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Theoretically, most folk understand that people around the world do things differently. However, it’s pretty easy to fall into the assumption that, by and large, we all have the same assumption about, say, pineapple on pizza or if one can casually ask someone what their salary is.
Someone asked “What's something that's acceptable and widely done in your country that would be considered offensive in many countries?” and people from across the globe shared their examples. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to add your own thoughts and stories to the comments section down below.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Openly carrying a firearm.
Daisydaisy 2 days ago
I would be terrified if I saw anyone other than a police officer carrying a gun (Australia). I'd assume I was in the presence of a dangerous lunatic
Auntriarch 2 days ago
If I saw an armed police officer I'd assume there was a dangerous lunatic in the vicinity
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Nikki Sevven 2 days ago
I'm American, and I'm disturbed and concerned about people being openly armed.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago (edited)
This has been a blessing since I moved to France 4 years ago. I hadn't realised how nervous I was just driving to and from work day to day. I worked at a psychiatric hospital with a forensic ward and I wasn't ever as nervous there as I was out in traffic, even though many of our individuals were hospitalised for physical violence. I can deal with a very large man threatening me with physical aggression, but a person with a gun is another story.
Boo 2 days ago
I feel the same about emigrating to the UK. I never have to worry about being shōt at for just existing.
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xolitaire 2 days ago (edited)
Not a change in hell in Germany. There are really just 3 groups of people who would even be allowed to use a gun: sport shooters (and only in the designated areas, you can't take the gun anywhere else), forester / forest ranger / huntsman (also strictly regulated) or police. "civilians" don't get to own guns and openly carrying firearms will get you arrested pretty quickly.
Norfolk and good 2 days ago (edited)
The majority of police officers don't even carry guns in the UK.
Tyranamar Seuss 2 days ago
Which is bizarre to me. But I guess if no one else has a gun you don't need one. Much easier to keep guns off an island than a whole continent where everyone has been allowed to have guns forever.
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Earonn - 2 days ago
I'd be so afraid if I knew that the next person to cross my path could be an a****r who just lost his girlfriend and wants to take revenge on all women, and that he could have a gun that shoots who knows how many rounds per second. That I'm not safe in the cinema, shopping halls etc. Is the risk small? Yes. So are many other risks I take measures against.
Tyranamar Seuss 2 days ago
I must say, I've lived in very gun friendly states. I don't generally walk around thinking I'm going to get shot. Although I do always check for exits in any building I enter. But that's probably just PTSD. I'm glad my son is going to a private school that really focuses on emotional development. I think he's much less likely to get shot there.
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Lee Gilliland 2 days ago
Contrary to much global rumor, open carry is rare in the US. So is concealed carry. I strongly dislike guns and so do my friends.
Papa 2 days ago
I know this will probably go against many people's preconceptions, but I have lived in rural Texas my whole life, and people don't go around openly carrying a firearm if they aren't law enforcement, or actively hunting, target shooting, etc. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but it's rare. I can't remember ever seeing it.
Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
Okay, guessing time: any other options outside of the obvious (US of A)?
Scotira 2 days ago (edited)
Switzerland 😅 just the other day I talked to my husband about how weird it must look to foreigners to see someone drive by on a bike with their service weapon strapped to their back 🤣 granted nowadays it's rarer than it used to be now that you can leave your weapon at the armory. However from time to time it still happens. Edit: on the other hand, when we had a replica made from a medieval mace my husband had to get a weapon permit 😅🤦🏻♀️
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#2
Advertising prescription meds on television.
xolitaire 2 days ago
Not allowed in Germany. We have an actual law that forbids this (Heilmittelwerbegesetz).
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
Do I actually need to add that the original poster is from the US or is it abundantly clear to the rest of the world?
Taibhse Sealgair 2 days ago
We hate in the US as well. First amendment (freedom of speech) thing, though.
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Zephyr343 2 days ago
Love how they run through the 45 seconds of side effects or purposely make that text white, size 2 font on a white background
Tyranamar Seuss 2 days ago
And they always say, "Including death" as one of the possible side effects.
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Elio 3 days ago
At least the ads are hilarious. Love how the people with all the a e complicated medical issues are very outdoorsey
#3
Having an affair in the US can break your life, in France this is « only » considered as private and none of your business.
The story at the Coldplay concert which broke internet for days reminds me this cultural difference.
xolitaire 2 days ago
This is especially true in politics. In Germany nobody cares if an important politician has been divorced three times. They are there to do a job.
Nikki Sevven 2 days ago
As an American, I'm disturbed when politicians who have had affairs, divorced, remarried, etc. push a biblical agenda. It's hypocrisy.
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Lara Verne 2 days ago
It was their reaction, once they realized they were on camera. If they acted like nothing happened, i think no one would notice.
pelemele 2 days ago (edited)
For the French, this kind of story always seems to take on insane proportions; it's something we truly don't understand. Nevertheless, there have been a few recent stories that have interfered with the public lives of certain people (politicians), especially when there's a conflict of interest. That said, the vast majority of people don't care.
#4
I wouldn't say its completely acceptable and there are obviously situations where you should not do it at all.....but generally, swearing is extremely common here and you'd have to be a really special person to be offended by it.
LSD 3 days ago
You’re talking about Australia, right?! I’m Aussie and not offended by it, though it does make us sound pretty trashy sometimes.
KnightOwl 2 days ago
Could be Scotland, everyone here swears constantly and it's very rare for someone to find it offensive. Even kids here swear a lot and most people don't care, the trick is knowing when not to swear (in front of police officers, in a courtroom or at school etc.)
