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The United States—the land of the free. The home of the brave. And the nation of some very peculiar habits, according to the internet. Other countries in the world are confused by some of the things that Americans do. Like calling tuna “tuna fish” and putting too much cheese on everything. I find it endearing, others find it strange.
Bored Panda has collected some of the best tweets that show how confused foreigners are at what some Americans do. Scroll down and upvote your faves. And be sure to check out our previous post about Europeans who shared what problems are too American for them to grasp.
Culture clashes are nothing new. After all, if every country and culture were the same, there’d be no point in leaving your home, right? (Spoiler warning: due to the coronavirus pandemic, you shouldn’t be leaving your home either way.) Benny Lewis, founder of the Fluent in 3 Months blog, spent 4 years living in the US and has some gripes about the culture. Including how Americans are too politically correct while at the same time they think that everything is “awesome.”
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
European other 5 years ago
It makes sense to start with the day, but I guess it's what you get used to
G. 5 years ago
I save files with name YYYYMMDD_filename just to find them quick, but with dates I use dd/mm/yy (;
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Youdontneed2know 5 years ago
I'm American and I write it day/month/year. I agree, it looks ugly the other way.
Brent Hollett 5 years ago
Why? Knowing the month doesn't tell you the date until you get the day. Most people know the month. e.g."What day is it?" "The fifteenth." "Cool". Instead of "What day is it?" "June" "Ok but what day is it?"
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Leah Rays 5 years ago (edited)
Because people say "March 31st 2020" and not "the thirty-first of March 2020"
Carina Elise Hagen 5 years ago
Yeah, American prople. We use DD/MM/YY and say 31st of March 2020 in many Europen countries, including mine.
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Emi Asanuma 5 years ago
Personally I like year/month/day best especially when saving as file so the file will automatically line accordingly from either old to new version order, or vice versa.
RELATED:
#2
Patrick McKemie 5 years ago
When the game first started, you got to kick the other teams' players in the testicles with your foot. Earned your team three points! Anymore questions?
Merlyn Emrys 5 years ago
Honestly as a "real football/soccer" person I have never understood it
Caitlin Mangan 5 years ago
To anyone asking why they wear puffed sleeves, those are pads they put under the jersey.
Aria Whitaker 5 years ago
The reason is that when football was invented, the sport of polo was pretty popular in the area. They named the new game "football" to distinguish it from polo...as you played football on your FEET...rather than on horseback, as in polo matches.
Jack Lambrecht 5 years ago
Originally, football started in England, in schoolyards. Wherever you were, it was played with slightly altered rules. When people started taking it more seriously, the group split in half because of the differences. One side said "hands allowed" and one side said "no hands allowed." These two sides didn't like eachother. They made slight differences to be more independent of one another. The "hands allowed" made the biggest change: forbidding feet. Although neither side was willing to change names- that would be letting the other side win. Eventually "Hands only" reached America, and instantly was a hit. In the UK, "Feet only" became standard and "hands only" died down.
#3
Prince Maroochy 5 years ago
We choose from a lot more at first, eventually narrowing it down to two and choosing from them.
Carol Emory 5 years ago (edited)
Except we don't get to decide who the two are. In the electoral college, we can tell them who we want...then the fat cats at the top that ARE the electoral get to side with us or go out on their own. So in reality..when November comes around...we get to decide between the two candidates they wanted. But this year is going to be a repeat of last election. Two democratic candidates splitting the democratic vote and one republican taking all the republican votes. Can you guess who's going to be president next year?
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Evil Little Thing 5 years ago
We inherited a two-party system from the English (whigs vs tories) centuries ago. But they are more progressive than us and reformed their system Meanwhile, many Americans think Trump is smart, so... There's only so far we can fix things because 36% of our voters are morons.
Dilly Millandry 5 years ago
Meanwhile in the UK we want more reform as it's still not progressive enough. Don't worry though, you aren't alone! Sadly, we also have our share of morons - hence Boris.
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Molly Block 5 years ago
Because there are 50 states, and a candidate comes from each. Then, Miss American is chosen from one of the 50.
Carol Emory 5 years ago
Actually..I agree with this one. Let's do away with the primaries and let everyone straight vote for their candidate directly. That way we have a fair representation of who is most favored. But the ballots here are a joke this year. My sister was given an non-partisan ballot...10 democrats listed...only one republican (the orange idiot.) SMH
SashaAlexandra 5 years ago
I`m russian - we haven`t seen any second candidate for president in 20 years
Kathy Baylis 5 years ago
Well, more than two candidates, since you have to include those from smaller parties. As for Miss America, there are 50 states, and each one send the winner of their statewide pageant. And, really, beauty pageants are becoming relics anyway.
