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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!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Talks about “freedom” like it’s an exclusive American privilege and not the bare minimum for a good chunk of the world.
Ange Marsden 3 years ago
Trump called my country a Socialist Hell; We're hoping that puts his family off moving here
RELATED:
#2
"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 !"
DrBronxx 3 years ago
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.
#3
Assume everyone on the internet is American.
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.
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
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.
#5
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
#6
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.
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago (edited)
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
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
Measure everything in eagles per squarefoot
Nathan Jones 3 years ago
Literally nobody has ever done this. We strictly measure in football fields.
#8
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.
#9
Introduce themselves as their ancestors nationalities lmao
Ange Marsden 3 years ago
Australians and Kiwis don't do this; You gonna live in the past, better mention all the shifty things your ancestors did too....
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."
#11
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
#12
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.
Lakota Wolf 3 years ago
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 :)
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.
#13
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.
Regal Kitten 3 years ago
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
Justme 3 years ago
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 3 years ago
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
DDmaybeandor 3 years ago
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.
Lee Kerr 3 years ago
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 3 years ago
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.
Den Ver 3 years ago
Thanks for the history. I referenced your post in mine. I hope that was okay.
Load More Replies... Lazy Panda (she/her/hers) 3 years ago
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.
Norah Reilly 3 years ago
Why do you let that affect you so much? What difference can it possibly make so long as those involved practice decent table manners?
Den Ver 3 years ago (edited)
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.
YetAnotherSarah 3 years ago
It's a difference in etiquette, but it *is* the "proper" US method.
RoanTheMad 3 years ago
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.
Eat Dirt Crow 3 years ago
Can we all agree that "table manners" are just an arbitrary construct and have no practical use?
SGH 3 years ago
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 3 years ago
Well I hold my fork in the right and knife in the left... So what does that make me?...
Moosy Girl 3 years ago
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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Maggie Dinzler Shaw 3 years ago
I find the obsession with how we use our utensils a little annoying.
André Carvalho 3 years ago
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.
Jeffrey Diehl 3 years ago
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.
Erica Cochrane 3 years ago
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!
Alysoun Learmonth 3 years ago
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
Elizabeth Mitchell 3 years ago
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.
I'mNotARoboat 3 years ago
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)
Jasmine Hufflepuff Henderson 3 years ago
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.
Leigh Jones 3 years ago
I mean, knives and forks. Posh. What's wrong with fingers and wiping grease down your leg for later? Lol
neil jagurdo 3 years ago
What about knife in the left hand, fork in the right, no swapping? Is that a Swiss thing?
Nitka Tsar 3 years ago
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.
Mathieu Brouwers 3 years ago
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.
Terry Tobias 3 years ago
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.
Y D 3 years ago
Not true. We use forks to eat. The shovels are for our money.
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BadCat 3 years ago (edited)
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.
Benita Valdez 3 years ago
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
OneHappyPuppy 3 years ago
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
Brando Dean 3 years ago
I do that but I'm ambidextrous. Oh And Australian.I don't think that's exclusively American.
Mokayokok 3 years ago
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.
julie son 3 years ago
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! 3 years ago
American, and I do this when I eat steak. However, most of the time I eat steak I just use my hands. 🤦♀️
StarlightPanda! 3 years ago
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🥔 3 years ago
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.
Rachel Ashwell 3 years ago
So are you saying Americans who eat with the fork in their right hand are rednecks?
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Valerie Solanas 3 years ago
Not american, never even been in America, and I do this all the time
#14
Equating freedom with being able to buy a product or being able to do something really meaningless
Regal Kitten 3 years ago
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?
#15
Asking for refills, ice, or iced tea has outed me more times than I'd care to admit.
Bored Person 3 years ago
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
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
"Do you speak English? DOOO! YOOOU! SPEEEAK! ENNNNGLISH!"
Regal Kitten 3 years ago
I never understand how saying something really loudly and slowly is supposed to make it easier to understand.
#17
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.
StarlightPanda! 3 years ago
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
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
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.