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Daisydaisy 2 days ago
I like a bit of swearing - can be humorous and colourful. Maybe not in front of small children though
Tyranamar Seuss 2 days ago
I've always allowed my young child to swear. Just not at school. Sometimes a swear word conveys meaning in a way that a non-swear would not. But we talk about where it's appropriate. And if it's truly the best way you could express yourself. If it coveys the meaning most clearly I'm all for it.
Load More Replies... cugel. 2 days ago
The c-word is offensive, but you'd be cautious to point that out to the sort of person who uses it.
Maya_D 2 days ago
Eh, I live in Scotland and I use it at times. And I’m pretty middle class and as non-violent as it gets. A lot of people here use it all the time in regular conversation so I’m pretty inured to it.
Load More Replies... #5
Walking around in bare feet in public.
xolitaire 2 days ago (edited)
In Germany there is no law against this (why would there be one) if you do this outside - but store owners have the right to set up rules for their store, which can include having to wear shoes. In most cases this is a question of hygiene.
zatrisha 2 days ago
Ok... but why are soles of feet more unhygienic than shoe soles?
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Robert Benson 2 days ago
I have seen signs in stores with wooden floors that say "Barefoot at your own risk". It seems like a reasonable option.
Crystalwitch60 12 hours ago
What’s wrong with this ? I go bare foot in spring n summer 🤷♀️it’s good for you 🤷♀️in fact a lot do in uk .
#6
Putting banana on pizza.
Ace 2 days ago
Banana Curry Pizza is a real thing in Sweden, apparently.. I'd give it a try, for sure.
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Multa Nocte 2 days ago
Someone on the original post wrote: "Bananas/plantains are used in savoury dishes around the world. It is also not an unusual pizza topping in Sweden and South Africa." Windy - what say you?
Lynchamigsakta 2 days ago
It most definitely is unusual in Sweden. Not non existent but very unusual
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Brian Droste 2 days ago
This is the first time I seen this and heard of it. Now are we going to see a debate on this like putting pineapple on pizza.
FoxThatHasFennecaphobia 2 days ago
Google pear pizza if you want to be even more traumatized
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#7
Being late. it's so past the point of being accepted that punctuality in social events is actually frowned upon in Brazil.
xolitaire 2 days ago (edited)
Well, Germans are not as crazy punctual as many people like to believe, but being late on purpose is generally frowned upon because to us it feels like you don't really care about being there at all.
Little Bit 2 days ago
I hate being late. I would rather be 30 minutes early than one second late.
Roxy222uk 2 days ago
In countries like Brazil if you turn up at the time given there might not even be anyone in yet!
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Huddo's sister 2 days ago
I know a lot of Tongan and Cook Islanders (in Australia), and they all go by 'island time', which means they will turn up a couple of hours after starting time. My brother also found this was the case when he was in Borneo and went to a local church service.
Annica 2 days ago (edited)
Wouldn't it be easier if people could just turn up the actual time that's been given? I think being late is a sign of disrespect, especially if someone makes a habit of being late and delaying arrival. If I get invited to a party or a dinner I want to be there a few minutes early so I have time to take of my shoes and clothes and wash my hands before I start to mingle or sit down and eat.
S Bow 11 hours ago
You take off your shoes and clothes? Did you mean your coat?
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Ru Bee 2 days ago
Hindu weddings are notorious for this. Know a guy who used to supply the white horses for them. He told me some great stories.
Antoinette the Red 2 days ago
I work in a predominantly Indian office, and have gotten invited to several personal/family events. It amazes me that guests wait 30-45 minutes past the scheduled start time for the hosts to show up!
Load More Replies... Roxy222uk 2 days ago
I find this so fascinating. When given a time for, say, a house party to begin what time should you arrive to be polite? Across the world it varies from at least half an hour before that time to at least two hours after that time, and everything in between. It’s a big lesson in what seems to us as ‘obviously’ rude just isn’t obvious to someone from another country or culture.
Learner Panda 8 hours ago
In these days of mobile devices, there's no excuse for not letting people know.
#8
Being naked in sauna with strangers.
Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
Finland would be my first guess, though saunas even in Germany are often mixed náked.
Crystalwitch60 12 hours ago
In uk mixed saunas are in swim wear ! But if you choose ladies day etc is naked , prude can use a towel lol
#9
Teaching children to use firearms. Common in the US, horrifying to many.
Kid Murray 2 days ago
Uh oh, you're suggesting that not every American is a gun-loving, racist redneck. We can't have that now, can we? But you're right, it's not nearly as common as the idiots who think all Americans are violent gun fanatiics would like to think.
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xolitaire 2 days ago (edited)
I wonder when the US will realise that this whole gun debacle is basically a circle that never ends and will only get worse? Guns are much easier to get your hands on than in almost any other country. Why? So that you can "defend yourself" against other people who also had no real problem to get their hands on guns. Kids are taught how to use guns. One kid decides to take a gun to school and goes on a rampage. To "defend yourself" against school shooters, your country decides you need MORE guns. Rinse and repeat.
Debrutsid Wiggler 1 day ago
While I understand the horror this brings to many PROPER gun safety is taught in many rural areas. The problem as always is rhe a*s holes
Robert T 2 days ago
Yet not teaching them how to cross a road safely and instead making all traffic (in both directions) stop whilst they get on and off a bus. One extreme to the other!
CaliPanda 2 days ago
And you have a problem with basic safety? I’ve witnessed a student hit by a car before the “stop in both directions” law. The driver got impatient and tried to pass the bus while the student was in front of the bus trying to cross the street. The student couldn’t see the car and vice versa. Student had a broken nose and other minor injuries, but it could have been worse.
Load More Replies... emorinelli49 1 day ago
Well yes and no. In hunting families, kids learn how to use hunting rifles. Not handguns.