Kori K. Warriner 5 years ago
American here. Been asking this same question for 47 years. My candidate didn't stand a chance against a corrupt two-party system.
According to Benny from Ireland, Europeans traveling around the US will find a lot of things weird. Like the fact that Americans smile way too much and it’s difficult to know when they mean it and when they’re smiling out of reflex.
Another thing that Benny found very unusual is something a lot of people complain about when they arrive in the US. Yup, you guessed it—tipping! “I really think tipping as a means of waitresses and others earning the vast majority of their living is ridiculous. If I have to pay, say 15% anyway, then include it in the bill! It's not a bloody tip if it's mandatory!” Benny expressed his opinion. Some of us can agree that mandatory tipping is sneaky and that servers should earn a decent wage that isn’t based on tips.
“Why not tip everyone who you interact with in some way—bus drivers, or leave money on your trash can for the garbage man? It's inconsistent, and waiters, hairdressers, and taxi drivers should just charge us what needs to be charged,” Benny writes in his blog.
#4
Kaisu 5 years ago
This also goes for strict gun laws. Why do Americans think strict gun laws won't work in their country when it works in literally all other developed countries?
Jon Robinson 5 years ago
Claiming Universal healthcare wont work becuase of population is nonsense, population pay taxes at the same level no matter, 1 or 20 million, and actually if Europe did have a single healthcare system it would actually be more efficient as countries wouldnt be spending money on duplicating effort
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Id row 5 years ago
Because there is a mass populous that is frighteningly ignorant and equates it with communism. Plus we have a system of legalized bribery in our political system called lobbying. The insurance lobbyists who make billions a year off of denying claims pay Washington many, many millions to make sure the current system stays the way it is. And our lawmakers are given gold star insurance with their job so they have zero incentive to change it because it doesn't effect them and they can line their pockets with that sweet lobbying money to boot.
Kathy Baylis 5 years ago (edited)
Not all of us are. I would love to have universal healthcare, guaranteed income, free college, and the death of predatory capitalism. Fingers crossed it happens soon. Judging by history, we’re on the brink of major change. I just hope it’s change for the better. If it isn’t, then my being married to an Englishman who kept his green card will come in handy. When we move to Canada.
Load More Replies... Kathy Baylis 5 years ago (edited)
Actually, a huge majority of Americans think it WILL work. It’s certain politicians owned by the healthcare industry who raise a huge stink and f**k it all up whenever it’s proposed. At least we have the ACA (commonly called Obamacare) which is an affordable lifesaver for so many who would be otherwise totally uninsured.While in school and not working, I paid between $5 and $7 per month for health insurance with ACA, as opposed to the nearly $200 per month to add me to my husband’s health insurance from his job (not too expensive for the employee alone, but start adding family to it and the cost skyrockets!).
Kerri Labelle 5 years ago
Because our insurance companies and gun lobbyists pay off lawmakers to make it that way. Our lawmakers aren't in it to benefit us as a whole, only to line their pockets.
#5
Thomas brennan 5 years ago
As an irish person I dont mind it, it is nice for people to be proud of their heritage. What I do mind is when they ask do I know paddy mcsomething from donegal. I know Ireland's small but we don't all live in one village. Oh and the accent impersonations are damn annoying...although in my experience the English are the worst for imitating accents.
Aisling Badsha 5 years ago
As an fellow Irish person the only issue I have with is is actually trying to explain you were actually born in Ireland and not just "I'm irish" Also paused a second before my reply when I read your name as it was my great Grandad's name. Thank you for bringing his memory to me in such odd times, made me smile.
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Paige Johnson 5 years ago
I think it has to do with the fact that America is a really big melting pot. Nobody really has 100% "American" ancestry, unless your Native American. We find pride in the places we can trace our heritage to because it gives us something to be proud of. I think America is still too young of a country, settled by people from all over, to be considered a heritage. My grandma came up from Australia, to the exact town I was raised in. The woman who was sent to Australia was from Spain, she stole sheets and was sent to a colony for the crime. She's my family's beginning in Australia, and I find that fascinating.My great-great-grandfather came over to the Seattle area from overseas (I can't remember exactly where from). He and his brother split off one keeping the last name Venglar, and one changing it to Wenglar. I've gotten to meet Wenglars that are very distant relatives and again, it's fascinating.So I'm American, but I'm the product of many immigrants. I'd rather identify with them.