#20
Uses their shoes inside. Even if there has been raining
Cashme Outside 3 years ago
Ive got a Mr. Rogers thing goin on in my house. I have house shoes and outside shoes.
#21
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.
#23
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.
Silly Putty 3 years ago
I guess I don't get out much but I've ever once expected, or asked for, a refill.
#24
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
Regal Kitten 3 years ago
It's like in a video game where everybody gets the default skin, and then you can upgrade, except nobody does
#25
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!
Jill Rhodry 3 years ago
We have the same greeting but Aussie style - 'owyagoin' - the only appropriate response is 'not bad, yaself?"
#26
It's 10 degrees and you're wearing an oversized sweatshirt with the name of your college, shorts and flip flops.
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago
10 degrees Celsius...thats reasonable...not great but whatever. 10 degrees Fahrenheit, they're gonna be a frozen idiot soon.
#27
Wear a baseball cap at an indoor restaurant.
Signed, an American who (ONCE!) wore a baseball cap at an indoor restaurant.
Downunderdude 3 years ago
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.
#28
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
Lazy Panda (she/her/hers) 3 years ago
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.
#29
Loud, the way they dress, being overly polite, ask what I do for a living in the first 5 mins of conversation, etc
#30
Eating while walking (eg eating a bagel or breakfast sandwich on the way to work or school)
#31
Got mad at me because I didn't know if our ATM's accept Bank of America cards, in Belgium. I could tell immediately he was from New York. He's basically the stereotypical New Yorker.
#32
Be extra, doesn't matter in what, it's just always extra
#34
I'm american, but these are some things thay have given me away. Referring to distances in minutes. Certain types of clothing, like a PGA tour polo shirt. Sneakers. Wallet. Casio products. Stubble. If you shave with a philips norelco, it leaves slightly more stubble than a straight razor and everyone notices. Walking. Your back muscles are underdeveloped compared to europeans, makes you fling your feet out farther. Europeans keep mass centered on top of their leading foot. Belts. Not lnowing how to wear a suit. Masculine haircut. Smiling. Referring to wings, peanut butter, broccoli, or out of season vegetables. Asking for salt. Asking for water with ice. Buying soda with groceries. Paying with a credit card instead of a cellphone. Using american apps.
#35
As soon as you say you are British they hit you with the "can I 'av a bo-ol o' wotah"
#36
"can I get some ranch for my fries?"
Nathan Jones 3 years ago
Ranch is the greatest abomination in the culinary world. American chef. Hate ranch.
#37
sweatshirts with logos on them.
#38
Asking for vine with ice. I once observed in Italy how an american Dad asked kindly for some ice for his red vine. The server brought an bottle cooler but the man wanted normal ice. The server was so confused he sent his supervisor. Then the supervisor asked multiple times if he wants the ice IN the glass. They just couldnt believe it and thought it was some kind missunderstanding.
#39
Yell in the streets when they are on holiday in Europe. You can spot them from a mile away.
#40
Tell you they're American
Gustav Gallifrey 3 years ago
Canadians don't tell you right away that they're Canadian. But, if you call them 'American', wow, will they ever tell you!
#41
putting cheese on everything
Laugh or not 3 years ago
Putting weird, tasteless cheese on everything and going "eew" when presented with real, smelly cheese.
#42
"This is the worst fried chicken I've had all day."
gloria benado 3 years ago
Yup that's it no more Panda for a few years. This is really stupid BTW.
#43
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.
#44
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. Edit: Spelling
What do you think ?
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
To add a tiny bit of balance. I have crossed paths with a huge number of U.S. citizens, I worked in hospitality, I found them to be engaging and polite, they loved the history of our hotel (built in the 1400s), they loved a conversation and that is way better than being grunted at by a drunk, English businessman. I can honestly say they were a delight to have at our hotel, they brought an energy that livened things up, they made folk smile (even if it was unintentionally) and they treated staff respectfully and generally speaking they made great guests. Every race, colour, creed has negatives assholes, don’t define a nation by the idiots you see, would you want your nation to be defined by your idiots?
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
Thank you very much. I didn't expect any of these comments. You all have warmed my cynical heart!