Lee451 Henderson 3 hours ago
I was taught about guns at the age of five. I would go to turkey shoots and learned to respect the power of a gun.
tori Ohno 2 days ago
No, America doesn't teach kids how to use guns, or give them gun safety training. That's why so many people get hurt when they handle one. They don't know what they're doing! If they knew what they were doing (gun safety training) they wouldn't accidentally hurt themselves or others.
S Bow 11 hours ago (edited)
Not entirely correct. I was raised on a ranch and as soon as the kids were big enough to handle the weight and recoil of firearms, my dad taught us all gun safety. We also all had to pass an official firearm safety course. He was militant that we learn how to handle them correctly. Prior to that training the guns were kept locked in a gun safe.
Load More Replies... Earonn - 2 days ago
My Swedish friend told me that in her country children learn to use a firearm in order to defend themselves against big animals like moose. But this comes along with a responsibility training, not "if you knock on my door and I don't know you, I'll shoot you" mentality.
General Anaesthesia 2 days ago (edited)
A quick search of the Swedish police site says you have to be 18 years old, among other requirements, to get a firearm license.
Load More Replies... Forrest Hobbs 2 days ago (edited)
I gather this is also common in Switzerland - I recall hearing on the radio that it's something which they do in schools? Perhaps I misunderstood. But things are very, very different there.
Ace 2 days ago
No, they do not. You have been misinformed. Gun ownership among adult males is quite high, as they've all (well 90% or so) done army service. It's not very long ago that many of them would be required to keep their army issue weapon at home.
Load More Replies... #10
Being American, from my experience. I'm being a little facetious there but it does get old when people get mad at me for stuff our government does. Trust me, I don't like them either. I wish they weren't doing that either.
Smeghead Tribble Down Under 2 days ago
I pity the sensible, everyday American citizens who didn't vote for that orange fart-face. They're just being dragged along for the ride.
Pernille 2 days ago
If you would keep you facist gouvernement to yourself I could just ignore the US, but you have elected some people that are trying to spread that facism to the world, unless I know you personally I'm going to be mad at you for being a US american, just like I'm mad at russians, and just like my grandparents were mad at Germans.
Jesha 2 days ago
We can't even play like the left isn't also trying to keep the status quo, generally. There's been SOME outcry but boy howdy is it not the amount that should be happening. Most politicians, most PEOPLE, are more interested in maintaining their way of life and absolutely will throw the disenfranchised under the bus. At least half the time it will be someone with all the correct progressive signs on their lawn and Facebook because they're enormous NIMBYs. (I am disabled and queer in America with a very very diverse friend group and everyone is scared shitless amongst us).
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mp7dvnrw85 1 day ago
As a country you voted him in twice. He still has an approval rating of around 43%. You might be a very sensible person but, statistically speaking, your neighbour must be a committed f*****t.
Earonn - 2 days ago
You voted for them. You created the society where they could come into power. In most countries saying "grab them by the pus*sy" would end political careers, but not so in the USA. Who do you think is responsible? And I can't remember that any American said Germans were NOT responsible for what the N**i.s did.
meeeeeeeeeeee 2 days ago
In fairness, it's likely just rigged. As if he's constantly screaming about it being rigged because he didn't rig it. I doubt the majority of Americans voted for it.
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StrangeOne 2 days ago
It's the self-loathing is what drives people up the wall, and the constant inserting US politics and problems into every topic. We get it. Trump s***s, obviously. You have problems in your country. Every country has it's problems. Some more than others. Some worse than the USA, believe it or not. The defaulting every reference to being about the USA, too.
Norfolk and good 2 days ago (edited)
He isn't just messing up his own country though. He's going after NATO allies. He could end up starting WWIII purely because of his ego. So, we are a bit pissed off with the US right now.
Load More Replies... #11
*Not* showing any especial respect for elders, religious figures or politicians.
I’m not saying everyone hates on those groups here but we’re a less hierarchical culture and that knee jerk respect isn’t common.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
From the original post the person appears to be from Australia. ---> "cewumu - Australia - Not showing any especial respect for elders, religious figures or politicians. I’m not saying everyone hates on those groups here but we’re a less hierarchical culture and that knee jerk respect isn’t common."
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Dragons Exist 2 days ago
"respect your elders" is so weird to me. Why should they get more respect than anyone else just for being older than me? Nobody seems to have an actual reason other than "it's traditional" or "it's respectful", which aren't real reasons
Tyranamar Seuss 2 days ago
Read my post above. Older people are actually going through a s**t ton of c**p. Basic human decency says it doesn't hurt to be a little more thoughtful about them.
Load More Replies... Lee Gilliland 2 days ago
I respect them if they respect me. The problem is, those who demand respect rarely earn it.
hannahbahngswife 1 day ago
I assume The Country (I'm not even going to say the name, we all know what) where some people worship an orange guy.
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Glenn Milliken 3 hours ago
Why would you show special respect to a politician that was only elected because they won a high school popularity contest. Unless you get the top seat in the land and you're of sound mind and body everyone else is fair game
Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
Somewhere in the "far east", like Vietnam, China, Cambodia,...? Although I have no idea about the stand on politicians.
#12
Leaving a party without saying goodbye to anyone?
Eastendbird 2 days ago
Yeah, this is an American phrase. Even on the Reddit thread this comes from there are lots of people from Ireland saying "We don't do this". My partner is from Ireland and my experience is certainly that saying goodbye in Ireland takes forever! Even on the phone, talking to his family he's like "Ok, bye now..bye...bye...bye..talk soon..bye..bye now..etc"
Load More Replies... UnclePanda 2 days ago
I just don't see it worth interrupting everybody to say I'm leaving. I thank the host and scoot out behind that couple that just shared the 'goodbye look' I was waiting on.
