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Even in a world full of diversity, it’s often surprisingly easy to guess where someone is from: if you know what to look for. The way they talk, walk, or even dress can tell an entire cultural story

On Reddit, someone asked, “Non-Americans, what immediately screams ‘I’m an American?’” The answers were hilarious and spot-on, from always asking for ranch dressing to joking about suing over everything. Keep scrolling to see all the quirks and behaviors that make Americans instantly recognizable!

#1

American flags waving outside tall buildings, representing a common scene in the college experience in the USA. This weird assumption that "The Constitution" is some kind of globally recognized universal charter of legislation. Other countries have their own constitutions, even the developed ones, and they differ from the American one.

Your arguments about "muh constitutional rights" don't hold when you're at a bar in Norway.

dd68516172c58d63f802 , Tom Nora Report

General Anaesthesia
Community Member
1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They often don't hold when you're at a bar in the US either. You do not have a constitutional right to bother me about an extended warranty.

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    #2

    Oh, I'm Irish, my great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great grandfather ate a potato once.

    anon Report

    Kristy Marion
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one is so weird to me. I think once you're second generation, you identify as being from the place your parents were born, with a healthy dose of your ancestors. "I'm second generation American, with Irish ancestors"

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    #3

    A bizarre aversion to socialized medical care.

    A_BadNews_Bear Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have never understood this, and it is the main reason we moved from the US (the political climate being the other reason).

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    The United States isn’t just big, it’s everywhere. Its influence stretches across politics, the economy, the military, and even pop culture, making it one of the most recognized superpowers on the planet. With around 335 million people calling it home, it’s the third most populous country in the world, which means Americans are impossible to miss. Whether they’re walking down the street, chatting in a cafe, or traveling abroad, their habits and quirks tend to stand out. From the way they talk to the way they carry themselves, there’s a whole style that’s uniquely American.

    #4

    Calling something communism/socialism when it isn't.

    Kapten-N Report

    Kristy Marion
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really, really think, in this current political climate in the US, there should be a very, very simplified pamphlet dropped to all US citizens with an easy to use guide on the different meanings of socialism, fascism, Nazism, communism, cultism etc, because I dont think these philosophies mean what alot of Americans think do

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    #5

    Young man in winter jacket with backpack exploring outdoors, capturing the college experience and American travel vibes. I was taking a walking tour in Ireland once and the guide mentioned Notre Dame for some reason. This American guy tried to correct her pronunciation as Not-er Daym, not Not-re Daam. It was a wildly uncomfortable few minutes.

    _elysses_ , Jametlene Reskp Report

    #6

    Three diverse college students chatting casually on a couch, showing the college experience and American lifestyle. Calling all black People African American
    like we come from different places and have different cultures.

    Horror-mrs , freepik Report

    DragonsFox
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Older generations were taught that this was the polite way to describe people. I *think* people are realizing it’s ok to say someone is Black. (Yes I am whiter than a vampire. I’m just trying to be informative.)

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    Now, a lot of these American traits feel familiar thanks to TV shows and movies we’ve all seen. Whether it’s the way Penny chats in The Big Bang Theory or how the group from Friends goofs around, we get little glimpses of everyday American life. And now, with social media, spotting these habits has never been easier, people love sharing them, just like in this post. It’s like getting a peek behind the curtain of what makes Americans, well, unmistakably American.

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    #7

    Three college students with backpacks and notebooks smiling outside a historic campus building, capturing the college experience. Saying “sophomore, senior,” etc.

    butterybakedpotato , bokodi Report

    #8

    Person in business attire at desk with gavel, representing judgment and decision-making in the college experience. "You should sue them.".

    timeboxparadox , Getty Images Report

    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My name is Sue and I feel this is insulting to me - I am going to sue you.

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    #9

    Flags are cool and everything...just don't understand worshipping it.

    chickenfatnono Report

    Data1001
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm an American, and if there's one thing my country is good at, it's propaganda. Flag worship is indoctrinated on a daily basis in our schools with the Pledge of Allegiance, then at all sporting events where you must sing the national anthem while facing the flag and holding your hand over your heart, and things like Flag Day, plus all the merchandising which directly supports that propaganda (flags on t-shirts, flags on stickers, flags on everything). And as a result, a lot of the populace has eaten up that propaganda like candy.