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Glitterati 3 years ago
When I was a backpacker travelling Asia and South America I got bashed constantly for the sins of the British. Other travellers would not let up about all the shitty things the British did over the years, using the term “you did x, y and z” like I was personally responsible. It really got me down. This post probably has the same affect on Americans. Every country has jerks and quirks. Negative stereotyping in any form is uncool.
Hexenfox 3 years ago
Please stop bashing Americans. Why can't you find another country to bash.
No One 3 years ago
I seriously couldn’t get through this list. A lot of ignorance and rudeness regarding Americans.
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Jaden Alexander 3 years ago
So we're not allowed to post words like d*ath, a*s, kn*b, etc but entire threads bashing the 3rd largest country on the planet based purely on stereotypes and the actions of a few " tourists" (compared to the total number of Americans) is totally fine. Yeah. Makes perfect sense.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
A website based i nLithuania bashed the US but not Russia. *gives highly skeptical look* Lithuania. Sure. Uh-huh... -------- BTW, if you've ever been on a train with fans after a match in the UK? No, Americans are not the loudest, rudest, nastiest, awful-est people on earth. British football (soccer) fans. Hands down, would make Attila the Hun run the other way. They may be stiff-upper-lip-liberal-lovelies at home, but after the match, they're raging a-holes. If I judged all Brits by the football fans, what would that make me? ... An a-hole. So I don't. I just don't don rose-colored glasses about the UK, or US, or Canada, or anywhere. Humans suck, not nations. Humans.
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Almost ended up in a fight with a couple of Brits in a bar. First they try steal my seat while I'm getting drinks for me and my friends and when the friends told them "Excuse me, but that seat's taken, our friend is getting drinks from the bar" they got spitting mad and almost knocked the drinks from my hands when I was getting back. The security threw them out when one of them started to actually roll up his sleeves. But what stuck to my mind was how he kept yelling "In Britain we have some manners!!!!" Should have taken those manners along to the holiday too if you ask me. 😬
Load More Replies... Nadine 3 years ago
I agree we Americans can be loud and pushy but this makes us sound like disgusting apes. Are there any pleasant things about us? Like we spend money in your country?
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
This is not going to be popular, but this is the one thing I hate about BP. It's kind of like being insulted by someone over and over and there's nothing you can do about it because that makes you look like a whiner who can't handle criticism. It really does become disheartening - I don't read these posts anymore but I know it's the same old criticisms, over and over. It's like they're beating a dead horse and don't know when to stop. Our government is a mess. Our citizens are being divided by b******t we can't easily control and anything we do in other countries is considered gauche and uncouth. Some of us may act like idiots in foreign countries, but it's not all of us. l also notice that Americans on BP don't usually make comments about other countries, so why isn't the same consideration given to us? It would be nice if posts like this would just go away.
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Bill Evs 3 years ago (edited)
BP, please give this American bashing a rest. These "articles" appear on your site every few weeks and for what? Has the author actually been to the US? And if they have and had a negative experience that doesn't mean others have. I'm a Brit (Welsh) and for what it's worth I've been to the US several times and always found the people there to be kind and welcoming. Yes you get get nutters there but I get that at home too. It's almost like, and bear with me now, people are individuals and not some homogeneous group. Mad isn't it!! Probably get downvoted for this but screw it.
Lary Canary 3 years ago
Just for that, I'll order 2 IPA's or whatever you like!
Load More Replies... Brutus Trump 3 years ago
Wait until Bored Panda editors find out that there are other countries besides the U.S.
Koos Kommentaar 3 years ago
Asked so many times. Wtf is BP editors obsession with "America"? Day after day after day. There 195 other countries in the world....
DaFetus 3 years ago
I find it funny how all these comments show pride ad elitism yet they bash Americans for doing the same. Why are only Americans hated on for wanting a culture and expecting others to respect their ways. All these comments are extremely judgemental and what Americans get shamed for..yet it's ok for us to do it? This whole thread is disgusting and toxic, bored panda isn't progressive its American hating and anti white. This is racist and elisitist and should not be an article.