Lynda Momalo 5 years ago
Ancestry in America is more a matter of trivia or curiosity. We have no little history ourselves, we like to reach back to countries with deeper roots. Most people here generally only consider (or even know) their ancestry from their parents' parents. So, since my mom's was Polish and my Dad's was English and Irish, I'd say I was 1/2 Polish, 1/4 English, 1/4 Irish -- but, of course, the reality is so much more complex. I've been tracing back the English sector as far as I can or to the year 1000, whichever comes first and in that span, my "English" ancestors are from every country in the UK, all of western Europe, a couple Scandinavian countries, and some Eastern European ones too. And, funny, although my paternal grandmother was 100 percent Irish, I only got the tiniest bit of Irish in my DNA test! Slightly more than the aunt's cousin's best friend's toenail but not a lot more!
Molly Block 5 years ago
I guess because we sent our DNA into 23andMe AND MyHeritage, and they both came back with the same conclusive results: Half Irish, Some British, Some German, and a tiny bit of Syrian. That's why.
Joseph Roberts 5 years ago
Many white Americans are 3rd or 4th generation immigrants. many if those immigrants came from Ireland.
Kc Caputo 5 years ago
My ancestry DNA test came back as 57% Irish and I am super proud to say I'm more then half Irish but I also came back English so I'm mixed just like every other American besides Native American peoples. Not all Americans are ignorant enough to ask stupid questions about a relative that may still live in Ireland or try to speak with an Irish accent. My grandmother never lost her accent till the day she died and lived in America for over 50 yrs, she never "faked" her brogue and I loved listening to her speak.
Shirley Richard 5 years ago
Funny story, I did a DNA test and came back 22% Irish. I don't know where in my history this person was but he was 100% Irish and is may be great-grandfather. I'm African American so you can go figure on that one but I find it's hilarious. I didn't expect this or was aware at all that this was the case.
#6
Alan Green 5 years ago
The other day when they announced America now has the highest C19 infections of any country an american in the comments said "BS, I'm sure Europe has more". Seems some Americans think Europe is a country.
Aria Whitaker 5 years ago (edited)
And I have heard quite a few Europeans (from various countries) refer to "Africa" as if IT is a country. We all have our things.....
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Esca Sav 5 years ago
I don't know why people are downvoting the comments about Americans traveling to multiple countries when they say they're traveling to "Europe". It's a saying here. Like when I traveled this summer I said Poland and Turkey (because it is only two countries), but my friend said he was traveling to Europe because of a business trip and he was supposed to go to several countries. He wasn't going to list everything, he generalized it. We know it's a continent, this is just a saying here...
Prince Maroochy 5 years ago
I imagine it's probably because they're going to visit multiple European countries since it's easier to get around in Europe (speaking as an American who lives in Germany).
Emperor Kitten 5 years ago
If you can drive through 15 countries in an afternoon, it's more efficient to just say you're visiting Europe.
Noez 🇸🇪 5 years ago
If you think you can drive though 15 European nations in 1 afternoon you're a crazy speed demon.
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Eatthe Damncookie 5 years ago
Same reason Europeans say they're going to America instead of saying what state and town they're going to. Heck, America isnt the United States. America includes ALL of North and South America.
Jack Lambrecht 5 years ago
Some of us don't see it as just going on vacation/holiday, but many have never been to anywhere in Europe before- so where they go isn't as important to them as the fact they are even going.
Joseph Roberts 5 years ago
Continental US is so large that you can fit France inside of Texas. Saying that you’re going to Europe is about the same size as saying you’re going to the US.
He also has issues with how in some parts of America prices aren’t what they seem because the tax isn’t included to make the cost seem lower than it really is.
Of course, taxing is different in different states, but this doesn’t excuse corporations from printing up different product costs for each state. Or, as Benny puts it, “We have the same product sold across many European countries and somehow someone in the company found the time to punch numbers into a $1 calculator in advance to tell people how much they are actually paying.”
#7
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
Why was fahrenheit even invented? The metric system just makes so much more sense. Freezing point is 0C and boiling point is 100C. A litre is 1000millilitres, 100 centimetres is 1 metre etc.