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    One thing people instantly notice about Americans is their tipping culture. Walk into a restaurant or grab a coffee, and those little prompts asking for 15% or 20% tips seem unavoidable. But surprisingly, not all Americans are fans of it. According to Pew Research, more people actually oppose businesses suggesting tip amounts than support it. About 40% aren’t on board, while only 24% like the idea. So while tipping feels like a given to outsiders, many Americans prefer it to remain optional. It’s part culture, part choice, and a little bit of etiquette mixed together. 

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    #10

    America is the world (duh?!) and they just use an American location/state abbreviation.

    American: "I'm in CA."

    Rest of the world: "Where the hell is CA? Canada?".

    yk003 Report

    Stephanie Did It
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also: Addressing the locals in the country you're visiting as "foreigners"

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    #11

    Mm/dd/yyyy.

    Spooginho Report

    Rafael
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one drives me nuts because it isn't always clear - 11/10/2025 could go either way. I myself use YYYY-MM-DD. Yes, I work in tech :-)

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    #12

    Bottle of Hidden Valley ranch dressing on a grocery store shelf, common in the college experience of Americans. Asking for ranch dressing.

    Biblelicious , Willis Lam Report

    DeoManus Argentem
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Cool Ranch" Doritos are the superior Dorito. Fight me. Other than those, I (American) don't think I've ever had ranch. The perception that Americans are obsessed with ranch is cute and funny - I'll take it over pretty much any other of the stereotypes, lol!

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    In fact, automatic service charges get even more pushback. Roughly seven-in-ten adults (72%) oppose businesses adding automatic tips or fees to the bill, no matter the size of the group. Half of them strongly oppose it, and only 10% actually favor the practice. So while Americans are generous tippers, they also like having control over when and how much they give. It’s a delicate balance between maintaining tradition, rewarding service, and not feeling pressured. For many, tipping is about choice and fairness rather than obligation.

    #13

    Young woman driving a car, wearing a seatbelt and shielding her eyes from sunlight, representing the college experience. “I drove myself to the hospital”.

    anon , stefamerpik Report

    #14

    Group of friends enjoying coffee and sharing a high-five during a casual college experience indoors. Anything. But at 20-30 decibels louder than anyone else around them.

    iamonlyfour , Toa Heftiba Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So true. Sat in a train with a bunch of Americans, about 4 rows away. I know their families, know what issues they have and what their plans for Thanksgiving are.

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    #15

    "Hey guys, I need minor surgery, can y'all GoFund me a trillion dollars??".

    proflight27 Report

    #16

    Person holding a carton of brown eggs in a grocery store aisle representing the college experience in America European friend: why do you guys drive so much? Such a waste of gas.
    American: I’m usually not in the mood to spend over an hour to get eggs from the store.
    European friend: then why don’t you move closer to where everything is?
    American: Then I won’t have money for those eggs.

    tobydiah , ryzhovs Report

    When it comes to deciding how much to tip, the quality of service takes center stage. Around three-quarters of adults (77%) say the service they receive is the main factor in determining both whether they tip and how much. Nothing else comes close, things like mood, size of the bill, or peer pressure hardly register. And it’s not just in the U.S.; globally, people tend to tip based on service quality above all else. So while tipping may seem like a rule, it’s really a personal reflection of appreciation. Good service earns good tips, plain and simple.

    #17

    Assuming everyone else is American in the comment section. I see it all the time here on Reddit or on YouTube.

    thijscasper123 Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The world is American and we are just foreign visitors to them.

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    #18

    Asking, on Reddit, where to buy something but not indicating what country they’re from.

    Doing this screams they are from the USA

    missvvvv Report

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That happens on BP, too. Phrases like, "that happens in the US but not here" are quite common.

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    Americans’ tipping habits also vary depending on the situation. At sit-down restaurants, tipping is almost automatic, with 92% of adults saying they always or often leave a tip. Haircuts are a smaller but still significant category, with 78% tipping their stylist. Delivery orders and bar drinks get tips from 76% and 70% of adults, respectively. Even taxis or rideshares earn tips from 61%. Whether generous or calculated, tipping in the U.S. is a quirky, ever-present part of daily life that outsiders notice immediately.

    #19

    Serving cheese out of a spray can.

    SqueakSquawk4 Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's not cheese; that's an abomination.

