 year ago

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Only petty bored people judge folks by the way they cut their food! It's a crime the way you hold utensils

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Silly Putty
Community Member
1 year ago

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Is that a problem? If it's too hard for you I can show you how to do it.

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#14

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Equating freedom with being able to buy a product or being able to do something really meaningless

nomoreofyourbs , Harry Cunningham Report

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Regal Kitten
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, if I don't have the freedom to waste my time doing something entirely pointless when I feel like it, what even is life worth?

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#15

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Asking for refills, ice, or iced tea has outed me more times than I'd care to admit.

roastedoolong , ROMAN ODINTSOV Report

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Bored Person
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand this. You pay for one drink, so you get one drink, or at least that's how it works where I'm from

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However, Megan mentioned that trying your best to blend in may take away some joy from your journey. "I think that if you're headed to visit the Colosseum, for example, you are likely not going to give off the vibe that you're a local! I think it is good to remain chilled out and respectful, but I don't see the point in trying to 'blend' in. I have made several friends on the road from simply being a foreigner. But, I am also the first person to throw headphones on and wander about trying to discover the streets on my own terms,” she said.

#16

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans "Do you speak English? DOOO! YOOOU! SPEEEAK! ENNNNGLISH!"

JeffRyan1 , Mimi Thian Report

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Regal Kitten
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never understand how saying something really loudly and slowly is supposed to make it easier to understand.

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#17

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans BEING LOUD. And I don’t mean intentionally. They can be just talking in a restaurant or a train and it’s the only conversation that can be heard from everywhere.

bobthememequeen , Sebastian Coman Photography Report

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StarlightPanda!
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here. Most people I talk to here think I talk too loud. So I must talk overly loud as an American. I think it's a me thing though. Lol

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#18

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans “Do you accept American dollars?”

kgold0 , Titouan COLOMB Report

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Teresa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know why people do this. Never in my travels to other countries have I ever expected to pay for something with American money.

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If you want to be a great tourist when traveling around the globe, Megan shared one tip that could help you reach your goal. "Asking questions in a non-invasive and judgmental manner," she told us. "You can make friends this way and also learn a lot about culture."

"I also think it is about respecting where you are. If you are in a conservative country as a female, cover up. Simple as that. You may not agree with it, but being respectful goes a long way. Also... don't break stuff. And don't photograph places you shouldn't or fly drones in no-flying zones," the travel blogger concluded.

#19

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Ask about common American chains that are uncommon/nonexistent in other countries. Also assuming that international chains serve the same thing in every country; McDonald’s, for example, has different menu items in, say, China. Assuming the food is prepared the exact same, too—I remember ordering chicken nuggets as a kid in Germany and being shocked they tasted so different. Probably because they were made with real chicken.

_marshmallord_ , Erik Mclean Report

#20

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Uses their shoes inside. Even if there has been raining

TurbulentBarracuda83 , Tenis Amante Report

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Cashme Outside
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ive got a Mr. Rogers thing goin on in my house. I have house shoes and outside shoes.

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#21

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans They start talking to you/always trying to make conversation.

I was at the car wash one time and this guy sat beside me and asked if the truck was mine. I said no politely and hoped he’ll stop talking to me as English is not my first language.

Lo and behold few minutes later he was telling me the story about 9/11 as he was one of the first responders and how he developed an illness because of the said job.

Americans are really interesting people. They really know how to keep a conversation going. I couldn’t do that, Europeans wouldn’t do that, i think lol.

__what-now___ Report

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Gionanna
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When watching American movies/series I'm always amazed and amused at how the characters seem to make friends so easily. So, it's not made quick for the storyline. It's simply how many Americans are :-)

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#22

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Not giving a f**k what the rest of the world thinks.

hmmm_thought_pig , Giorgio Trovato Report

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Robin DJW
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of us do. We try to improve our image in small quiet ways. It's hard for us to learn unusual (to us) behaviors, but some of us really do try to at least tone it down and learn a few word of the place's language.

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#23

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans I asked for a refill of coke on vacation at a restaurant in Australia. They said I’ve got to be American and had a good laugh.

shreddymcwheat , Lukas Ballier Report

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Silly Putty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess I don't get out much but I've ever once expected, or asked for, a refill.

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#24

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans If they’re a 35+ year old man wearing a large T shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and white sneakers with socks that go halfway up their calves

knightsofgel , Chris Hunkeler Report

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Regal Kitten
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like in a video game where everybody gets the default skin, and then you can upgrade, except nobody does

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#25

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Saying "hey how are you/how is it going" without expecting an actual answer. An when you answer and ask how they are, it usually baffles them!

audio_inferno , Jonah Brown Report

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Jill Rhodry
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have the same greeting but Aussie style - 'owyagoin' - the only appropriate response is 'not bad, yaself?"

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#26

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans It's 10 degrees and you're wearing an oversized sweatshirt with the name of your college, shorts and flip flops.

darienhaha , John Fornander Report

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Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

10 degrees Celsius...thats reasonable...not great but whatever. 10 degrees Fahrenheit, they're gonna be a frozen idiot soon.

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#27

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Wear a baseball cap at an indoor restaurant.

Signed, an American who (ONCE!) wore a baseball cap at an indoor restaurant.

solo_duality , Nathan Dumlao Report

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Downunderdude
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most recent Prime Minister in Oz who wore a baseball cap instead of an Akubra got annihilated at our recent election. Coincidence? I think not.

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#28

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans We get a lot of American tourists here, why do you all wear the exact same clothes? Ireland t shirt, shorts, socks with sandals or those awful trainers, sunglasses and baseball caps

leopoldsghost29 , Francis Bourgouin Report

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Lazy Panda (she/her/hers)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are all making me think that I am positively incognito when I travel. I hope I can at least pass for Canadian, if nothing else.

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#29

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Loud, the way they dress, being overly polite, ask what I do for a living in the first 5 mins of conversation, etc

lioness-2208 , Obi - @pixel6propix Report

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Tybalt P.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I’ve never actually noticed the last thing until now, and thinking back on it, holy c**p is it true

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#30

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Eating while walking (eg eating a bagel or breakfast sandwich on the way to work or school)

Fatigued_Otter , Skinny Guy Lover Report

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