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What is normal, anyway? Just think about it: in some countries, women are supposed to cover themselves from head to toe. In others, bikinis are pretty sufficient. And baskets? People carry them in their arms or on the head. Very rarely is there one right way to do anything. It's all relative.

Recently, we at Bored Panda stumbled upon two posts on Reddit by u/ojlol2 and u/monitonik that essentially ask the same thing: what's typical and common in your country but is considered weird in others?

To say they went viral would be an understatement. As of this article, the two questions have received a combined total of 53,000 comments, including plenty of eye-opening answers that are bound to expand your understanding of the world. Here are the ones that interested us the most.

#1

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Everyone rags on the US for using imperial, but can we talk for a second about how weird we are here in the UK for using both inconsistently?

You buy a pint of milk or beer, but a litre of coke and 25ml of whiskey

People know how many miles to the gallon their cars get, but you buy fuel at pence per litre.

You watch the weather forecast and the temperature is in Celsius but the wind speed is in miles per hour

Most people can tell you their weight in kilograms, and their height in feet, and if they can't give you kilograms they can probably give you stone instead, which is even older than pounds, which nobody uses as a unit of measurement, probably because of the confusion between lbs and £...

It's a glorious mess.

Koras , Charlotte May Report

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Roxy Eastland
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a glorious mess, and I love how well we do it. When I'm buying meat or fruit and veg by weight I ask for the amount that's less words to say. If I want a certain amount I'll ask for 'a pound' because it's less effort to say than 'five hundred grammes' but if I want twice as much I'll ask for 'a kilo' because it's less effort to think about than 'two pounds'.

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One of the people who kick-started this discussion, u/monitonik, is known in real life as Monika Mazunaite, and she got interested in the topic when she was simply sitting in her room, browsing YouTube. "I was looking for something to watch and ended up scrolling through YouTube shorts, finding myself in a r/AskReddit wormhole, listening to different questions and answers," Monika told Bored Panda.

"Eventually, I got inspiration from other Redditors' questions, and the question I posted popped into my head randomly. My brain generated it in an instant and I didn't think it would get as much attention as it did. So I'm very happy with everyone's input!"

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After going through the answers, she learned that people from all over the world have so many different traditions, they often don't even realize how unique their cultures are. "It was all really interesting. I think that countries in Asia and in Oceania have the most unique customs, such as going to the shops barefoot!"

#2

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Eating with our hands.

In 1969 (the same year the man landed on the moon), Miss Gloria Diaz coveted the Philippines' first Miss Universe Crown. During the preliminary Q&A, she was asked "Is it true that you Filipinos use your hand when you eat?" To which she replied "Why? Do you use your feet?" and went her way to winning the crown.

NorqMarash , Tim Samuel Report

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

I used to lodge with a Bangladeshi family and the elegance with which they could all eat a curry and rice with their hands was inspiring. So neatly done. I make more mess using cutlery (as my jumpers will bear out).

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#3

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World I teach in Japan, but grew up in America. The other day my students asked me wide-eyed if Americans really wear their shoes inside. I told them yes and that sometimes my dad would cross his legs like this while we sat on the sofa and I could touch the bottom of his shoes. They were super grossed out. “Eew, why would you wear shoes inside! That’s so dirty!” These kids are 2nd graders so it starts pretty young.

coffeecatmint , cottonbro Report

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southon avatar
Bobert Robertson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never understood this. It's way more comfortable without them so why wear them when you don't need to?

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

When I was young most people wore shoes indoors because few people had slippers; only young children went barefoot. I was unusual in that I didn’t wear shoes at home because I was more comfortable without them. Nowadays my family take our shoes off at home for comfort though most people who post about it are hung up on the hygiene/cleanliness aspect to an obsessional extent that I find worrying! Even now I wouldn’t take my shoes off in someone else’s house unless it’s a close friend, or I’m invited too as it’s kind of over familiar.

