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30 “Obvious Signs” To Identify An American In The Crowd, According To Non-Americans
An estimated 700 million tourists traveled internationally in 2022 between January and September, which is more than double (+133%) the number recorded for the same period in 2021.
As the sector rebounds from the pandemic, we can once again go abroad (or have people visit us) and observe the peculiar ways of foreigners. This gives us insight into the world's cultural diversity, helping us understand how people from different backgrounds interact and behave in various environments.
One of the most talked-about nationalities is American. Due to the United States' global status, they are one of the most-traveled-to countries (5th) and biggest tourism spenders (2nd) on the planet.
So when recently Redditor Ermland2 asked other platform users to reveal what are some of the tell-tale signs that someone is from the US, many contributed. Continue scrolling to check out the submissions and upvote the ones you agree with. Let's see which is the most accurate!
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#1
From what I've been told by European friends and travellers, our complete and utter lack of an indoor voice.
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#2
An Italian told me that Americans walk confidently in the wrong direction.
#3
In Salzburg I went to grab something from the drug store. As I was checking out I said hello to the cashier (thinking there was very little difference between how I said it and how Austrians say it). She immediately started speaking to me in English and I asked her how she knew I spoke English.
She deadpan stared me in the eye and goes "hellloooo". I just about died laughing since I'm a very stereotypical friendly American that says hello exactly like that. One of my favorite memories from that trip.
Persephone hates Pomegranate 2 years ago
I just tested this on me, an American. I realized I do this too.
#4
They're wondering why everyone is speaking German. In Germany.
I wish I was making that up.
SilverIsGold 2 years ago
I am an American, and I can confirm that I would not ever make the mistake of this
#5
A smile on their face for no particular reason. Being friendly and encouraging even to strangers.
Lolly Gagger 2 years ago
They so are! When we were doing our travels it was always the Americans the were breaking the ice, starting the conversation, joining in, random hello when sitting nearby. I must say, as someone starved for adult, human interaction (and, hence, wastes a lot of time on BP) I love that.
#6
When they claim to be 1/8 German, 1/8 Irish, 1/16 Scottish 1/16 Spanish, 3/8 French and 1/4 Canadian
#7
I’ve always observed my US friends like to point at stuff while walking and say what it is….
We were out walking around Amsterdam recently and they were like ‘hey look it’s a smoke shop’…. ‘Oh look a sex shop’…. ‘Oh hey, it’s a prostitute’ …. ‘Look at the canal’…. ‘Wow it’s another prostitute’….. ‘another canal’ etc etc
It was like watching Netflix with Audio Descriptions turned on
#8
NOT wearing Speedos at the beach. And for this, I’d like to thank American men!
#9
Assuming something is about america on the internet because it isnt declared otherwise
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
But, but, whenever anyone NOT from America sees a story/comment about someone being offensive, or a weird thing they don't understand, they assume it's American XD
#10
If someone asks how far away something is, an American will tell how you long it takes to get there as opposed to a physical distance.
Pensive_Panda 2 years ago
Definitely true. Been in Cali all my life & we always speak in terms of time rather than distance. Our traffic is SO bad, we really need to determine/discuss how long it will take to get somewhere.
#11
According to the CIA- when training to be a spy- you have to unlearn how to lean. Americans tend to lean on things when standing still.
#12
Definitely the wit. I'm Asian, and I've talked to a lot of Americans, and one thing I've noticed about them is their sense of humor. I also watch a lot of American movies and have seen many humorous videos and memes from them, which is one of my favorite things ever lol. They're hilarious!
#13
To quote a Latvian woman I met at a hostel: you hear them coming like the thunder.
More often than not, if they’re talking and laughing louder than everyone else, they’re American.
Edit: I love my American neighbours! Sorry if I sounded rude. Canadians are also pretty loud when we get going.
#14
In Europe - being afraid to go to the ER or doctor's, anticipating a massive bill, even after you try to convince them that it's basically free.