L.V 2 days ago
Nope. Growing up in France you had to go around and say goodbye to everyone. I hated it as we had to give a kiss to everyone.
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xolitaire 2 days ago
Irish goodbye. I mean - it depends on the party? If you don't know the host or anyone else present really well, nobody will demand that you announce your exit.
Antoinette the Red 2 days ago
What kind of party is it where you don't know anyone, even the host?
Load More Replies... Crystalwitch60 12 hours ago
Lmao that’s the best way , lol move slowly towards the door ,n poof you gone , uk does this to , os we sensible
#13
Taking my shoes off as I enter my house. And guests do that as well. They may or may not be offered anything to eat or drink if it’s not an invitation and it’s perfectly fine.
StrangeOne 2 days ago (edited)
I always offer something, but not by culture. Just by how I was raised. When I went over to friend's I was rarely offered food, unless I was there for a sleepover. My mom always offered drinks and snacks for me and my friends. Even offering to let them stay for dinner. One thing is for certain, take your shoes off at the door, unless told otherwise, which is not often we make exceptions. If you have your shoes on, ready to go out but forgot something, we'll gladly get it for you. The main reason being, shoes and the debris can wreck the floors. Sand, gravel, road salt, water, gum, Canada geese p**p, dog p**p (although you would smell it, likely.) and who knows what else. It's incredibly rude to track that all into someone's freshly cleaned home.
Jesha 2 days ago
I wish I could, but I have specific shoes I need to wear to keep upright. Always feel so gross about that, so I'll generally ask for a set of cleaning wipes and do my best at the door.
BarfyCat 2 days ago
In Armenia you will be forced to drink coffee and eat sweets at an absolute minimum, if it's mealtime there will be a huge meal and vodka shots. Even people who are desperately poor will give you their last bit off coffee and some walnuts off the tree in the yard if they have nothing else. You also take your shoes off and will be provided with slippers to wear.
UnclePanda 2 days ago
I live alone and it eventually dawned on me that everything on the floor comes in on my shoes, so I always drop them at the door. It greatly reduced, but did not eliminate, the random things I'd pick up.
#14
FKK stands for Freikörperkultur (free body culture)
Part of a beach or sea where you have to go naked, everyone.
Ace 2 days ago
Naturism is not limited to German-speaking nations. Although TBF it is perhaps more common therein.
Kristiina Männiste 2 days ago
Yep. Our most popular beaches also have parts set aside for that
Load More Replies... Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
You don't "have" to go there at all if you don't want to - plenty of other beaches around. But FKK people are somewhat sensitive to Karens and clothed creeps looking for "entertainment", hence the assigned beaches. (Germany, BTW)
JB 2 days ago
That’s not what was meant. Of course you don’t have to go to that area of a beach if you don’t want to. However, if you do go into those areas, you *have* to be (go) naked, just like everyone else.
Load More Replies... Learner Panda 8 hours ago
Naturism gives the choice of whether to be naked or not. The best beaches are visited by all ages and all stages of dress or undress.
Geoffrey Scott 2 days ago
As a 60+ yo American man speaking for/about himself..."Ain't NOBODY wants to see that".
BarfyCat 2 days ago
My friend lived in Germany for several years. FKK is everywhere, according to her. She couldn't use her balcony because there was always a naked man sunning himself on the opposite balcony.
Moving Enigma 1 day ago
and why did that mean she couldn't use her balcony?!
Load More Replies... #15
Pushing someone's face into their birthday cake. Stupid tradition but still pretty widespread and expected that it'll happen to you on your birthday.
Little Bit 2 days ago
At what point did it become a "tradition"? I've never been to a birthday party where anyone's face gets shoved into the cake. Personally I think it is disrespectful to the person who made the cake, humiliating for the person who's face ends up in the cake, and disgusting to waste food like that.
Brian Droste 2 days ago
I hope that there is another cake set aside for other guest to eat. I wouldn't want to eat the cake that was smashed by someone else's face.
WubiDubi 2 days ago
Some cake makers use scaffolds which tend to be a spike.... let alone candles...
Chich the witch 1 day ago
There are stories of people being seriously injured because of this.
Load More Replies... #16
I don't know about *many* countries, but every now and then on reddit I see an American have a meltdown because we let our pet cats roam outside whenever they want and no one minds.
Crystalwitch60 12 hours ago
lol I got that coming from uk , we do well I don’t I’m not a cat person , but there are a few in this village as do , all night to , that I don’t agree with , not one bit ,day yes night NO
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Colin Roach 2 days ago
Well, considering how many species of animal are still getting made extinct due to feral cats in Australia, it's not just Americans who have meltdowns.
L.V 2 days ago (edited)
I've heard there's a city in Germany ( Dusseldorf I think) where you're not allowed to let your cat go outside during mating season, to allow birds to reproduce
Load More Replies... Norfolk and good 2 days ago (edited)
Going outside is good for cats. Cat goes for a wonder, climbs a few trees, has a nap on the roof of a car and goes home.
Plentyofoomph 1 day ago
And in Australia, leads to the extinction of dozens of native animal species
Load More Replies... Daisydaisy 2 days ago
Outdoor cats k**l (literally) billions of wild animals every year - they are frowned upon in my town (Australia)
Ace 2 days ago
In the UK (and Europe in general) the bird and rodent population is largely self-regulating, limited by food and environment rather than predation, so those that do get k****d by cats are effectively replaced and population levels are not much affected.