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

In Poland we offer our guests "guest slippers". You can only walk in wearing shoes if the host asks you to leave them on, at least 3 times (one is definitely just being nice)

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

I also think wearing outside shoes in the house is gross, but the idea of guest slippers is also gross imho. I'd rather just bring my own.

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

I am american, it really just depends on your preferences. I don't wear my shoes inside because it tracks in dirt and neither does anyone I know, but maybe other people do that I havn't met.

susannaental_1 avatar
Dynein
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure it's about climate and how you get around outside. Dry climate and you mostly drive by car? There's only minute dirt on the shoes anyway. Rainy climate and you walk around a lot outside? There's visible dirt on the shoes so often that wearing them inside seems asinine.

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

We have door mats, and wipe our shoes on them to get dirt off before coming inside—-where there’s an additional indoor mat to wipe them again. However, really dirty shoes and rain/snow boots are always removed just inside the door. In other words, we’re not stomping around our homes tracking in all the dirt and yuck from outside. So calm TF down.

dariab_1 avatar
Daria B
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's gross indeed, but I wish people thought about the varieties of this kind of lifestyle. There's many homes in some European countries, where, although we can wear shoes inside, you never ever put your shoes wearing feet on your bed, chair, sofa etc (unless in life threatening emergencies, where you have to act quick, but how likey are these scenarios to happen anyway). Also, there's homes with a separate home-only footwear. I know this is about America, but, when they attribute American stereotypes to you who have never even been there, just because of your face, you feel the need to speak up.

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

I have tile floors now, and I always had a lot of rescued senior animals about. If you walk barefoot in my house, you risk stepping in a puddle... or worse. I have a pair of crocs for inside, and a pair for outside. I change at the door. Even though I scrub my floors every day with bleach and hot water, I still prefer not to go barefoot inside. Also, my plantar fasciitis immediately improved.

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

I keep seeing people say that about Americans but i have never worn shoes in the house and neither have any of the people I have spent time with. Unless it's a semi formal dinner party or something.

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

In Canada most, not all homes, you're expected to take your shoes off. You will most likely get glares if you don't and be politely reminded to do so.

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

Yep. Most homes in any nation I've been to, excepting those where scorpions/venomous spiders may be common, and that's not even universal, either.

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

I'm American, I don't wear shoes inside. Most homes I go into don't either.

ajones_1 avatar
A Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I grew up with wearing socks or going barefoot at home. I was born and grew up in the US. It's just a thing to keep floors clean and reduce spread of germs. I still practice this as an adult. I have a place next to my door that's tiled that collects all footwear. Seasonal stuff not in use is cleaned, bagged, and stored away. I think it's different among families though.

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demdan avatar
Dem Dan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never understood doing this, or never understood foreigner telling this lie?

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

As an American, neither I nor any of my friends or relatives do this... so I'm I'm little confused where this rumor comes from... I mean, there are old western paintings of front porches with boots all lined up by the door... I don't know what to tell you.

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

Hollywood movies obviously. Americans even wear shoes on bed in movies.

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

I'm in the us and I don't do that, an a lot of my friends don't either. It really depends on the family.

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

Not everyone wears their shoes inside in the US. Plenty of us also find this disgusting.

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

Thats a huge generalization though. I would argue that a large percentage of US households also take their shoes of indoors.

jknbt2 avatar
jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the only time you have to take off your shoes is if you stepped in dog poop on the front sidewalk before coming in... dog_poop-6...847648.jpg dog_poop-616d120847648.jpg

roly54 avatar
Lynne Harbison
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who wants to track into the house...animal faeces, urine and god knows what else?

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aubergine10003
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't wear my shoes inside - nor does anyone else in my apartment building. yes I'm in the US

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jk nbt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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

I'm American, and my household does not wear shoes in the house. That's gross. We don't even wear the same clothes we wore outside of the house. We put our "comfy clothes" on as soon as we get home.