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    #20

    Glass display case filled with glazed and chocolate frosted donuts with sprinkles, a classic college experience snack in America. Based on my own experience as an American abroad: realizing that other countries don't have doughnut shops open for breakfast, because doughnuts aren't a breakfast food.

    gorka_la_pork , Manny Rodriguez Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But many bakeries in France have doughnuts and are open early enough that you could get a doughnut if you "needed" one. It's just not always going to be there, and there are other options that are just as good or better.

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    #21

    Being on an international forum and assuming everyone understands local/regional references.

    anon Report

    JL
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seen enough non-US references on this site to know this goes both ways.

    #22

    Not going to the hospital because you can't pay.
    I'm aware that it happens in other countries but it does scream American.

    thefroman11 Report

    Another thing that instantly stands out about Americans is their love for the imperial system. Feet, inches, pounds, and gallons are everywhere, even though most of the world has fully switched to the metric system. From measuring your height to weighing groceries or filling up the gas tank, Americans do it their own way. For someone used to meters and kilograms, it can feel a little confusing, or even charmingly quirky. This little difference is one of those subtle cultural markers that instantly gives away where someone is from. 

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    #23

    Pharmacy shelves stocked with medications and a hand reaching to pick a box, reflecting aspects of the college experience American. Recommending a brand of medication.

    JudgementalPrick , aleksandarlittlewolf Report

    Spencer's slave no longer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I find the fact that actual prescription meds are advertised on the idiot box in the US. Three of my everyday meds are on the dr,ug Classification register here in NZ.

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    #24

    I'm American, but there's a story here that would apply. I moved to Taiwan when I was in middle school. Since my parents were Taiwanese, I grew up speaking mandarin, and it didn't take a long time for me to shake off the American accent when speaking. Initially, people would be like "Oh, an AMERICAN!" when I said literally anything, but gradually, it turned into "Oh? You're American?" And eventually, people stopped even bringing it up.

    Then one day, we went to a new doctors' office, to get updates on our vaccines. The doctor was very polite and professional, we chatted a bit, she stuck me with a needle, and started filling out some paperwork... and she asked, "Are you getting these shots because you're returning to America?" ... and i was SHOOK. Hadn't heard that question in years, not from a stranger!

    I said, "Aw man, yeah, that's right, I'm getting ready to travel again. What gave me away?"

    And she responded, "American's, when you prick them, they say "ow". Taiwanese locals say "ah". That always gives them away.".

    teabiscuit_ Report

    #25

    Group of young adults enjoying a casual college experience outdoors while sitting and chatting on wooden steps. Usually when someone says "y'all".

    mymotherisacanibal , katemangostar Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You REALLY know it when we say, "All of y'all."

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    #26

    "Why didn't you leave a tip?".

    flame2454 Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because people get a liveable wage with benefits here. That's why. And because a tip is means for service over and beyond.

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    Of course, feet and inches aren’t the only giveaways. There are countless small things that make Americans, well, unmistakably American. From over-the-top coffee orders to oversized portions at restaurants, these habits are often funny, surprising, and surprisingly easy to spot. These posts bring together all these tiny habits, showing just how easily people worldwide can spot classic American quirks. Which of these habits made you laugh the most or roll your eyes?

    #27

    Expecting to be able to pay American currency in another country. Getting mad when the currency given back in a foreign country is not American dollars (and therefore worth less).

    Source: worked in city with a lot of cruise ship tourists. Happened all. the. time. we actually would accept american money (an extreme courtesy imo), but didn't have american change to give back.

    Megatronscoffee Report

    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a lack of research, It because some of the Caribbean Nations will accept it from the tourists. They are stupid and assume all other nations do.

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    #28

    Saying they went to Europe, know how things are there, when they were at London or Madrid. Or just simply claiming they know all of Europe and they can't even name a country in the east.

    foundationer2nd Report

    Kristy Marion
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or thinking Europe is a country. And how the UK is no longer part of Europe

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    #29

    "It was 90 degrees outside." (I hope that is a reasonable number.).

    agent_kater Report

    Rafael
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I respect Fahrenheit a bit more once I understood that it is graded between "freezing my a*s" and "cooking my brain", meaning 100 is (very) uncomfortable hot and 0 is "my spit is freezing outside". Still think it is time for it to go, but at least I can understand the appeal.