An Honest Merchant 5 years ago
I'm australian and I have been raised on celsius, but 104 degrees does a hell of a lot better of a job than 40 degrees at conveying that the day is hot.
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Colin Bayler 5 years ago
Back in the early 18th century, the Fahrenheit measurement system was actually pretty useful. It comes from Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, a German scientist born in Poland in 1686. As a young man, Fahrenheit became obsessed with thermometers. This may seem weird, but measuring temperature was a big problem at the time. No one had really invented a consistent, reliable way to measure temperature objectively. "Fahrenheit was still only twenty-eight years old when he stunned the world by making a pair of thermometers that both gave the same reading," the University of Houston's John Lienhard writes. "No one had ever managed to do that before." As an early inventor of the thermometer as we know it, Fahrenheit naturally had to put something on them to mark out different temperatures. The scale he used became what we now call Fahrenheit. Fahrenheit set zero at the lowest temperature he could get a water and salt mixture to reach. He then used a (very slightly incorrect) measurement of the av
Sinkvenice 5 years ago
I'm a 37 year old Brit and I don't understand Celsius, only Fahrenheit. I have no idea why and it infuriates everyone around me :-D
Everybody Say love! 5 years ago
Not sure why you're being down voted for a harmless preference? People are strange.
Load More Replies... Darling McKee 5 years ago (edited)
It’s what we grew up with. It’s our language. It’s a system already in place. We like it complicated. We like being individual. Pioneers. What do you have to measure with? A cup.
Frankenfrog 5 years ago
You also measure things in cups and feet. It's stupid.
Load More Replies... Jack Lambrecht 5 years ago
While celsius seems superior, with freezing point of water being 0° and boiling point being 100°, fahrenheit is run off of a much more important variable- air temperature.
Joseph Wolf 5 years ago
It does not make any sense, agreed. The US should of switched to metric system
Winston Smith 5 years ago
Why do some countries speak different languages. Because its what they were taught as children
#8
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
thats not just American. I think it depends on the person. I have local friends who do and local friends who dont, and American friends who do and dont.
Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
This is a product of differences in traditional sanitation standards and cultural differences in hygiene. Remember, the US started out as primarily farmers, then switched to heavy industry in a time when running water in the house was a rare thing. In other words, stinky, sweaty boot feet. Also the difference in climate is a factor. much of the US has cold damp winters and it is highly uncomfortable to waltz around with cold feet. In Japan, I had to decide if I wanted to insult my hosts by stinking up their embarrassingly clean home with my sweaty size 12s, spread the athlete's foot infection most military end up with or insult them by just not visiting them in their home. A lose/lose situation for sure until I started carrying fresh, dry socks in a plastic bag in my pocket to change into...
Asia 5 years ago
To all those offended Americans who do take shoes off while at home. It's the media, watch any movie taking place in the US and you'll see people wearing outdoor shoes indoors, like, even in bed o_O
Lynda Momalo 5 years ago
Not sure I've seen them IN bed, maybe lying on top of the bed.
Load More Replies... Paige Johnson 5 years ago
Personally I prefer to be barefoot but it hurts my feet to stand for too long without shoes. I have bad arches and need the support. Plus I don't like things sticking to my bare feet, so I wear shoes while I clean.
Helen Haley 5 years ago
Agreed. Being barefoot is super uncomfortable for me. It hurts.
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Gwen Pollock 5 years ago
I prefer having something on my feet. But I try and switch to my "indoor" shoes when I get home from where ever it is I was. I think in the end, it boils down to personal preference.
Just Carmen 5 years ago
I'm American and I walk around my house barefoot all the time. Even in the dead of winter when it's freezing outside.
Ms.GB 5 years ago
I think most people do but a lot of times when you have guests or are a guest people will wear shoes.
Load More Replies... Kathy Baylis 5 years ago
My husband is British, and he always kept his shoes on in the house. We both do—-if only from the door to the bedroom to change into comfy clothes (or pajamas) and put on our slippers after work!
#9
Just Carmen 5 years ago
I don't know about other Americans, but at our house, we just call it TUNA.
Colin Bayler 5 years ago
As a 69-year-old American, I have NEVER heard anyone in my life call it tuna fish. Not sure where you heard it. Maybe a local colloquialism?
deanna woods 5 years ago
I don't what you are talking about, but my family just calls it tuna and so do most of the people I know.
spirit wolf 5 years ago
And I've also never ever heard anyone call it "tuna fish".