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

yes, everyone in america wears their shoes 24/7 indoors at home. eyeroll.

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

In Hawaii and many parts of California where the Asian populations are high, shoes are not worn inside

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

It's also common in the UK but for me, after living abroad and getting used to taking off my shoes when I come in, it made more sense and I still do it now.

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

asia is pretty much the only region that doesnt use shoes indoors. so they are the "odd" ones. i for one stopped wearing shoes indoors (mexico). saves me a lot of mopping and c**p

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

More and more Americans are not wearing shoes inside, my family included. I have bad allergies so it helps.:)

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

people wipe their feet when they enter a house, so the shoe issue seems recent to me.

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

Before there were municipal sewers in cities, the streets were the sewers and you did not want to track the street into your home. Streets are a lot cleaner these days...unless people walking their dogs leave their messes.

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

In Spain we sometimes wear outside shoes inside too, but putting them in the couch is a big NO

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

I thought it was normal until my best friends' British parents told me otherwise

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Llama_flower93
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, what's the benefit to wearing shoes inside? And do you put your shoes on your furniture?

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

Because many shoes are difficult to take on and off, and there is no place dedicated to it in most homes, basically.

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

Why is it gross? Is it gross to be outside in bare feet? I've never gotten sick from my floor. The grossness is in your head. Not in in reality.

lchaney36 avatar
Linny H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know know a lot of people that think wearing shoes indoors is gross. I always do though. I HATE stepping on a crumb or drop of water. American btw.

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

If there is a load of shoes at someone's door either culturally or otherwise, I take my shoes off. In my house either or. Doesn't put me up nor down.

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

We take off shoes in my home. We have house slippers for those who don't like to show feet.

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

I think it depends on where you live in America. We wear our shoes in the house. Unless they are wet or muddy. If you want I will take my shoes off at your house but your floors better be immaculate. If my feet get gritty or my white socks change color I am going to let you know it

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

Yeah I don't get that with you yanks I've even seen yous hoping onto your bed with shoes on lol

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

World is pretty divided on this topic surprisingly, like we don't have enough.

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

Ohhh thts true ww Asian keep our shoes outside.... our heart screams out loud when we see people walking same shoe thy wore outside

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

like.... waaaaaiiiiitttt..... Yeah I do not wear shoes at home, because I like going barefoot but.... The main thing to point out is... we do not wearing shoes that we came from outside, we change them for slippers which is meant to be wear at home... adn it is for our healt, because many people do not know this, but most common cause of you getting a cold is going barefoot on cold floor.

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

"It starts young." What, common sense? It makes zero sense to wear your shoes in your house. Tracking in all kinds of dirt, debris, poop and everything else into your house-- why? It's more comfortable with your shoes off, right? Why add to all the cleaning you have to do? Sorry, but wearing your shoes indoors is indeed gross.

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

we don't do that in my house. I have some Korean blood on my mums side, and one time when I walked inside without taking my shoes off, my mon said "take your shoes off. were white, but were not that white."

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

Please excuse my ignorance, many people call this gross. But why is is gross to use shoes indoors? I just want to understand the reason behind this?

demdan avatar
Dem Dan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From the US. I do not know one single person who wears their shoes inside.

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

Most people who wear shoes inside have mats at doorways to clean shoes off. I too do not like shoes inside, but have a pair I wear inside only.

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

It is dirty. In the UK, most remove their shoes after going in the door. Even guests sometimes. I think it's incredibly rude if guests don't remove their shoes when they come to my home, but I wouldn't insist that they do

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

In the Netherlands it's also quite common in a lot of houses to keep your shoes on. Only if they're not full with dirt. And mostly only downstairs. But the rules differ per house. Some people don't allow it and others let you keep you shoes on if you like as a guest. For me I have an easy to clean floor and a dog so I mostly don't mind if visitors keep on their shoes.

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

I don't wear shoes in my house but I know many people who do and there are also people who get really mad when asked to remove their shoes. It's as if you insulted them.