BordestPanda 3 years ago
What is this Lithuanian website’s weird obsession with the US and the people that live there?
Rachel Ashwell 3 years ago
OK- can we now do how people from other countries act when they come to the US and we can spot them a mile away? Nothing like stereotyping!
Gigantor the Bog Monster 3 years ago
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Summer Mason 3 years ago
As an American.... we could do the same thing to other countries. But alot of us don't. Alot of us are like the rest of the world looking at our leader ship whispering s**t. And wondering what kind of future the world collectively holds for our children. Yeah America sucks sometimes. But every country does. Everyone has their flaws. Britain "steals everything" Germany "had Hitler" Russia "has putin" China "facing computerized nation like 1988 book" North and South Korea "afraid of a very unstable dictator who controls everything". So just stop. We live in a very cruel world. And 90% of us hate it and want change. All over. No matter were we are from.
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago (edited)
Bingo...I know I know I KNOW!!! We arent perfect in the U.S....but no country, leader, way of life, religion, not one person on this ball of elements covered in meat machines flying through the void..nothing!...is perfect. Theres alot of skeletons in alot of closets. We are all flawed, and we have to move past those flaws and love one another anyway. Edited to fix autocorrect spellings...see, even autocorrect is flawed.
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Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't understand why Panda thinks these type posts are interesting but I'm not clicking on anymore of them. When Putin decides Lithuania needs to be de- Nazified who's the first country they'll come whining too?
Bored Retsuko 3 years ago
It's entertaining and all, but I can see why US pandas are getting tired of this topic ...
DDmaybeandor 3 years ago
I’m from the US and one thing I hate that we do is refer to ourselves as “Americans”. I mean, that’s two effing continents. I’ll say I’m from the states or the US. I only say I’m ‘murican ironically.
similarly 3 years ago
Even people who live in the Americas refer to people from the US as "Americans". It's really fine. The only people who worry about it are, ironically, Americans.
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Stannous Flouride 3 years ago
Generally, these seem to be defining the difference between tourists and travelers. To quote Paul Theroux “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” The tourists alway go where everyone else goes, a traveler less so.
Isaac7lego🇺🇸 3 years ago
Jesus Christ we get it Americans are all gun toting xenophobic assholes and the rest pdf the world all agrees! Just kinda tired of American bashing, were not perfect but all of this is based on stereotypes.
sofacushionfort 3 years ago
Average American: “Bored Panda taught me that everyone thinks I’m a fat, stupid bigot.” American from the US South: “And all this time you were fine with that so long as it only applied to us folks down here.”
Mac Fletcher 3 years ago
Sad how Americans are looked down. But, I'm afraid lots of American tourist prove them right. Sigh
Grownnutkid 3 years ago
Not gonna lie, I've been pretty miserable in the US the last several years and really daydreaming about saving up money and traveling (specifically Ireland) It would be a massive expense for us. Family of 6, don't make a lot of money. This topic is kinda making me think maybe we'd just be laughed at and unwelcome?
Pittsburgh rare 3 years ago
On the positive side, l'd say they're friendly and open to strangers, and we could learn that a bit where l live. On the negative side, that EXTREMELY nasal, high pitched voice of some girls with a Californian accent. It somehow bypasses my earbuds on the metro.
Tye Williams 3 years ago
How to "spot" an American. Holy s**t, ummm I remember people doing that through out history. You're demographics say you're almost WHITE. Lithuania...land of what?
Grownnutkid 3 years ago
Not gonna lie, I've been pretty miserable in the US the last several years. Been daydreaming about saving money and traveling (specifically Ireland). It would be a massive expense for us, a family of 6. We don't make a lot of money. This topic has me wondering if maybe we'd just be laughed at and unwelcome?