Load More Replies... Helen Haley 5 years ago
I think that's more generational than anything. I think older generations are the ones who say tuna fish.
Felix-Marie Badeau 5 years ago
Totally agree! America didn't start eating tuna until 1903. What was in the can was completely different from other canned fish which were small and whole. When you opened that can, it just didn't look like fish! Now days, we all know what it is and have no need to call it "tuna fish".
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Dennis Evans 5 years ago
In southwestern states, tuna means the fruit of the prickly pear cactus. It is a Spanish word. So when people talk about tuna, is it the cactus fruit or the fish?
But before you start thinking that all Europeans have it out for the US, Benny also mentions some awesome things about Americans. For example, nobody can deny that Americans have an incredible work ethic and how open-minded and diverse most of the country is. It’s a country with plenty of positives, peppered with a whole lot of bizarreness.
#10
Colin Bayler 5 years ago
Because you don't need a bloody scale to measure grams. All you need is a simple cup with lines. DUH!
Carol Emory 5 years ago
Colin Bayler...when baking, grams is actually more accurate than a cup. Better to weigh your ingredients. It also makes it easier to double or triple a recipe.
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Charlotte 5 years ago
The volume of a cup isn't internationally defined (to my knowledge) which means a cup is not an accurate measurement. It's ok for very approximate or ratio-based recipes, but weights are more reliable and translate into any language.
Claire 5 years ago
I don't have any problems using cups for cooking - after all, you don't need an exact amount of flour or anything. In chemistry class, yes, we should use grams for amounts but I don't see the need in cooking. Do you have to weigh every ingredient before you put it in?
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Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
I am Australian and our recipes vary, some use cups and spoons whilst some use grams and many use a mix of both. I actually find the cups and spoons so much easier.
Charlotte 5 years ago
The official volume of a "cup" varies by county. The actual volume of cups varies depending on what's in your cupboard and how tightly you pack in dry ingredients.
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Jack Lambrecht 5 years ago (edited)
Its easier- you don't have to weigh anything, and can measure solids and liquids in the same way. Also, I could say the same thing to you about grams.
Kori K. Warriner 5 years ago
What is a gram equal to? I was never taught that, or exposed to that measurement...in America. Just ceased to happen. I can't control the school systems.
#11
Just Carmen 5 years ago
Well actually, most of the time we say that we don't give a s**t, so.....
Caitlin Mangan 5 years ago
Now, this is just being harsh to us, this is not an actual problem.
sh 5 years ago
Well, it is incorrect, and makes people look dumb, so it is a problem. People already think Americans are dumb enough; shouldn't we do what we can to disprove that?
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Lisa Pee Wee Jengo 5 years ago
That one's a pet peeve of mine. I hate when people say it wrong.
C Black 5 years ago
Not everyone says that. Only some say it. MOST people realize that the phrase is "I couldn't care less." Lots of people say things incorrectly. As for what you're asking about, a lot of us know better, but truly I couldn't care less whether people use it correctly or not. As long as I KNOW, that's all that matters to me. I know what people mean and it doesn't bother me if they say it wrong.
Mary Launer 5 years ago
I always say couldn't, am I doing it wrong? It wasn't in my American handbook
#12
Marcellus the Third 5 years ago
Toilet, just like water closed and restroom (and bathroom) are euphemisms to avoid thinking of bodily functions... Much weirder to me is that americans park on their driveway but drive on parkways.
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
Oh I have rested in a toilet before, mainly to get some peace and quiet from the kids. It doesn’t happen often coz they would rather disturb my toileting.
The Emerald Triangle 5 years ago
That's what cell phones and Netflix are for!
Load More Replies... Emi Asanuma 5 years ago
Me too Molly. I have slept in there hugging the toilet seat multiple times. Such fun times.
Load More Replies... Rose Mack 5 years ago
When women wore corsets, they would go to the “restroom” and take off their corsets to literally rest & “take a breather.” This is why many women’s restrooms have chairs or a sofa. It was very common in regions, where the temperature can be very high.
Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Thank the strange Victorian British concepts of obscenity still prevalent. Generally "restroom" indicates a public space and "bathroom" indicates a private one. Then again, there's also the crapper, the john, the outhouse...but oddly never a water closet. Search "North American phonology" and "North American Slang" for a trip down the rabbit hole.