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Any such relevance is entirely coincidental, and I'd question the idea that zero would be a meaningful baseline. That's -18C, a temperature that many people, in the US and elsewhere, will never encounter in their lifetime.

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    Chilli
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when I was a kid I thought when TV characters said 'it's a hundred degrees' they were just being funny and overexaggerating, but NO, in Fahrenheit it's not deadly to get to a hundred degrees

    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And all the left-over English units of measurement that we've abandoned centuries ago ... (16 oz pints is a great example)

    Kelly Scott
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a sort of working knowledge of Celsius, but I still stumble with kilometers. Meters are OK - I watch equestrian show jumping and I have a basic idea of how high meters are.

    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Things like time get a little wonky when you not divided by 12. And IIRC we didn't invent the Imperial system, That's what the Empire of Wänkers who colonized us taught... Bless their hearts.

    Eastendbird
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well aren't you a sweetheart...The UK uses Celsius, we changed, why don't you?

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We should all adopt the Kelvin scale.

    Jonas Fisher
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fahrenheit makes sense for people living their lives. Knowing how I can easily indicate water's boiling point is great and all, but I'm more interested in knowing whether I can wear shorts or not.

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    #30

    “Speak to me in English” while they’re visiting another country.

    xTHEKILLINGJOKEx Report

    Andreas Deml
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not only an American problem. I have a nice story about that: I'm german and we have been to Crete a time ago. We visited a pub and it was quite nice there. Of course we didn't assume the people there could speak German and we don't speak Greek. So we used the common English and it was all right. When we paid, we gave a decent tip of about 10%, what's usual in Germany. We returned the next day, ordered some beers, and with it we got a shot of liquor. We didn't order it and so we asked why. The pubs owner said: "You've been her yesterday already, and You are German? And You didn't assume we speak German, You were kind and polite and you gave a tip." "Isn't this just usual?" we asked "Sadly not. You are an exception. And for that you earn some specials on the house." So obviously a lot of Germans aren't no better than Americans. We returned every evening and we really got a lot of shots and we had very much fun and good talkings with the owners.

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    #31

    As an American I go out of my way to put on my best clothes and a full beat every time I go out, just so I’m not immediately identified as a tourist rube.

    Then I remember I’m fat and the jig is up.

    mrsmedeiros_says_hi Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "full beat"? "tourist rube"? I have no idea what those mean but I suspect they immediately identify you.

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    #32

    A conversation about tipping...

    A tip is appreciated in the rest of the world, but people in the hospitallity industry here (Europe and specifically The Netherlands) make a decent living while serving you a meal or coffee. Decent enough not to be dependent on tips.

    satinaboupoupou Report

    Spencer's slave no longer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This! Civilised countries pay at least minimum wage for hospitality workers. My House Yeti's partner works in hospitality and is paid NZ$5 over minimum wage and is not required to share tips she earned for her work and demeanour.

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    #33

    “Hey this guy’s from London”

    No, no I didn’t say that, I said I live in England.

    Geography as a whole.

    Americans would states, ‘Paris, France’. Anyone else would just say ‘Paris’.

    Now I know America has many places named after European cities which does excuse but nonetheless it is a telltale sign of an American.

    chuckster145 Report

    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I DID live in Versailles, Indiana, for a year, although the locals pronounced it "Ver-SALE." There is a Mantua, Utah, which locals pronounce "Man-oo-way."

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    #34

    School spirit!! I work in an international school with lots of American colleagues. The expectation to be excited about everything is A LOT, but I see why it would be infectious if you were brought up in the states. I do like when the European teachers are all grouped together awkwardly not knowing what to do with the spirit and cheer….

    TrishIrl Report

    #35

    "I've been employed for 90 days, so I can finally sign up for insurance.".

    theunabeefer Report

    Spencer's slave no longer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While people in civilised countries are covered before they're even born.

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    #36

    Whenever someone says “my civil liberties” I know immediately.

    Sittingandreading Report

    #37

    When someone claims they’re Irish cause one set of their great great grand parents came from Castlebar in Mayo. And asks if I know of them.

    whatsuphorse Report

    Kelly Scott
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still have people with my last name in Ireland and I bet someone there knows someone who knows my great-grandfather's brother. So there. Now that I think of it, I have the last name of one of your past presidents and it's not a common name. Hmm, I should look her up and see how we're related. LOL

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    #38

    “Free *speech*”

    “Right to bear arms”

    “Amendment”.