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David 2 days ago
w*f is this person talking about? in most of the US no one has a problem with Pet Cats roaming. In some places like Florida, you worry about gators so you dont, but most of the US this is normal
Inigo Montoya 1 day ago
That's my experience too. It happens a bit less frequently at my current town, because there are a lot of predators (coyotes, fisher cats, etc). Most outdoor cats don't survive more than a couple years. But people still do it, even my vet lets his cats outside.
Load More Replies... Lee451 Henderson 3 hours ago
I have a pet door and, as soon as they learn to use it, my kitties come and go as they please.
Chich the witch 1 day ago
to become an ex cat, around here anyways. see my post above.
Load More Replies... Nikki Sevven 2 days ago
A lot of Americans let their cats wander freely too. Cats k**l millions of songbirds and small mammals yearly, and get k****d themselves by foxes, coyotes, fisher cats, and the like.
TheMFKNXerdo 2 days ago
Ever since the christian neighbour k****d my cat when I was 11 (early 90's), and adding that a second, also christian neighbour threatened to do the same to my cats recently, during the 2010s, I believe that cats should not be outdoor animals in North America. Also, I live in a triangle formed between three of the largest avenues in my city. Death sentence, absolutely. This being said, I have a very large walled garden. I don't think I'd have cats if I had a small apartment.
Kid Murray 2 days ago
I'm not trying to sound tough, I'm not and never have been. But if someone k****d my cat I'd k**l them. Simple as that.
Load More Replies... xolitaire 2 days ago (edited)
Don't start that topic please, people lose their minds if someone tells them that unless you have a farm and an actual rodent problem, house cats don't really have a place in the current day food chain. Foxes and other small predators still exist and have taken over from the missing wild cats in most countries, but that is often ignored to justify why house cats should happily hunt outside. Downvote away, IDGAF.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
I know. I live in the country in southwest France surrounded by vineyards, corn fields, sunflower fields, etc. (specific crops rotate yearly except for the grapes), and we have an old barn attached to our house. To say that we normally have a swarm of mice around would be underplaying it. We ended up with three cats and they keep the house and barn rodent free, but they are inside when they want (most of the time) and outside when they want. Our first year here we just had our dog who was too large to chase after the many mice, and even with traps, our house was swarming with rodents. Our cats have gotten rid of this problem (except when the two older girls bring in live mice to teach the little boy how to hunt). When I asked our vet what he thought about having the cats outside he laughed and told us he recommended it heartily, especially given where we live.
Load More Replies... #17
State’s control of individual religion. We’re a multicultural country with 4 big religions, but born-muslims and (official) muslim converts are not allowed to leave Islam officially (on paper), which dictates many aspects of our life.
David 2 days ago
most muslim countries its illegal to switch religions if you are Muslim. As far as I know, Morocco, UAE, Turkey, Albania and Azerbaijan, are the only Muslim countries that its legal. In some like Qatar, Palestine, Pakistan, etc, its a felony with serious Jail Time assuming a mob doesnt l***h you first
#18
Finnish Sauna where everyone is naked. Especially mixed with men and women together.
Dragons Exist 2 days ago (edited)
The transphobes who think that "men" should stay out of women's restrooms would have a heart attack upon hearing this — edit: you transphobes who're replying to me can fuck right off; this site is starting to approach Twitter levels of bigotry
I am John 2 days ago
Can't believe BP censored the picture of everyone is naked, especially mixed with men and women together.
Kristiina Männiste 2 days ago
In mixed sauna you usually actually do wear a towel. so "naked" as not wearing swimwear. If non mixed sauna or only family nobody would wear a towel of course. A third kind- the sauna party, is mixed, naked and with lots of vodka. But thats invitation only
Load More Replies... Auntriarch 2 days ago
I was going to use the sauna at the Icehotel but decided not to because you had to wear a cozzie.
#19
Just a simple thing : dip a toast/biscuit/cake/pastry in our coffee/tea. Some think it's disgusting, but here in France, we think that's better well soaked.
Ace 2 days ago
Dunking biscuits in tea (proper strong black tea with milk, though, none of the dreadful weak teas and infusions so common in France) is almost a religion among many British people. (I hate it myself, always have, even back when I used to drink tea all the time like most other Brits).
pelemele 2 days ago
You're not supposed to leave them until they're soaking wet ^^
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Bored Retsuko 2 days ago
I like doing this but will get unreasonably mad if pieces stay in my drink. 😂
Huddo's sister 2 days ago
We dip biscuits in tea in Australia, which has led to the 'Tim Tam Slam' where you suck the tea through the biscuit. I'm not a fan of them though.
Inigo Montoya 1 day ago
Common in the US. Witness "Dunkin Donuts". And every coffee shop offers biscotti.
#20
American work culture with European taxes and salaries. It’s bad.
Smoking grass in public and the ability to buy almost anywhere legally.
LGBT rights and protections.
Teutonic Disaster 2 days ago
If you factor in that Canadians have universal healthcare vs what it costs in the US plus all the other pros & cons, i'd still choose Canada. It's often a toxic lie we tell ourselves that the grass is always greener on the other side. Nobody and nowhere's perfect.
StrangeOne 2 days ago
Canada? I'm just confused by the first part. We don't have really have the same work culture. Not exactly the same as Europe, either. European taxes and salaries?
quentariel 2 days ago
Maybe they mean American companies operating in Europe?
Load More Replies... Chich the witch 1 day ago
From Canada and the times I've worked with Americans I saw that the work culture was very different. More of a militaristic type atmosphere if I had to hang a tag on it. For example, I would regularly pop in to speak with someone a few levels above or below my position, with them it was very stratified.
#21
Eating with hands
Just look at Zohran Mamdani's hand eating discourse.
Nea 2 days ago
And interesting that OP mentioned Mamdani (Indian-Ugandan origin).