Harley Hans Hoglin 5 years ago
Outhouse is very specific, and in modern America, looked at as old fashion, rural, and even backwards.
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Carol Lewis 5 years ago
I don't think that, nor have I ever thought that. I don't know anyone who does. Where did you even come up with that nonsense.
Troux 5 years ago
She's referring to the Republican/pro-capitalist voters that are opposed to government support for the poor, high taxes for the rich, and anything else which might level the playing field. To sum it up, ~50% of the US votes like they're going to win the lottery tomorrow.
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Mary Launer 5 years ago
No, we think if you work hard enough you will be successful. Never heard anyone thinking they will be billionaires.
Jim Kang 5 years ago
Again, who do these people talk to? No one, and I mean no one thinks like this. Pull your head out your a*s, and quit watching bad tv/movies. Americans are the same as you, we all have the same desires and needs as you. Our culture maybe a little different, but we are the same as you! I need food, shelter, clothing, some simple social interactions, maybe some entertainment, I'm good. Just like you. Quit trying to make us so different from each other, we're not.
Johnny Farnen 5 years ago (edited)
Someone has seen far too many movies. The reality is most Americans can't even grasp the concept of a billion properly thanks to a badly outdated education system and good old fashioned Ameroggance.
Sasha Ross 5 years ago (edited)
Really, I just want a small house with a nice yard, enough food and not have to constantly worry about if I can afford my health care payments(which cost more then my rent. .
Fireflower 5 years ago
It's called the American Dream; our constitution grants us three unalienable rights, which are the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If I remember my US history courses from 8th grade correctly, it first appeared in the Declaration of Independance (I like to think of it this way: "Britain, I'm breaking up with you. It's not me, it's you, and here are 23 reasons why:"). They don't guarantee happiness, but they do the right to strive for it. And honestly, this go-getter mindset is much better than the stagnant one. Since when has the latter become the norm? And why have people allowed it to be that way? I don't understand.
deanna woods 5 years ago
I don't think like that. I just think that if I work hard, I will have what I need. Which, by the way, I do.
#14
Mette Olsen Douglas 5 years ago
I don't think I know anybody who lives like they have free healthcare - quite the opposite actually. "Is it truly bad enough to go see a doctor or can we survive without going"? Nobody want those bills that follows a doctors visit!!
Tracy Lord 5 years ago
I think they're referring to people who do stupidly dangerous things ( e.g., Tide pod challenge) as though it's no biggie if they need health care after.
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Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Less movies and TV for this one too. Most Americans would prefer free healthcare, but they vote for colors (Red or Blue) and deeply ingrained, misguided personal opinions instead of logic, intellect and an the interest of the country.
Merlyn Emrys 5 years ago
we don't. People's teeth rot out of their mouths and they endure chronic pain because they can't afford a doctor. Or they just, you know, die.
#15
Kaisu 5 years ago
Some Americans also love making fun of people who speak English with a foreign accent, when they themselves can only speak one language
Petra Schaap 5 years ago
i have been to the States many times and in many places. my English (American) is pretty good, but I still have an accent. Every single stranger that I ever met that noticed just wants to know where I'm from, and when I tell them I'm from Belgium they go "woa! and your english is so good!" never ever had someone making fun of me.
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Colin Bayler 5 years ago
Who the hell are you associating with that gets weird when you speak perfect English? Yo need new friends.
Craig Lee 5 years ago
Yeah, but terrible people tend to have terrible friends. I think this is more of a reflection on who she is than who she encounters.
Load More Replies... Carol Lewis 5 years ago
I'm 63 and it never occurred to me that it was weird for a person from another country to speak English fluently or use slang. Nor have I ever made fun of anyone who speaks with an accent. Don't lump us all together please.
Noez 🇸🇪 5 years ago
As tourists, Americans do do that. I worked at a hotel for two years and American tourists not only complimented me for my good English, but also complimented Swedes in general for speaking English as well as we do. They found it surprising that everyone they met here easily could speak with them, give directions, and such. So as tourists, you Americans do this. Which is nice 😃
Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Particularly when they refuse to realize the United States has no official state language... by actual law, the only restriction on language is that English is the language of commerce. Meaning, to do business of any sort in the country, English is supposed to be used. However this has never been enforced in the last 150 years. Fun fact...German lost the vote as the official language of commerce by only a small margin.
Not what you think. 5 years ago
Oh, thank god for that small margin of people who voted for English.