    Stevieeeer Report

    #39

    When asked where they are from:

    Australian: "I'm from Australia"
    British: "I'm from the UK"
    Indian: "I'm from India"
    Chinese: "I'm from China"

    American: "I'm from Wisconsin".

    ilikechillisauce Report

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but at the same time how many times have I said "I'm from America" only to be followed up with something like "Which part?" or "Oh, so LA/NY/Any other large metro"

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    #40

    More often it comes across in what they don't say. If non-Americans mention a brand name from their country for instance, they'll normally describe the thing as well because they have an awareness that the world is a big place and other countries don't have all the same brands. Americans often just drop the brand name and don't give it a second thought.

    Same thing when anyone posts a problem they're having, you'll find Americans in the comments talking about a particular US law it violates even if the OP is from India or somewhere.

    It reminds me of when a child will say 'I played with Sarah today' and not for a second consider that you don't have a clue who Sarah is.

    Disclaimer: obviously not all Americans, and I don't dislike Americans, it's just that your stupid people are so much annoying than other stupid people ;).

    Swimming_Marsupial Report

    Anonymouse
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    +1 for "your stupid people are so much annoying than other stupid people", although I wish you had said "our stupid people"...

    #41

    Microwaving water for tea.

    happy_bluebird Report

    Heffalump
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a Brit, let me emphasise that there is NOTHING wrong with this: boiling water is boiling water. The problem comes when you put the teabag in first, before putting the mug in the microwave. By boiling the tea leaves, you get a decoction, which includes all kinds of bad tasting resins, rather than an infusion, which you get when the water has dropped just below boiling, which only includes the flavours and fragrances you want. So by all means, nuke your water, give it one quick stir with a teaspoon, then drop your teabag/tea-leaves in.

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    #42

    Two women shaking hands across a table during a college experience meeting in a modern, bright room. Using ma'am, miss and sir.

    Non of my customers use it except Americans.

    anon , mego-studio Report

    OneWithRatsAndKefir
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I use ‘miss’ and ‘sir’ in the UK, usually if I need help from a store employee. Granted, I learnt my English from a variety of sources, including American tv programs.

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    #43

    Close-up of a computer screen showing a YouTube channel page, illustrating aspects of the college experience. Debating about who is a better president candidate in a YouTube comment section, while the video isn't even political.

    MichielK2 , Szabo Viktor Report

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Making almost every comment section a political debacle...

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    #44

    “I need to postpone my surgery because money is tight right now.”.

    doubtchocula Report

    #45

    Spelling words with z instead of s. And o instead of ou. And the big one: MOM.

    Lucifang Report

    #46

    The way they write dates. Eg 9/11 to everyone else in the world it would be 11/9. I’ve always thought it was odd that Americans write dates month/day/year surely it’s more logical to go day/month/year. It always takes me a couple seconds when I read an American date. I think “there aren’t 17 months in a year, oh wait it’s been written the American way”.

    Kiwiderprun Report

    Allen Packard
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm in international sales and American. Same my friend only the other way around.

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    #47

    College experience with students discussing and using a laptop and smartphone in a casual campus setting. "Depends on what state you're in".

    Godstevsky , The Yuri Arcurs Collection Report

    Data1001
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But, I mean, this is completely true. America is a big place, and different states can be very different not only in their laws, but in what kind of beliefs and what kind of people you can expect to run into there. So, that is a very acceptable answer to a lot of questions about the US.

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #48

    When I was stationed in Yongsan, South Korea I had to take part in what was known as Town Patrol, basically we wrangled up drunk soldiers who were out past curfew. You could usually tell an American soldier from any of the other folks hanging around. For those that have never been Yongsan is in the middle of Seoul, one of the biggest cities in the world and a melting pot of Culture. Most younger Americans soldiers usually ran around wearing Hoodies with various American Sports teams, kind of a dead give away. It’s even funnier when they try to fake a British accent and don’t know any British slang to go with it.

    anon Report

    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    GIs are gonna GI no matter where we are XD

    #49

    Thinking I have a British accent (I’m aussie).

    AutismoTheGreatt Report

    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You can pick out an Aussie miles away and I say that coming from a place of love.

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    #50

    “The college experience”.