#15
When I lived in Europe, people said only Americans eat while walking. I’d be eating a bagel or something on the way to work or class and multiple people asked if I was American lol
Zedrapazia 2 years ago
Not true, I've seen people walking and eating at the same time too in Switzerland where I live, Germany, Austria, Italy and Croatia. Even saw a guy buttering his jelly toast in the bus, then running out with it in his mouth.
#17
They want ice in their water.
Sherry Moore 2 years ago
What is the big deal with wanting a COLD drink. Try it in the summer it's amazingly good
#18
One American I've met was a bit stereotypical in some regards. He was on a biking tour from Sweden to Palestine, had an unusual beard, huge white teeth, was extremely friendly and a bit loud, and he literally carried a bucket of peanut butter with him because he said that was the most efficient way to carry energy for his travel.
I was an intern at a software company that just got bought by a huge American company (Warner I think) and one time some executives were visiting, walked through our office complimenting all the developers loudly and then disappeared again.
My general impression of Americans I've met in person is that it's difficult to see what you guys really think and feel, because you seem to hide it behind a layer of aggressive cheerfulness. So when I see someone radiating that, I expect them to be from the US.
#19
British man once told me he knew I was American because I was wearing a baseball cap backwards.
#21
When they say “Europe” and it could mean anything from Venice to Doncaster.
Marcos Valencia 2 years ago
Well, right now we're saying "Americans" and it could mean anybody from Maine to California.
#22
Drive from one shop to the next even if it is 50 meter by walk
censorshipsucks 2 years ago
it's because they are not sure what 50 metres is, and they are worried it might be 5.4 miles.
#23
I think they are generally friendly people, easy to talk to, accessible and welcoming. Would love to visit America. There is something quite old fashioned about the type I am speaking about. Hospitable, warm, helpful.
Sheila Stamey 2 years ago
Visit the southern part, especially NC, I can vouch for at least one Friendly Panda you might find there! But when you say the southern US, it's pretty big. My friends from overseas are usually astounded by the distance just from the airport to my house and the need for a rental car just to get around with any ease. If you want to explore a small town, like the one I live in, that's probably doable on foot, idk myself as I am mobility disabled. But people are really nice. I once had my postman, instead of having my mail in the box at the end of the street, come to my house and check on me because he hadn't seen me out and about per usual. For Christmas, he got cookies and a good gift card that year!
#24
I worked as a cashier in a touristic place in Paris, I always recognised Americans because they were kinda friendly to me and they always left tips.
#26
If they introduce themselves with the state that they’re from instead of just saying USA. That’s what my European friends always say haha.
IamMe 2 years ago (edited)
We do that, because the states can be very different from each other. Culturally, linguistically, geographically, everything. So, someone from, say, the bayous of Louisiana, is going to be very different from someone from, like, Utah. Or, like, New Jersey and California. Completely different places.
#27
Dunno in all context, but Americans in Europe stand out with their ceaseless optimism and enthusiasm.
#28
Retail worker here, not living in the US. I can generally spot an American because they greet me with "hey how are you?"... and since I usually have the standard "tired from life" retail worker expression at first I thought they were mocking me so i didn't know how to react. Took me a while to realize they weren't really expecting an answer lmao.
Mind you, might just be my personal experience but it's happened too many times for it to be a coincidence.
Paul Macdonell 2 years ago
Asking someone how they are is a polite greeting. I find Europeans can learn a lot from (North and South) Americans when it comes to politness. Some Americans are rude, as with any nationality, but mostly I find Americans genuinely friendly.
#29
Amazed by things which are more than 200 years old, presumably because they don't have many things that old in the USA.
Quite often on the heavy side weight-wise (sorry!)
Hand-held fans, maybe because air conditioning is very common in the USA.
Alex Martin 2 years ago
I still remember being on a tour in Italy, we were in the older part of a city and they were talking about the "new" bridge and how it was built in the 1400s. That new bridge is older than the European presence in the Americas. It's older than the Inca, built during the height of the Aztecs. And that bridge was built by your ancestors. How can we not be amazed by that?
#30
Extremely white bleached teeth.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
Only the ones who can afford dental. And a Passport. And a ticket and a hotel, you get where I'm going...
#31
They smile at strangers.