Izzy Curer 3 years ago (edited)
Not at all. It's because the people in any one locality are such a melting pot of races and cultures, it's a way to claim a little bit of identity. Mind you, it's not taken very seriously, and saying something like "I'm Irish" for example, in American parlance, is the same as saying "I'm of Irish decent". It's just shorthand, and not meant literally. There's no need to clarify it to other Americans since they also have ancestors from a different country, and you clearly don't have a non-American accent. We forget to switch our parlance when speaking to anyone else. But claiming you're of one heritage or another also has connotations within the history of America itself. Taking the example of Irish again, Irish Americans were treated very differently than, say, German Americans, and it had a large impact on where and how your American ancestors lived, which has a direct affect on us today. What I'm curious about is if non Americans would have a problem with Native Americans claiming their ancestral heritage. Or, what about the term 'African-American'? Or, what do they call 2nd and 3rd generation Middle Easterners with citizenship in some place like Germany?
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Blue 3 years ago
One thing I noticed was the craze over sneakers!! I haven't seen it anywhere else. Like the massive long lines and high resell prices just for a pair of shoes. Is there an American here who can explain why?!
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
That's just something people like to have a collection of, but it's not a national obsession ( at least I don't think it is). I know some are real admirers of different designs and styles, so maybe that's why?
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Bruce Stuart 3 years ago
Sarah, I've traveled a lot. It's my job. Do it once, and you won't be embarrassed. I promise.
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Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
LA is probably the worst possible example of the US, but hey, no disagreement from a born-US-citizen on LA.
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Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I'm from the US. However, in every foreign language, I'm referred to as "American". So... Yella t everyone else, please. Wasn't my idea. BTW, there are *two* Americas ---- North (which includes Mexico) and South (which includes the rest of what we think of as "central" America) by strict geographical rules and all that. Please don't forget South America. Thank you.
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Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
To add a tiny bit of balance. I have crossed paths with a huge number of U.S. citizens, I worked in hospitality, I found them to be engaging and polite, they loved the history of our hotel (built in the 1400s), they loved a conversation and that is way better than being grunted at by a drunk, English businessman. I can honestly say they were a delight to have at our hotel, they brought an energy that livened things up, they made folk smile (even if it was unintentionally) and they treated staff respectfully and generally speaking they made great guests. Every race, colour, creed has negatives assholes, don’t define a nation by the idiots you see, would you want your nation to be defined by your idiots?
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
Thank you very much. I didn't expect any of these comments. You all have warmed my cynical heart!
Load More Replies... Glitterati 3 years ago
When I was a backpacker travelling Asia and South America I got bashed constantly for the sins of the British. Other travellers would not let up about all the shitty things the British did over the years, using the term “you did x, y and z” like I was personally responsible. It really got me down. This post probably has the same affect on Americans. Every country has jerks and quirks. Negative stereotyping in any form is uncool.
Hexenfox 3 years ago
Please stop bashing Americans. Why can't you find another country to bash.
No One 3 years ago
I seriously couldn’t get through this list. A lot of ignorance and rudeness regarding Americans.
Load More Replies... Jaden Alexander 3 years ago
So we're not allowed to post words like d*ath, a*s, kn*b, etc but entire threads bashing the 3rd largest country on the planet based purely on stereotypes and the actions of a few " tourists" (compared to the total number of Americans) is totally fine. Yeah. Makes perfect sense.
Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
A website based i nLithuania bashed the US but not Russia. *gives highly skeptical look* Lithuania. Sure. Uh-huh... -------- BTW, if you've ever been on a train with fans after a match in the UK? No, Americans are not the loudest, rudest, nastiest, awful-est people on earth. British football (soccer) fans. Hands down, would make Attila the Hun run the other way. They may be stiff-upper-lip-liberal-lovelies at home, but after the match, they're raging a-holes. If I judged all Brits by the football fans, what would that make me? ... An a-hole. So I don't. I just don't don rose-colored glasses about the UK, or US, or Canada, or anywhere. Humans suck, not nations. Humans.
Remi (He/Him) 3 years ago
Almost ended up in a fight with a couple of Brits in a bar. First they try steal my seat while I'm getting drinks for me and my friends and when the friends told them "Excuse me, but that seat's taken, our friend is getting drinks from the bar" they got spitting mad and almost knocked the drinks from my hands when I was getting back. The security threw them out when one of them started to actually roll up his sleeves. But what stuck to my mind was how he kept yelling "In Britain we have some manners!!!!" Should have taken those manners along to the holiday too if you ask me. 😬
Load More Replies... Nadine 3 years ago
I agree we Americans can be loud and pushy but this makes us sound like disgusting apes. Are there any pleasant things about us? Like we spend money in your country?