    ErythingIsFakeAndGay Report

    Kristy Marion
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pay enormously for the privilege and then pay enormously for the rest of your life, bc apparently your country has no desire to fund the education of their youth

    #51

    When Americans reply to a photo of a tweet that’s dated in a dd/mm/yyyy system claiming the tweet is fake because they think everyone exclusively uses mm/dd/yyyy not realising they’re in the minority.

    NoOutlandishness4337 Report

    Kid Murray
    Community Member
    1 week ago

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    Jesus, give it a f***ing rest.

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    #52

    "I have rights!" Or something bout freedom.

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    Rosecrucian Roeth
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They just think they do...........they actually haven't for a few years now.

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    #53

    American flag clothes.

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    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We actually do have Australian flag clothing, but far less thankfully!

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    #54

    For me it's not particularly what they're saying, rather how loudly they're saying it.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Something I have to work on after a few drinks, although luckily I rarely drink that much. Ed.: On the other hand, after a few drinks my French gets a LOT better. ;-)

    #55

    I saw someone on r/historymemes say that 1864 (I think) was the worst year in human history because it was the height of the American Civil war. *sigh*

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    #56

    How much is this item with tax?

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    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And every other country seems to have managed sales tax without causing this problem. Strange, isn't it?

    #57

    Asking about / knowing one's credit score.

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    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's rude. Rule of thumb: don't talk about politics, money or religion unless you're on good terms with the other person.

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    #58

    Whenever I hear 'Meer' instead of "Mirror".

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    JL
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is because every one else has perfect elocution, innit?

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    #59

    I ask for ice in every beverage. I’ve gotten some eyerolls.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a habit I am afraid I will never be able to break. However, the French servers in every restaurant, café, or pub I have been to have always brought more ice when I've asked.

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    #60

    When you are on a trip and ask someone where they are from, they usually answer with their country first. "I'm from France", "I'm from Colombia", etc.

    If someone answers with something weirdly specific like "I'm from [place] in the [area] County, close to [town]"... They are from the US. Bonus 'Merica if the fella gets a bit offended you don't know where their town is.

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    Kelly Scott
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because you always ask, "Where is that?"

    #61

    Excessive usage of bumper stickers.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had an Obama sticker on my car one year, moved to the South, and all of the sudden my car kept getting dents in the parking lot. Oh well. Small price to pay.

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    #62

    American here that use to live in China, and the worst thing I’ve seen other entitled spoiled Americans do is to yell at people to speak English.

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    #63

    My British friend sitting here says:

    Starting sentences with the word LIKE.

    Starting sentences with the word SO.

    Saying. I KNOW, RIGHT?

    Saying OH MY GAWD!

    Saying TOTALLY.

    Saying FOR SURE.

    Saying DUDE.

    Saying BRO.

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    #64

    Assuming everything’s the same between countries.

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    Kid Murray
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being incapable of writing a simple, clear declarative sentence. No wait, that's you.

    #65

    Wearing clothing with the name of a president/presidential candidate outside of election day.

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    #66

    Feet, Inches, Miles, Ounces, Cups, Teaspoons/Tablespoons, °Farenheit...

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair though many of those measures date back to Roman or other origins, and still linger in some places. I recall hearing a French speaker in Brussels asking for un demi-livre of cheese, for example, and a Pinte was actually a French measure before it was English, has long been used, and still is, as a shorthand for 500ml, just as a livre (pound) is 500g. Pouce (inch, based on 'thumb' the same word in French) also crops up from time to time, and recipes still routinely use soupspoon and coffee spoon as standard volume measures (15 and 5ml respectively)

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    #67

    When they’re seeking help on Reddit and their country/region is a required piece of information for the particular question, they usually don’t specify that they live in America. They just assume everyone else in the sub is American. I think I’ve never seen any individual from any other nationality do that.

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    #68

    If someone is African American could they not be white? Quite confusing actually.

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    Ivy la Sangrienta
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, Elon Musk is technically an African American...

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    #69

    My turkish&british best friend was so confused by why each person in my family had a car. They say there are way too many cars and owning cars is super American, which i’m not inclined to disagree

    edit: you’re not a bad person for owning a car! public transit isn’t really established and the US is huge, but the question was asking what nonamericans think is a big american tipoff, and i listed mine.

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    Alexandra
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's so odd that Americans are not prepared to spend money on services that benefit everyone, such as national health care and good public transport.