Load More Replies... Helen Haley 5 years ago
Generally, US citizens have less experience with traveling to other countries because a variety of other countries would be financially out of reach due to distances to get there. Ergo a slightly xenophobic world view due to lack of experience. The ones who embrace the xenophobia are small minded jerks that embarrass the rest of us.
I Just Changed My Name 5 years ago
Same reason anyone is pleasantly shocked when a nonnative speaks their language with slang
#16
Brick 5 years ago
Anything to not use the metric system whats next: glazed donuts per bald eagle who knows
Jack Lambrecht 5 years ago
Its really so people can picture it in their minds.
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The Girl on Fire 5 years ago
It's just a fun way to show how big something is. Good grief, this whole list is so petty.
Chewie Baron 5 years ago
Well to be fair, the British measure things against a London Bus. Which is totally acceptable. Right?
Suzanne Haigh 4 years ago
I am British and never measured anything or heard of anything, being measured by a London bus.
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Karen Da Manager 5 years ago (edited)
Because everyone in the US knows the relative size of a football field. So people will understand what you’re talking about
Martine 5 years ago
That is correct, and the weird thing is, European football (soccer) fields all have different sizes...
Load More Replies... Kathy Baylis 5 years ago
It’s just a comparison used when describing the size of something, to help the person/people you’re talking to get a sense of its size. I mean, if you tell me something is 1250 feet—-or 381 meters—-tall, I can’t really visualize it. But tell me it’s as tall as the Empire State Building, and I immediately understand its height.
Darling McKee 5 years ago
It a very common size we automatically know. Football fields are everywhere and used for many things. Even high school and college band which is very big!!!
#17
Winston Smith 5 years ago
I hear it said at least 3 different ways depending on what news channel you watch
David Arnold 5 years ago
Who does this?? I've never heard it pronounced that way and I'm from Texas.
Uchman 5 years ago
C'mon you can't be serious. George W Bush every single time and he was your governor too!
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Buna Alkhas 5 years ago
LOL Apple product!! i-Ran I teach English in Iran and am fighting a losing battle. My students have seen American films, TV and News and they think it is the American pronunciation. All I can say is that Americans are all i-diots.
Rage Racer 5 years ago (edited)
Why do people from Germany call it Deutschland and everyone else calls it Germany?
Rolfen 5 years ago
We call it Deutschland because that's just the way we always said it. Roman authors mentioned tribes called 'Germani', and the land as Germania, so I guess their Latin was eventually translated to English, and that's it.
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Merlyn Emrys 5 years ago
no one does that IRL. We don't know why films do it. Just as baffled. Real american breakfast is gonna be a coffee thing of some kind and a bagel, or a slice of toast, or a bowl of cereal, or a protein bar gnawed on the way to a second minimum wage job.
Not what you think. 5 years ago
Ok now, this question is just simply ridiculous. While here I'd also like to mention we didn't get invaded by aliens yet. Also, there're no dinosaurs and Chimps didn't take over the world.
Colin Bayler 5 years ago
The plots usually don't involve watching people eat a full breakfast.
#19
Just Carmen 5 years ago
I own and drive a truck and I LOVE it! You know what I put in it?! Everyone else's s**t when they wanna move. Or I put all the dirt and plants I want to plant in my garden in the backend of my truck so the inside of my vehicle doesn't get dirty. Or, I'll put all that heavy DIY stuff that could NEVER possible fit into a car, in the backend of my truck and I'm off! They're a handy vehicle to own.
Jim Kang 5 years ago
Pickup trucks are incredibly utilitarian. Don't have one currently, but I've had two myself. Used them for hauling things, mine and my friends. Going camping and other outdoor activities. As far as why SUV's or UTES are called trucks, is because they are built on the same chassis, just the bed is shorter and enclosed.
Sasha Ross 5 years ago
We use our truck all the time.Its actually a shared truck with my grown kids.,Dump runs, branches, furniture, movng, helping others move. I could probably think of more too.
Joseph Wolf 5 years ago
The US is different than Europe, there are parts of this country especially in west you can go three to four hundred miles and not see a thing and we have a lot of farms and you need to haul hay and feed for the farm.
Rage Racer 5 years ago
Funny you should ask. How many people have been to an Ikea parking lot full of people trying to take stuff out of the box to get into a car? How may people ask a friend with a truck to help them move. How many people need a car towed? If you are a DIYer of any kind you find the value of a truck and man do I miss my Tundra.