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

I like to walk barefoot in the house. Even in winter. And, no, we don’t have underfloor heating. Sometimes I wear non slip bedsox. Husband wears slippers inside.

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

In my country a lot of people wore slippers in the house. 😊

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

I mean, it's gross but like if i need to have shoes on to help concentrate better on my work T-T

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

I find it weird if someone expects guests to remove their shoes. I’ve got a friend who always asks that shoes be removed and they have marble floors. After a few visits with freezing feet I learned to take slippers with me.

andy_58 avatar
Andy Saputo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You must not live in an area that gets snow. In those areas it's inconsiderate to track snow/water all over the house. Shoes get left in the mud room or on a plastic tray that catches the water.

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

Not completely true. As the US is made up of immigrants, most of those immigrants still practice removing shoes inside. I know I do in my house. But yeah, most "mayflower immigrants" do that, for some reason.

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

You do not have to go to Japan to find societies who think that's gross.

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

I always take mine off too. So disgusting if you think about what your shoes walk thru in day. I make guest take them off too. I warn them first before they come over that I have that rule. Nobody ever complained and if they did, out you go! My house My rules.

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

My family has never worn shoes in the house neither did my husband's family. We both grew up on farms so you enter into a mud room to take all your stuff off before coming inside.

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

taking your shoes off make cleaning a lot easier...specially i muddy weather

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

But why, Americans? Pavements covered with spit and dog pee and you bring all that muck home? Are you lazy or you don´t care?

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However, there are concerns that the efficiency and appeal of wireless communications, electronic commerce, popular culture, and international travel — globalization — have been making the human experience essentially the same wherever you look at it. But although homogenizing influences do exist, this is probably an overstatement and we're far, far away from creating anything akin to a single world culture.

What we do see is the emergence of global subcultures. Arguments have been put forth that a rudimentary version of world culture is taking shape among certain individuals who share similar values, aspirations, or lifestyles. The result, according to these comments, is a collection of elite groups whose unifying ideals transcend geographical limitations.

According to The Clash of Civilizations (1998) by political scientist Samuel Huntington, the "Davos" culture is a perfect example of this phenomenon. It comprises of an elite group of highly educated people who operate in the rarefied domains of international finance, media, and diplomacy, and these insiders share common beliefs about individualism, democracy, and market economics. They are said to follow a recognizable lifestyle, are instantly identifiable anywhere in the world, and feel more comfortable in each other's presence than they are among their less sophisticated compatriots.

But supporters of globalization argue that it has the potential to make this world a better place to live in and solve some of the deep-seated problems like unemployment and poverty. I wonder, can we have the best of both worlds?

#4

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Scottish here. We deep-fry our pizzas. No even sorry. Tasty wee bastards.

MustardTigerPOW , Wikimedia.Commons Report

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

The Italian side of my ethnicity feels sorry for that poor tortured pizza. u.u (Jokes aside, it might even taste good, but I don't think my stomach would survive this)

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#5

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World United States.
The cracks that are just wide enough to be able to see in and out of public restroom stalls. I’ve heard it’s thought of as weird since many other countries enjoy the luxury of privacy.

B1yPhon3 , 36021787982 Report

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

As a Canadian, when these types of lists are published I think everyone forgets we are not part of the United States. 75% of the "weird" stuff about the U.S. exists here too, like these gaps. I just stuff a length of toilet paper in there, not because I have anything to hide, but it's weird to make random eye contact with someone when you're pooping

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#6

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Norway.
Leaving your baby alone outside for their nap, even if it rains or snows.

e_ph , Marcin Jozwiak Report

#7

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World US.
Taxes. We have this weird system where the government really kind of knows what we should pay, but they offer us an opportunity to guess and maybe pay the right thing, but if we don't pay the right thing, we get penalized. I remember listening to a podcast where people all over the world were super confused about how the US does taxes. Most other places the government sends you a bill, and you pay it, and you're done.

seanzorio , Karolina Grabowska Report

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Q B F T
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked in the UK for a time. Tax was automatically taken from the monthly wage payment. Say what you want about that country, but that bit seemed pretty well put together.