Load More Replies... Earonn - 2 days ago
That was not "eating with hands" - which we all do with certain foods - that was just plain racism.
David 2 days ago
I agree, Mamdani has a long history of racism against East Asians, Jews, and others. He is plain racist
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#22
The Israeli style of speech can be perceived as an insult in other countries.
Direct questions like "What is your salary?"
Any style of humor is also accepted here.
I once told a Hitler joke at a party in Germany, and some German was offended by me.
Why was he offended? His grandfather tried to end my grandfather. If anyone should be offended, it's me.
Unicorn 2 days ago
One of the first things to learn if you go to Germany: don't joke about the Nazis or the war or anything related to those.
David 2 days ago
Israel is a very blunt culture and straight to the point. If you want to know how deep it runs, its acceptable for am employee to be blunt to their boss about a bad idea and no repercussions. Even in the Israeli military, enlisted can back talk to officers bluntly, etc. Its a fast paced culture, where bluntness helps with the pace
Elmo 1 day ago
I mean, my family's Israeli, but I was born in the UK, and while a lot of my mannerisms are very British, people still tell me I'm blunter than usual, and so is my family. For example, when my parents moved here, my dad was arguing with a woman at the car rental, and my grandparents thought he was being really polite, but my mum thought he was being mean. Additionally, I find the best way to solve problems and arguments between friends is to be blunt: if my friends being a d**k, I'll call him a d**k, while a lot of others will try to be more polite. I can be not blunt when I have to, but personally, I think it's not a bad thing
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Glenn Milliken 1 hour ago
As an American with family that died k*****g those sons of bitchs I'll make any f***g joke I want in Germany and they will smile and say thank you for getting rid of hitler! we owe your family a debt we can never repay! and they're going to Bow and shut the fk up
Elmo 1 day ago
Ok, but how is that related to Israeli mannerisms? I fully support the Palestinian cause, a ceasefire, and a Palestinian country alongside Israel, but I don't see how Palestine has anything to do with talking about how Israelis behave
Load More Replies... Earonn - 2 days ago
Yes, tracks for an Israeli not to understand, nor to care about others' feelings. Germans don't like jokes about Hitler because we are aware of the suffering he (and our grandparents) caused, we don't want to make like of that suffering. But hey, explain that to someone from the people who cheered on a ra.pist on TV.
David 2 days ago
really? what tracks for Israelis not to care or understand feelings? bc Israel is usually ranked as one of the most caring and charitable societies in the world. Being blunt isnt the same as not caring, in many ways, its more caring bc it cuts out the BS
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#23
Australia: Stealing road signs (?)
China: Beijing bikini (?) Actually, no. Smoking in restaurants, directly in front of a "no smoking" sign.
Zero Costa 2 days ago
lmao an old mate of mine who stole an "Authorised Personnel Only" sign near his house and let me have it when he was drunk
UnclePanda 2 days ago
I've seen this around the equator and tried it briefly. It certainly is cooler than the shirt down in the normal fashion but I had to wear to two pair of sunglasses to avoid being blinded by a big white belly.
#24
In Poland, there's a custom called "Jew for good luck." It involves hanging a portrait of the most stereotypically looking Jewish man counting coins in home, hoping it will bring financial success to the family. Of course, it's based on the classic anti-Semitic trope that Jew = money hoarder.
And if that's not bad enough, sometimes the tradition is to regularly turn the painting upside down so that the money the Jew has accumulated will fall out of his pocket into the hands of his owners.
Forrest Hobbs 2 days ago
This one is such appallingly bad taste that, erm, I laughed. Turn the rácist Jewish stereotype upside-down so you can steal all his money? Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.😬🤣
David 2 days ago
Oh wow, as a Jew, I dont know whether to laugh or be offended at this. I've been to Poland a few times, and I never saw this, so I wonder how common it is. But to be fair, Jewish Money tropes are common in Europe. Back when Zelensky in Ukraine was elected, nearly a third of those who voted for him did so bc he was Jewish and their economy was bad and they thought a Jew would be good for their economy.
Elmo 1 day ago
As a Jew, I laughed and was offended, which I didn't know was a thing
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Bored Retsuko 2 days ago (edited)
Oh dear. Surely they could find a better symbol instead? A money tree or something.
#25
We compliment others on how small their heads are.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
From the original post: "One of my exes is Korean and upon meeting their mom, she kept saying, "she's so pretty! Her head is soooo small!!" Also my Korean friends compliment my small head all the time. I feel like my head is famously small amongst my Korean friends. It's such a weird but endearing feeling haha. And here I am sometimes self conscious about my small head. My face has the proportions of an anime character. My eyes take up 1/3 of my face. I sometimes feel like my hair covers up what little face I do have. But at least Koreans appreciate it lol"
Nea 2 days ago
My best friend is a Japanese; I am an Indian. First time she met me, she said she was jealous of how my head and face were so small. I found that weird but since then I know people in that part are conscious of the relative size of their head and faces.
Load More Replies... Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
Apparently Korea (plus surroundings). Judging from a couple of unrelated videos in my pinterest feed it seems to fit, because the heavily edited heads were minuscule (and also bleached into near córpse bride chic, and with enormously magnified eyes)
Load More Replies... Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
Seems to be Korea, or at least south east Asia. Explains any number of random pinterest videos where Asian women/girls photoshopped their heads halfway out of existence (plus bleaching the skin and enlarging the eyes enormously. Looked like pimped up Roswell aliens)
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#26
Trying to bring thousands of year old religious doctrine into law.
Geoffrey Scott 2 days ago
"Congress shall make no law establishing a religion, nor the free exercise thereof" The US founders weren't dopes, they KNEW most wars are fought over 'whose God is better'.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago (edited)
US? Ed: Just looked up the original post and in fact it was from the US.