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    #70

    Red. Solo. Cups.

    Edit: Thanks for the award! For context I’m in 🇨🇦 and we mostly use the clear plastic cups for large outdoor events. (My personal experience)

    I grew up watching us movies where if there was a party, everyone would be drinking from red solo cups.

    Cheers!

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    Billo66
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We even have little shot glass red solo cups.

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    #71

    Seeing compromise as a weakness.

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    #72

    "I'm driving a manual".

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wouldn't an American say "stick shift" rather than "manual"?

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    #73

    Having a conversation about History and all they talk about is either WW2 or the American Civil War. Like those we're the only historical events to occur.

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    #74

    “Can I have a refill?”.

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    #75

    I’ve been living in the states for over a decade. I bought my mom this cleaning product that was cinnamon and clove scented and I told her “it smelled like Christmas”.
    She just looked at me weird and said “wow I guess you really are an American now”.

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No idea where your mom is from, but those are Christmas smells in at least the four European countries I've lived in. And the UK of course.

    #76

    Tips in the restaurants.

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    #77

    Thinking it’s normal to have your front door come directly in your living room and wear your shoes inside on carpets but then have an inexplicable urge to decorate the bathroom with a “beachy theme”.

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    Kelly Scott
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are thousands of little four-room cottages in the UK and Europe where the front door opens directly to the living area.

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    #78

    Calling women ma'am and men sir in normal conversation.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We do it in France if it's someone we don't know. When you walk into a store or café (or doctor's office or where ever) and there are only a few people there, it is normal to use these terms to greet the people who are there.

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    #79

    Speaking in euphemisms. I’ve lived in America so long I hardly notice it, but Americans, for being awfully nosy people, are very indirect in the way they speak.

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bathroom is one of the funniest. I really don't know what they would say if they actually wanted to go to a room to actually have a bath.

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    #80

    Describing where they're from using regional, state abbreviations.

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    #81

    When they say everyone else has an accent and they do not.

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    Adrian
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm amazed how many Americans don't believe they have an accent

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    #82

    When they say "we" when reffering to an american spesific problem.

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    #83

    Not knowing the difference between Switzerland and Sweden.

    And for some reason all americans I met here in sweden always have a frown on their face.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Windy! Are you Swiss and never bothered to tell us?????

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    #84

    On Canada day Americans like to come north either to visit friends/family or to party. You can always tell who the Americans are by how much of their clothing is covered in maple leaves. The more articals of clothing the more likely they are to be American.

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    Kid Murray
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A fellow Canadian asks- W*f are you talking about? And it's article, genius.

    #85

    Soccer.

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    Glix Drap
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got a bollocking from some American on BP when I pointed out that it was football rather than soccer (meant humorously). It's not as if we didn't invent the game (this is not strictly true, but we codify the rules in 1863 - only 87 years after America was founded).

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    #86

    “When my country went to the moon..”.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "When my country had 100 school shootings in a year . . . "

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    #87

    I distinguish american tourists from the way they dress and the places they go to eat, they have this uncanny power to choose the shittiest restaurants in the city. To be honest I don't blame them, Ligury scams tourists in any way possible, especially when it comes to food.

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    Zig Zag Wanderer
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True. I avoid Americans abroad anyway, and that usually makes my decisions better.

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    #88

    Not knowing simple geography, thinking any foreign language is spanish(someone thought my hebrew is spanish like its not even close).

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    OneWithRatsAndKefir
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When you’re not familiar with a language or country, all you can do is make a guess based on the limited info you have. I’ve had people assume I was English, Dutch, and German baed on my accent (Latvian). Granted, confusing Hebrew as Spanish is odd.

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    #89

    When my American cousin come over an a holiday I asked whether she has seen any kangaroos yet. She replied ‘Yeah, we saw a whole bunch of those guys’. An Aussie would typically say ‘heaps’ when describing any large quantity.

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    #90

    I dont see why sweet 16s exist. Yes u can drive yes ur at legal age but okay? Surley it would be better to have a big party at 21 when u can drink and when ur a proper adult yes ik some will say ur a adult at 18 but i think thats still a teen.

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    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a leftover from days gone by. Same as a quinceanera or bat mitzvah

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    #91

    I think I'll use my creditcard.

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    Ace
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eh? You think it's only in the US that credit cards are common?

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