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#8

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World India.
We have matrimonial ads in newspapers and sites to find grooms and brides which I think don't happen in western countries and they find it strange. The ads are mostly published by parents. It's like tinder supervised by parents.

boss_bj , Roman Kraft Report

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Sapna Sarfare
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are the best source for amusement. The demands are amazing and quite specific.

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#9

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Direct democracy in Switzerland. It often baffles me when I read what the government can pull off in other countries without ever involving the population. Like...yea, you get to elect representatives but it often seems to me that those people then elect someone who elects someone who elects someone...is it really still democracy if you're about five steps removed from the actual decisions?

SyrusDrake , Edmond Dantès Report

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

the people who came up with representative government say they don't want "mob rule" since open democratic town hall meetings where everyone has an equal vote tend to turn into a shouting match followed by mob violence and riots. What they are really afraid of is that they will lose control. It is much easier to control a small group of representatives than the people at large. It's a control thing, based on the "Golden Rule". The Golden Rule says he that has the gold makes the rules.

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#10

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World UK.
Whole restaurants cheering when a plate or glass is smashed. Once was in a Canadian bar/restaurant on holiday and a waiter dropped a tray of glasses, the local looked horrified when i was out of my seat screaming “wheyyyyyy”

owen-sksk , cottonbro Report

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

We yell "Taxi" when that happens. It's a joke insinuating that someone has knocked a glass over coz they have drank too much so they need a taxi to get home.

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#11

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Poland.
In my friend's country, Easter is when gangs of boys roam the countryside, pouring water over girls and beating them (gently) with sticks. The girls then have to thank them for it.

I thought that was pretty weird.

himit , Wikimedia.Commons Report

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Paweł Wojtaszko
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pole here. It's a tradition that symbolises washing off dirt, diseases and sins at the end of winter time, when spring comes around. Nowadays, the tradition is mostly gone, and instead pouring water on girls, they are sprinkled with perfume.

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#12

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Moldova.
A short while ago they stopped selling alcohol after 10pm. At some stores you couldn't even get non-alcoholic beer. What's weird tho is that wine is not considered alcoholic drink so you can buy it anytime. Welcome to Moldova

SergiuNegara , Breakingpic Report

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Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And in Iceland alcohol was banned between 1915 and 1989. Apparently all the elves were getting rowdy and boisterous when they'd had a drink. And that just had to stop.

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#13

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World There's this sport in Finland called eukonkanto, where men participate in running a specific distance, all while carrying their wife or girlfriend. Winner gets their woman's weight in beer.

VenenoG , Steve Jurvetson Report

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Robert T
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TIL I learnt the correct name for "wife-carrying" as a sport

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#14

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World South Africa.
Being middle-class with a property having a 6' wall, electric fencing linked to an alarm, automated gate and garage doors (with security clamps over the gate motor to prevent theft of the motor), security gates over every door, burglar bars, and a house alarm system with infra-red sensors linked to armed response with a reaction time of under 3-4 minutes.

Claidheamhmor , https://www.pexels.com/photo/silver-security-camera-207574/ Report

#15

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Germany.
Legal drinking age of beer and wine is 16

Pablomablo1 , BENCE BOROS Report

#16

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World In Japan, there are public toilets in a few places where after urinating, you can opt to view a general health assessment report.

Family-456 , Buchen WANG Report

#17

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Latin America.
Putting broken glass bottles on the walls around your house so burglars cant jump it and rob you. I moved to Canada and they don't even have walls around the houses!

jvcscasio , shep45612 Report

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Roxy Eastland
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't allowed in the UK anymore. While the right wing press like to whinge about burglars having too many human rights, it's basically because anyone might need to, or actually, vault that wall, such as the emergency services or a passerby being a good Samaritan, and it isn't the luxury of anyone to cause that level of injury.