General Anaesthesia 2 days ago
Nationalist Christians (NatCs for short) strike again.
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Sam Trudeau 2 days ago
Consider by the way that if Christians and Jews never existed, weekends wouldn't be a thing
David 2 days ago
Well bc of a Jew, Jesus, you get Sundays off, and because of a Jew, Moses, Saturday was a viable option, though we owe a different Jew, Gompers, for codifying it into Union Contracts and making it the standard in the world
Load More Replies... David 2 days ago
if the OP is from the US, what thousands of years old religious doctrine is trying to be brought into law. Bc I cannot find that in any US State or Federal level. Unless the person is trying to claim anti-Abortion laws are due to religious doctrine only, in which case, Humanists for Life, the third largest anti-Abortion org in the US would like to talk with them.
#27
Eating raw pork maybe?
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
This is from Denpasar, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia - original poster.
Earonn - 2 days ago
I mean, minced meat mixed with onions, old bread and spices on a fresh bread roll is delicious.
SCP 4666 2 days ago (edited)
Yeah that`s germany. Raw pork mince with onions on a bun half. The german sushi
Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
Depends VERY MUCH on local health and food safety standards. "Mettbrötchen" (a bun with raw minced pork, onions, salt and pepper to taste) is a regular German breakfast food, available in most bakeries.
Load More Replies... Roxy222uk 2 days ago
Pigs in the UK, and I presume the EU, have been clear of this parasite for a pretty long time. Is it still common elsewhere?
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#28
I guess kissing each other on the cheek to say hello.
Norfolk and good 2 days ago
This took me, a reserved Brit, took me by suprise in Spain when people I'd just met were kissing me on the cheek.
WubiDubi 2 days ago
Greece also. Men kissing men (on the cheek) is quite normalised.
Load More Replies... Multa Nocte 2 days ago (edited)
Original poster is from France. Since I moved from the US to France I have also adopted this practice ("faire la bise"). The first year I was here Covid was still going on, so I got into the habit gradually. The second year when all the masks were off I was sick a lot, especially since I wasn't used to the local strains of flu and colds, being from the US. The last 2 years I haven't had as much as a sniffle, and I do this (faire la bise) with literally everyone I meet. I think it's the same as when I worked in public education and mental health facilities. Because so many people come in there and you have so much physical interaction, after a while you become immune to almost everything out there. I was rarely sick when I worked in these places after an initial settling in, and I did as much personal hygiene (hand washing, glove use when indicated, etc.) as possible. And we had high turnover of "patients" in the community mental health settings and frequently of people who were "off the street."
zatrisha 2 days ago
This is everywhere in Europe - and depending on the country you start either on the left or right cheek - this is very confusing if you travel a lot.
Pernille 2 days ago
Definitely not everywhere, try doing it to someone from the Nordic countries, you will see them recoil if they are taken by surprise.
Load More Replies... #29
Homophobia.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
Sorry to whomever downvoted me, but that is what the person who posted this indicated.
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#30
Men walking around with their shirt off in public in the summer. In supermarkets, pubs etc. .
Boo 2 days ago
Not from Scotland anyway....we have our one day of summer and it sure as hell isn't warm enough to go topless.
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Saltypepper 2 days ago
They have to put a shirt on in stores there are signs that say no shirt no service
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
But a lot of them don't follow the posted policy and sometimes store staff are reluctant to get into a confrontation.
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KnightOwl 2 days ago
In scotland when the sun comes out it's known as "taps of weather" which basically means men will remove their top and spend the entire heatwave topless (and drunk)) doesn't happen often but when it does it's crazy.
#31
Atheism.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
I am happy to say (writing from France) that this poster is French. NO ONE talks about God here - no one. Well, sometimes except when we swear, but it's usually more realistic terms like putain, merde, and bifler. ;-)
Unicorn 2 days ago (edited)
Putain = whóre. Merde = shít (Scheiße is a common swearword in Germany, too). I'll leave you all to google bifler for yourselves.
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Nikki Sevven 2 days ago
Large swathes of the US are not insanely religious. Unfortunately, it's the loudest voices that always seem to be held up as representational of the US, and they are not.
Load More Replies... Justbecause 1 day ago
Could be a lot of places, Australia for example people don't wear there religion on there sleeve, they generally keep it pretty quiet if they are religious.
#32
Maybe not that offensive anymore in other parts of the world, but we pretty much always address teachers by their first name.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
I worked in a special education school where all the children called us by our first names, and we then got saddled with a regular education principal who forced the children to call us Ms., Mrs., or Mr. I had one youngster who couldn't get the hang of it. We had a secretary named Deloris and my young man couldn't change from Deloris to Miss Deloris (he literally didn't understand how), even though the principal insisted, and the absolute best he could do was calling her Miss-ter Lors. To this day when I meet someone named Deloris I have to refrain from chuckling and calling her Mr. Lors.
Jesha 2 days ago
That's really sweet and awesome of you to do that good work.
Load More Replies... Geoffrey Scott 2 days ago (edited)
Here in the US, I use the Southern honorific of (example) Mr Jason, Ms Marci. Blows the kids mind they can call adults by the 1st name so long as Mr/Ms/Mrs is used.
Jesha 2 days ago
Up north, I'll see that done a lot but only outside of schools, like with people the parents know.
Load More Replies... Multa Nocte 2 days ago
Original poster is from Sweden. So, Windy Swede, hopefully I haven't been upsetting you by occasionally calling you "Windy"? ;-)
Saltypepper 2 days ago
I had a teacher insisted we call him by his first name sid Mr made him feel old .