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
This is not going to be popular, but this is the one thing I hate about BP. It's kind of like being insulted by someone over and over and there's nothing you can do about it because that makes you look like a whiner who can't handle criticism. It really does become disheartening - I don't read these posts anymore but I know it's the same old criticisms, over and over. It's like they're beating a dead horse and don't know when to stop. Our government is a mess. Our citizens are being divided by b******t we can't easily control and anything we do in other countries is considered gauche and uncouth. Some of us may act like idiots in foreign countries, but it's not all of us. l also notice that Americans on BP don't usually make comments about other countries, so why isn't the same consideration given to us? It would be nice if posts like this would just go away.
Load More Replies... Bill Evs 3 years ago (edited)
BP, please give this American bashing a rest. These "articles" appear on your site every few weeks and for what? Has the author actually been to the US? And if they have and had a negative experience that doesn't mean others have. I'm a Brit (Welsh) and for what it's worth I've been to the US several times and always found the people there to be kind and welcoming. Yes you get get nutters there but I get that at home too. It's almost like, and bear with me now, people are individuals and not some homogeneous group. Mad isn't it!! Probably get downvoted for this but screw it.
Lary Canary 3 years ago
Just for that, I'll order 2 IPA's or whatever you like!
Load More Replies... Brutus Trump 3 years ago
Wait until Bored Panda editors find out that there are other countries besides the U.S.
Koos Kommentaar 3 years ago
Asked so many times. Wtf is BP editors obsession with "America"? Day after day after day. There 195 other countries in the world....
DaFetus 3 years ago
I find it funny how all these comments show pride ad elitism yet they bash Americans for doing the same. Why are only Americans hated on for wanting a culture and expecting others to respect their ways. All these comments are extremely judgemental and what Americans get shamed for..yet it's ok for us to do it? This whole thread is disgusting and toxic, bored panda isn't progressive its American hating and anti white. This is racist and elisitist and should not be an article.
BordestPanda 3 years ago
What is this Lithuanian website’s weird obsession with the US and the people that live there?
Rachel Ashwell 3 years ago
OK- can we now do how people from other countries act when they come to the US and we can spot them a mile away? Nothing like stereotyping!
Gigantor the Bog Monster 3 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Load More Replies... Summer Mason 3 years ago
As an American.... we could do the same thing to other countries. But alot of us don't. Alot of us are like the rest of the world looking at our leader ship whispering s**t. And wondering what kind of future the world collectively holds for our children. Yeah America sucks sometimes. But every country does. Everyone has their flaws. Britain "steals everything" Germany "had Hitler" Russia "has putin" China "facing computerized nation like 1988 book" North and South Korea "afraid of a very unstable dictator who controls everything". So just stop. We live in a very cruel world. And 90% of us hate it and want change. All over. No matter were we are from.
Chucky Cheezburger 3 years ago (edited)
Bingo...I know I know I KNOW!!! We arent perfect in the U.S....but no country, leader, way of life, religion, not one person on this ball of elements covered in meat machines flying through the void..nothing!...is perfect. Theres alot of skeletons in alot of closets. We are all flawed, and we have to move past those flaws and love one another anyway. Edited to fix autocorrect spellings...see, even autocorrect is flawed.
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 3 years ago
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I don't understand why Panda thinks these type posts are interesting but I'm not clicking on anymore of them. When Putin decides Lithuania needs to be de- Nazified who's the first country they'll come whining too?
Bored Retsuko 3 years ago
It's entertaining and all, but I can see why US pandas are getting tired of this topic ...
DDmaybeandor 3 years ago
I’m from the US and one thing I hate that we do is refer to ourselves as “Americans”. I mean, that’s two effing continents. I’ll say I’m from the states or the US. I only say I’m ‘murican ironically.
similarly 3 years ago
Even people who live in the Americas refer to people from the US as "Americans". It's really fine. The only people who worry about it are, ironically, Americans.