Thegoodboi 2 years ago (edited)
Just depends on the person I guess. You will get a smile, maybe not a toothy smile, and a head nod from me. And yes I do care how you're doing, no fakeness :). I understand it varies in different countries and I do my homework to try not to offend anyone!
#32
Not caring what I wear or look like when I go out…I heard recently that Europeans don’t go out of the house in their pajamas?? Not sure if that’s true or not, but it seems like it would be an American thing to not care if you look like s**t 😂
#33
My partner's Italian mother absolutely couldn't get over the idea of seeing people walk around holding coffees, especially iced coffee. Long coffees instead of espresso is weird enough, but the idea of sitting at a café and not just finishing your coffee before you leave!
#34
They dont know 24 hour clock or meters / metres. Or for the first point, they call it "military time".
Geoffrey Scott 2 years ago
I LOVE time change! Change the time in my wife's vehicle to 24 clock. We will be driving and she would say "it's fifteen o'clock..that's not riiight"
#35
How much personal space they give themselves. Americans like at LEAST an arm length.
Roman Hans 2 years ago
Can confirm -- and thank God for that. Here in Germany if you're waiting in line & move two inches backward you'll hit the person behind you. I'm always like, "Dude, I've had s@x with people who were farther away."
#36
When I lived in Spain, the barista at Starbucks immediately knew I was American because how polite I was. I asked him how he knew I was American and he told me, “In Spain, we don’t usually respond with ‘Good, and you.’ Americans are so polite whereas Spaniards will just say ‘Give me my coffee.’”
So, I stopped responding nicely and baristas wouldn’t speak to me in English anymore. Culture clash!!!
Edit: since my comment is making some people angry, I just want to clarify and say that my story only really applies to a niche people in Spain. This does not represent the whole country. Just a few rude bad apples. For the most part, people in the country are nice and people in the city too. The barista was simply remarking on Americans and out penchant to be overly polite. Customer service have to deal with a lot of rude and unkind people, same in America.
Jeremy James 2 years ago
A friend of mine back in California used to travel to Bali a lot for work. She's always very friendly with baristas, that's how we met. One day, the Bali Starbucks crew asked her, "J**, we want to work on our English. What's a normal way to greet a customer in America?" And she told them, "Fabulous to meet you!" I don't know if that's how you'll be greeted at Starbucks in Bali to this day, but the thought tickles me.
#37
The accent usually gives it away
Drinking my Covfefe 2 years ago
Everyone in the US knows Immediately I am from Minnesota when I talk🤣
#38
In my homestay in London, I was told that I was "so American" for enjoying a piece of cake for breakfast (not frosted cake, but like a nuts and dried fruit spiced coffeecake kind of thing). Apparently that's exclusively for like a 4pm snack, and breakfast is more of a savory meal.
Marcos Valencia 2 years ago
Cake is a regular breakfast for me the day after a birthday party at home.
#39
Athleisure clothing.
#40
They ask for ranch.
#41
Having the expectation public toilets are free.
Sharkbaithoohaha 2 years ago
Because they are here in the USA. Why should it cost anything to leave something behind?
#42
This was a few years ago, but my dad always said, “If they wear white tennis shoes and laugh in public, they are from the US.” Everyone we ever stopped to ask ended up being American. We could spot them across the plaza.
#44
They open the door for the people behind them.
Sue From Michigan 2 years ago
Why would anyone not do this? You mean it's proper to let the door slam in someone's face behind you?
#45
Wearing shorts and a hoodie when it’s less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit outside
#46
Ask "so what do you do?" right after meeting someone. Not a faux pas or anything, just something that seems to be more important to Americans (Canadians as well).
#47
They measure things in inches and yards and talk about the weather in Fahrenheit.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
That's... because... that's our measurement system here? So no duh that's how you spot an American abroad? XD
#48
My wife is Brazilian with Italian heritage. She loves Americans and thinks we are unique. However we have had the discussion about how we showcase indifference too much on what should have passion… and also how we focus on achievement over simply enjoying the passage of time….That to us time is focused on living to work not working to live.
#49
Tactical sunglasses.
Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa) 2 years ago
Like wrap arounds? Never heard th term "tactical sunglasses before" and I've lived here my entire life.
#50
When eating, we switch the knife to our right hand for cutting. I went on a trip to Europe once to meet an old online friend who pointed this out to me, and sure enough no one else in the restaurant did this. Now it's obvious, but before that I'd never have given it a 2nd thought.
#51
Wearing outside shoes in their house
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
No American I know wears outside shoes in the house. That's just disgusting.
#52
Their communication skills tend to be above average I have found. Well at least in Australia when I meet them
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Americans who can afford to vacation in Australia usually were given a better education than the average American.
#53
"How's your day going?" or "how are you doing?" in completely random circumstances
#54
As an American who has lived overseas, I could immediately pick out Americans in a crowd by how they pronounce the letter r. It's such a hard sound it sticks out like a sore thumb.
#55
While visiting Turkey I was told that I looked American because I was sitting with one leg across the other, and the bottom of my shoe was exposed. Apparently it’s rude idk
#57
Getting on a first-name basis with someone as soon as you meet them. Americans are a lot more informal compared to some other nations, especially with how you address people.
shawna Reich 2 years ago
its bad etiquette to call teacher by first name but the friendships are sincere while in class. outside of class i would run into my teacher and still call them by mr or mrs
#58
Someone asked if I was American in a group setting and someone spoke before me and said, "of course look at his teeth, most Americans get braces" and I was like well s**t
#59
Being able to talk about racism and not sweep it under the rug.
Roman Hans 2 years ago
Some countries claim they have no racism when in fact (1) they do but justify it, or (2) they don't have many minority residents so they haven't even started the discussion yet.
#60
An Italian told me they could tell I was American because I wore my sunglasses on the top of my head when I wasn’t using them.
#61
Crew socks
What do you think ?
Rocco MZ 2 years ago
I'll add that I live in an American town very popular with European tourists and we can spot you a mile away, we just don't judge you for it. Our town is actually know for how much we embrace tourists. Many times I have ended up talking to a foreigner and given them tips about what else to do and see and have often befriended them and taken them on walking tours to show them things they may not see as a tourist. Imagine just being nice to the people helping to feed your economy.
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
The tone on every US article is "ew, yuck" but if it's anywhere else, "oh, how quaint". And if anyone's traveled at all ----- people are people anywhere. It's unfortunate, but true. Been many times outside the US in Canada, Latin America, Europe, and it's pretty much... everyone's got their traffic, their crazy stuff, the food that someone else can't think of without gagging, some excuses to make for their nation, it's the same same same. The only thing that changes is the language it's done in, in my experience.
Caro Caro 2 years ago
I'm going to post this again. I can spot an American tourist, a Dutch tourist, an Indonesian tourist, a,a,a,a bla bla bla miles away. So frigging what. I've met many a******s on my travels - from all countries. I have found Americans to be positive and polite. You are welcome here anytime Leo.
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Rocco MZ 2 years ago
I'll add that I live in an American town very popular with European tourists and we can spot you a mile away, we just don't judge you for it. Our town is actually know for how much we embrace tourists. Many times I have ended up talking to a foreigner and given them tips about what else to do and see and have often befriended them and taken them on walking tours to show them things they may not see as a tourist. Imagine just being nice to the people helping to feed your economy.
Leo Domitrix 2 years ago
The tone on every US article is "ew, yuck" but if it's anywhere else, "oh, how quaint". And if anyone's traveled at all ----- people are people anywhere. It's unfortunate, but true. Been many times outside the US in Canada, Latin America, Europe, and it's pretty much... everyone's got their traffic, their crazy stuff, the food that someone else can't think of without gagging, some excuses to make for their nation, it's the same same same. The only thing that changes is the language it's done in, in my experience.
Caro Caro 2 years ago
I'm going to post this again. I can spot an American tourist, a Dutch tourist, an Indonesian tourist, a,a,a,a bla bla bla miles away. So frigging what. I've met many a******s on my travels - from all countries. I have found Americans to be positive and polite. You are welcome here anytime Leo.
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