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Country stereotypes can be harmful, but other times they can be downright hilarious. No matter where you are from, you've probably had someone spout of some ridiculous stereotype about your city, country, or continent. But this list of memes proves there may be some truth to those funny stereotypes.

'Meanwhile, in X' is a viral country meme series based on the participial phrase 'Meanwhile in…,' "a literary device that allows an easy segue between two concurrent events in different places. Scroll down below to check out some of the most hilariously funny memes from places around the world (including your own). Don't forget to upvote your favs!

The first account of the "Meanwhile in" meme appeared sometime in February 2010. A flipped image of a Holden Commodore (a very common Australian-made sedan) with the caption "Meanwhile in Australia" appeared on 4chan via /b/ board. The image alluded to the age-old joke that everything in Australia is "upside-down" (due to its southern hemisphere location), and the new meme quickly went viral across imageboard sites, blog networks and aggregator services. Since then, multiple variations with other countries and their stereotypes have been posted.

#3

Meanwhile In Canada

Meanwhile In Canada

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Daria Z
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've only once seen a man in a women's bathroom, and that man was peeking in my stall from above. Well, I wasn't inclined to be as understanding as this ad tells me to :/

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Before there was the internet and memes there were books. This meme originates from a much older expression "Meanwhile, back at the X," a plot transition technique that is as old as Homer. It rose to popularity in the nineteenth century, when most novels were serialized in popular magazines. 

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This literary strategy made its way to film and was used in silent movies when transitions were achieved through title cards interspersed between scenes. In the earliest days, studios didn’t make custom cards for each new movie, but instead used a set of stock cards: “One Year Later,” “Comes the Dawn,” and most famously “Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch” were the cards used when the action cutaway. 

#7

Meanwhile In Japan

Meanwhile In Japan

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Troux
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is in Nara, Japan, where the deer are treated as fellow citizens.

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BusLady
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Cripple Creek, Colorado, USA, the local donkey population runs the town. They are descendants of the ones used in the mines many years ago.

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James Floyd
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nara deer are fearless. They're so used to interaction with humans and many of them have learned to bow their heads in thanks when you feed them a rice cracker (sold around the city)

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Elinore Koenigsfeld
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As I sat to eat a sandwich in Nara, near a lovely temple, a cute deer approached--closer, closer--grabbed my lunch and ran off. We couldn't stop laughing.

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Mojones
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like an discussion between visitors of a club and the bouncer. They aren't allowed in 'cause they're still on house ban or wear the wrong shoes. Eh, hoofs.

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Lyop
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like I said before, you pay before service! Don't give me that doe eyes look!!!

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Ceredwyn Ealanta
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Listen, you guys said you'd pay your tab last time you were here - and the time before. Every man has his limit, and this is mine."

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Elinore Koenigsfeld
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's what I said! When I turned 70 I thought--who knows how much longer we can travel (husband 80)--and we did it! Great, great trip. Everything I imagined and more. Wonderful. Don't miss the Japanese ''Alps''--magnificent in autumn.

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Rebekah Green
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Little guys looking at him like open the damn door it treat time!

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Wendy Wafer
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

too bad the Japanese don't have the same respect for whales as they do deer.

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Bored Moogle
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most Japanese don't eat whales, just like most Americans don't eat foie gras.

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Joyce Stewart
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like they want to get in his China Shop. Nope their not bulls.

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kiley767
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am more in awe of the menu on display in the window. Brilliant. Just point at what you want... I live in a deer infested area, and they can be a nuisance if you're a gardener or drive a vehicle.

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multimochilas
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is in Nara, Japan, where the deer are treated as fellow citizens.

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Angie Chan
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I watched an old lady smack one of these deer a couple years ago. It was blocking the door, and she was not having any of it.

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RollDdice
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Yes, you're two of my best customers, but neither one of you carries a wallet."

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KaPOW
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4 years ago

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Lululoohoo
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No Bambi! I told you yesterday don't be coming around here no more!

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Bernice Wittwer
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You’ve got to visit Nara, Japan if you’ve got the chance! The deer are just a part of everyday life. 😊

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d bradley
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that's deer-ist not to let them shop in your store. you'd be sued here

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Radio programs took on the phrase as well for their popular Western programs - such as The Lone Ranger. "During the course of a battle between settlers and Indians or cowboys and outlaws, there would be a flashback to the ranch preceded by the caption (or radio message), “Meanwhile, back at the ranch.” The phrase became part of the common lexicon and was used in casual conversation. During Lyndon Johnson’s presidency (1963–69), according to William Safire, the phrase was used to refer to activities at the LBJ Ranch in Texas.

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While not everyone knows the origin, this phrase has evolved to take on a meaning all its own. According to Robert Hendrickson, author of the "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" (Facts on Files, New York, 1997) says: "meanwhile, back at the ranch. An expression that originated as a movie caption in the silent film era at the beginning of the century, these words are used humorously today when someone wants to get back to a story after going off on a tangent."

#10

Meanwhile In Texas

Meanwhile In Texas

Just moved to Texas. Fitting in perfectly

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engineer_nope.avi
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*in David Attenborough's voice* Here, we are able to witness a wild Honda trying to blend in with his bigger cousins. It seems that he is doing quite well.

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#13

Meanwhile In Iceland

Meanwhile In Iceland

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Elsker
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

makes me wonder what this place is, to be mistaken 4 a penis museum so often

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#15

Meanwhile In Canada

Meanwhile In Canada

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Paul K. Johnson
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reminds me of Florida. You're sitting at a traffic light dry as a bone with the sun beating down on you and right across the intersection the cars have their wipers on high as buckets of rain is unleashed on them.

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#18

Meanwhile In Russia. Seems Legit

Meanwhile In Russia. Seems Legit

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Lil Bare
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Residents better be urinating with precision and elegance upon this very sign of glamour and capitalism

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#30

Meanwhile In Finland, We Really Do Love Our Personal Space

Meanwhile In Finland, We Really Do Love Our Personal Space

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#31

Meanwhile In Canada

Meanwhile In Canada

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Koalamonster
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No it's not on THAT Street it's on THE OTHER Street. Just go down This Street and turn right on The Other Street and you can't miss it.

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#32

Meanwhile In USA, While Dogs Nationwide Are Hiding Under Beds

Meanwhile In USA, While Dogs Nationwide Are Hiding Under Beds

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#38

Meanwhile In Poland

Meanwhile In Poland

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Wyndmere
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sisters from the Angels of Mercy Convent requested a car with wings. They got one.

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#40

Meanwhile In Australia, High Is The Second Lowest Fire Danger Rating

Meanwhile In Australia, High Is The Second Lowest Fire Danger Rating

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Ceredwyn Ealanta
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For those who are curious about the last one, Catastrophic has this definition: "For your survival, leaving early is the only option. Leave bush fire prone areas the night before." That is, basically, the fire fighters know they cannot control or affect a fire which starts in these conditions. NOTHING they can do will stop it, and if you are still at home, you are risking their lives by being there.

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Note: this post originally had 81 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.