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#18

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World UK.
A teeny tiny nation with atleast 50 different accents.

sereneskys , mentatdgt Report

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Kira Okah
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, England alone has over 100 English dialects and several languages that each have their own way of speaking. 50 accents doesn't even cover half of England let alone Scotland, Wales, and NI (who also have multiple dialects and accents themselves).

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#19

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World NZ, going to the shops without shoes

Taneatua , mhrezaa Report

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Amy Dodds
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My fiancée has been known to go to the shop over the road in just his dressing gown. Once, I even got a cheeky moon.

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#21

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Canada.
No fences between houses. It's almost considered rude to put up a fence.

tandoori_taco_cat , Snapwire Report

#22

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Finland.
Strangers sitting totally naked skin to skin in a steamy room heated to +80 to +100C... and us having competitions on who can last the longest in there.

SinisterCheese , HUUM Report

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Roxy Eastland
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found the sauna culture really healthy for society when I was in Finland. It is very normal for young children to go into the sauna, for example at the swimming pool, and see naked adults of their sex of all ages, shapes and sizes. Amongst family and friends they are going to be comfortable around naked bodies of all sexes and experience everyone treated all shapes and sizes as perfectly normal and not worthy of comment. People don't care that their significant other was naked in a sauna with other people, and so on. Not saying Finland is perfect or there's no problems, but I found that part of the culture admirable.

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#23

US.
Pharmaceutical commercials

Pharmaceutical commercials Report

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Robert T
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a bit vague. If you mean for prescription-only medicines, then USA. If you mean that the TV is full of ads for over-the-counter remedies, then Poland would be very high on that list. And they're not complete without someone in a white coat and a disclaimer that is in such tiny text you can't really read it and usually it is repeated by the world speed-talking champion!

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#24

UK.
Walking all over the countryside along ancient footpaths (as well as bridleways and byways, and a lot of disused railway tracks that have been designated as footpaths). These paths often go across privately owned land; the landowners are required by law to keep the paths clear, and if they put up a fence to provide a gate.

If you're walking with a dog, you're expected to keep it under control around livestock and when the path crosses a road, but otherwise it's just accepted that dogs are going to run around sniffing everything.

BillybobThistleton Report

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

I know where this is, but wondering if anyone not from there can actually identify it. It is something called "the right to roam".

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#25

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World China.
Boiled Coca Cola with lemon and ginger.

Duraxyll , Robyn Lee Report

#26

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World South America.
Having dinner late.
Usually around 9 pm.

sorude27 , Jason Leung Report

#27

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World In university we thump the tables to "applaud" our professors. Instead of actually applauding. Or doing nothing.

During my exchange semester everyone not from Germany was looking at me confused why I did this.

Toffelhunter , Pixabay Report

#28

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Saudi Arabia.
Until recently, no women drivers.

eromab , Dids Report

#29

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Australia.
Putting cable ties, branches, fake eyes etc on helmets, buckets and hats in spring time to scare away the birds. Magpies are vicious bastards

LostBetweenthePages , Wikimedia.Commons Report

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

Only 10% of Australian Magpies swoop and for about 6 weeks every year during nesting season. They aren't vicious, they are protecting their chicks. They don't do it just to be assholes. It's not that common for people to put deterrents on their helmets/hats. They are extremely intelligent birds and are good at remembering people's faces. They also have beautiful sing song called carolling. And FYI that magpie pictured is NOT an Australian magpie.

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#30

30 Peculiar Things That Seem Normal In Some Countries, But Not In The Rest Of The World Bavaria.
Drinking beer before 12 o‘clock and seeing it as part of the culture

pflanzensindgeil , Hana Mara Report

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

Typical of Bavarians to consider themselves an independent county (the Texas of Germany, folks)!

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