Maren Villadsen 2 days ago
We addess every one by their first name (not royalty) Doctors, professors, ect. No sir, mama, miss or misses. We are all equal
#33
Eating licorice.
Earonn - 2 days ago
Oh, proper liquorice is delicious! Not the cheap stuff you get in Britain. Katjes for the win!
Nicole Weymann 2 days ago
Somewhere in the European north, I gather. It could be anywhere between Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands and parts of Germany.
Jan Rosier 2 days ago (edited)
to the commenters... pictured are liquorice roots, the actual, rooty, flakey, errhhh... roots. And they are delicious to chew all day. No sugar, just pure liquorice juice. As a kid, 50 years ago, had them often. Nowadays hard to find, but when I do find them, they are hard to resist. Belgian, by the way.
Roxy222uk 2 days ago
Can still occasionally find them for sale in the UK too. Old fashioned style sweet shops are the most likely source.
Load More Replies... Multa Nocte 2 days ago
As might be expected, the original poster is from Sweden. Was this you, Windy? ;-)
#34
Not smiling on the streets.
Jan Rosier 2 days ago
I would definitely smile if I crossed the loverly girl in the picture...
#35
In parts of the country, wearing shoes inside the home is common. Due the weather in my area, it is rarely done.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
Sorry to whomever downvoted me, but that is what the person who posted this indicated.
Load More Replies... Teutonic Disaster 2 days ago (edited)
Here in Germany, pretty much everyone I know (and who isn't hailing from a culture where barefoot/socks is the norm) wears Birkenstock-style shoes inside their home. We literally call them house shoes (Hausschuhe). Outside shoes inside are really frowned upon.
Jesha 2 days ago
Most people with this rule are very cool about my orthotics and just handing me some Clorox wipes. Tried putting the little pull over things on the bottom and ate s**t within five steps on some tile so came up with the compromise.
Load More Replies... What do you think ?
Rose the Cook 3 days ago
It would help a lot if the countries were mentioned in every item, not just some.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
I added in several by going back to the original posts.
Load More Replies... Earonn - 2 days ago
Let's see, what do we have in Britain? Queuing, obvs; not making 'a scene', which includes complaining when one should; mixing football with religion, consideration towards others on the street; bowing to 'royalty' and "good breeding"; pub = everyone is equal, relaxed work culture...
Norfolk and good 2 days ago (edited)
Putting milk in your tea, having a day dedicated to pancakes, having fireworks to celebrate a failed attempted to blow up Parliament over 400 years ago, talking about the weather, Mother's day celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent rather than May, our general attitude towards tea being the cure for everything, our inability to handle snow.
Load More Replies... Tara Noe 2 days ago
Lived in China for years and it's full of stuff that's totally normal there, but would horrify anyone else. Like hoarding up phlegm and spitting in public, small children in bumless pants squatting on the sidewalk to do number 1s and 2s and honking horns at EVERYTHING. (Actually started to appreciate the kids thing, despite it being disgusting. No diapers needed, therefore no toilet training needed. Kids learn from infancy what they need to do)
Trillian 2 days ago
I'd rather have kids in diapers than step into s**t everywhere.
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LilliVB 2 days ago (edited)
I'm Italian and something I realized is very rude in some other countries but totally normal in Italy is that we interrupt conversations. You aren't supposed to let someone finish before speaking, actually conversation in Italy is really dynamic, like a ping pong match with multiple players, where people go back and forth offering points of view and asking questions about whatever it's spoken about. I've never realized it was considered rude before reading about how many people were annoyed by it (not Italian people of course). EDIT: missed word
Sam Trudeau 2 days ago
We Canadians are polite with LGBTQ rights, religion, gender... until you go to Alberta. As far as I'm concerned, it's just there to beef up the landmass
Rose the Cook 3 days ago
It would help a lot if the countries were mentioned in every item, not just some.
Multa Nocte 2 days ago
I added in several by going back to the original posts.
Load More Replies... Earonn - 2 days ago
Let's see, what do we have in Britain? Queuing, obvs; not making 'a scene', which includes complaining when one should; mixing football with religion, consideration towards others on the street; bowing to 'royalty' and "good breeding"; pub = everyone is equal, relaxed work culture...
Norfolk and good 2 days ago (edited)
Putting milk in your tea, having a day dedicated to pancakes, having fireworks to celebrate a failed attempted to blow up Parliament over 400 years ago, talking about the weather, Mother's day celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent rather than May, our general attitude towards tea being the cure for everything, our inability to handle snow.
Load More Replies... Tara Noe 2 days ago
Lived in China for years and it's full of stuff that's totally normal there, but would horrify anyone else. Like hoarding up phlegm and spitting in public, small children in bumless pants squatting on the sidewalk to do number 1s and 2s and honking horns at EVERYTHING. (Actually started to appreciate the kids thing, despite it being disgusting. No diapers needed, therefore no toilet training needed. Kids learn from infancy what they need to do)
Trillian 2 days ago
I'd rather have kids in diapers than step into s**t everywhere.
Load More Replies... LilliVB 2 days ago (edited)
I'm Italian and something I realized is very rude in some other countries but totally normal in Italy is that we interrupt conversations. You aren't supposed to let someone finish before speaking, actually conversation in Italy is really dynamic, like a ping pong match with multiple players, where people go back and forth offering points of view and asking questions about whatever it's spoken about. I've never realized it was considered rude before reading about how many people were annoyed by it (not Italian people of course). EDIT: missed word
Sam Trudeau 2 days ago
We Canadians are polite with LGBTQ rights, religion, gender... until you go to Alberta. As far as I'm concerned, it's just there to beef up the landmass
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