Load More Replies... Stannous Flouride 3 years ago
Generally, these seem to be defining the difference between tourists and travelers. To quote Paul Theroux “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” The tourists alway go where everyone else goes, a traveler less so.
Isaac7lego🇺🇸 3 years ago
Jesus Christ we get it Americans are all gun toting xenophobic assholes and the rest pdf the world all agrees! Just kinda tired of American bashing, were not perfect but all of this is based on stereotypes.
sofacushionfort 3 years ago
Average American: “Bored Panda taught me that everyone thinks I’m a fat, stupid bigot.” American from the US South: “And all this time you were fine with that so long as it only applied to us folks down here.”
Mac Fletcher 3 years ago
Sad how Americans are looked down. But, I'm afraid lots of American tourist prove them right. Sigh
Grownnutkid 3 years ago
Not gonna lie, I've been pretty miserable in the US the last several years and really daydreaming about saving up money and traveling (specifically Ireland) It would be a massive expense for us. Family of 6, don't make a lot of money. This topic is kinda making me think maybe we'd just be laughed at and unwelcome?
Pittsburgh rare 3 years ago
On the positive side, l'd say they're friendly and open to strangers, and we could learn that a bit where l live. On the negative side, that EXTREMELY nasal, high pitched voice of some girls with a Californian accent. It somehow bypasses my earbuds on the metro.
Tye Williams 3 years ago
How to "spot" an American. Holy s**t, ummm I remember people doing that through out history. You're demographics say you're almost WHITE. Lithuania...land of what?
Grownnutkid 3 years ago
Not gonna lie, I've been pretty miserable in the US the last several years. Been daydreaming about saving money and traveling (specifically Ireland). It would be a massive expense for us, a family of 6. We don't make a lot of money. This topic has me wondering if maybe we'd just be laughed at and unwelcome?
Izzy Curer 3 years ago (edited)
Not at all. It's because the people in any one locality are such a melting pot of races and cultures, it's a way to claim a little bit of identity. Mind you, it's not taken very seriously, and saying something like "I'm Irish" for example, in American parlance, is the same as saying "I'm of Irish decent". It's just shorthand, and not meant literally. There's no need to clarify it to other Americans since they also have ancestors from a different country, and you clearly don't have a non-American accent. We forget to switch our parlance when speaking to anyone else. But claiming you're of one heritage or another also has connotations within the history of America itself. Taking the example of Irish again, Irish Americans were treated very differently than, say, German Americans, and it had a large impact on where and how your American ancestors lived, which has a direct affect on us today. What I'm curious about is if non Americans would have a problem with Native Americans claiming their ancestral heritage. Or, what about the term 'African-American'? Or, what do they call 2nd and 3rd generation Middle Easterners with citizenship in some place like Germany?
Load More Replies... Blue 3 years ago
One thing I noticed was the craze over sneakers!! I haven't seen it anywhere else. Like the massive long lines and high resell prices just for a pair of shoes. Is there an American here who can explain why?!
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
That's just something people like to have a collection of, but it's not a national obsession ( at least I don't think it is). I know some are real admirers of different designs and styles, so maybe that's why?
Load More Replies... Bruce Stuart 3 years ago
Sarah, I've traveled a lot. It's my job. Do it once, and you won't be embarrassed. I promise.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
LA is probably the worst possible example of the US, but hey, no disagreement from a born-US-citizen on LA.
Load More Replies... Leo Domitrix 3 years ago
I'm from the US. However, in every foreign language, I'm referred to as "American". So... Yella t everyone else, please. Wasn't my idea. BTW, there are *two* Americas ---- North (which includes Mexico) and South (which includes the rest of what we think of as "central" America) by strict geographical rules and all that. Please don't forget South America. Thank you.
Load More Replies... You May Like 30 Americans Living In Canada Reveal The Differences Between The Two 38 Places That Instagram Made Look Good, But Are Underwhelming In Reality 50 Dangerous And Soul-Crushing Cities You Should Delete From Your Bucket List
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