#20
Christoph Lindemann 5 years ago
If you add just one line to an F it becomes an E. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason why there is no E.
Monika Nagyova 5 years ago
At my university we used to have A to E and Fx for fail. Fx cannot be made into an E.
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Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Because our education system is modeled for an agrarian society....food and farm products are graded the same way... and "F" is not a grade. It only indicates failure. (One can actually "pass" with a "D")
Martti Laurson 5 years ago
It is normal that you have 5 steps. Like a lot of other countries. Fail (F) is enough. Or E would be Exceptional fail or Extra fail?
Alberto 5 years ago
Many countries grade out of 10 or 20. In Italy, at the university, you get grades out of 110
Load More Replies... Kathy Baylis 5 years ago (edited)
When I was in school, they tried the ABCDE grading, back when report card grades were handwritten on the forms. Then they found out just how easily an E can become a B with patience, a steady hand, and a matching ink color...
ROSSELAIRA EUGENIE CRUZ 5 years ago
A = Awesome! B = Boring, but okay. C = Congratulations! You're mediocre! D = Dumb*ss F = Fun! You FAILED.
Catalina Chavez 5 years ago
Because people who get Es are Secretly terminated , shh don’t tell anybody 🤫
#21
Chewie Baron 5 years ago
Don't get me started on how Americans pronounce 'mirror'. They miss out the 'o' and say "mirrrrr". Madness!
Nomadus Aureus 5 years ago
For years I couldn't pronounce squirrel. I literally called the poor sods bushy tailed rats. Then I've got introduced to the British pronunciation. Presto squirrel.
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Colin Bayler 5 years ago
Why did you add the i back into aluminum? English chemist Sir Humphry Davy named the element alumium in 1808 and then changed it to aluminum in 1812. British editors changed it to aluminium to be more in keeping with other elements such as potassium and sodium, while the Americans retained the spelling as aluminum.
Esca Sav 5 years ago (edited)
I'm reading all the comments and getting really concerned with which Americans you've met...
Nomadus Aureus 5 years ago
For me, it's the larger than life, insanely loud, waaaaaaaay too friendly, bless you type. (I hear there's a difference in behavior depending on the state you're from? Is that true?)
Load More Replies... Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Just search for "North American English regional phonology" and keep yourself busy for a few hours whilst on lockdown. It varies not only region to region, but state to state and even city to city. When I joined the Navy, I had to work very hard to lose my accent to be understood over comms...and I could barely understand people from the South and Boston.
Paul K. Johnson 5 years ago
My favorite is when people use the wrong word that sounds close to the right word but they don't know they're using the wrong word. My all-time favorite is when they swap "irrelevant" and "irreverent". They can be swapped and work in almost all cases but it really changes the meaning of what they're trying to say. I still remember a 1st Sergeant yelling at us and telling us we were being "irrelevant" when she meant "irreverent". I mean she wasn't wrong but it wasn't what she meant. :)
Adi Halevy 5 years ago
It's a phonological process where an unstressed vowel between two syllables is deleted. It occurs in other words like family, broccoli, cholesterol, etc.
Gilda 5 years ago
How u say caramel pecan ect depends on where you are at in the U.S i am California and i say carAmel lol
Jenica Thomas 5 years ago
Pecan is a good one. Pee-can, pee-kin, puh-khan, peh-can. I've heard so many variations.
Load More Replies... #22
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago (edited)
High school was pretty much the worst time in my life. My daughter is going through it now and I wish I could just fast forward her outta there.
david kohn 5 years ago
you could homeschool depending on how far through she is im homeschooled and it is better i have done nothing for a year and im a grade ahead it is very good for mental health to decide what you do and when without felling pressured best of luck im sure she will turn out great whatever you do
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Evil Little Thing 5 years ago
American MEDIA likes high school for the same reason that Japanese anime likes middle school - it is the final session of compulsory education, so the characters can be pretty, immature people with no real responsibilities who do stupid things and have shallow, boorish priorities, allowing for minimal resistance to plot devices. Seriously though, if high school was the best years of your life, your life sucks.
Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
For a small percentage of our population, high school was their glory days...because after graduation most sportsball stars and cheerleaders turn into baby making factories living in a mobile home at the back of their parent's property...LMAO
Joseph Wolf 5 years ago
Those people who say HS was best years of their lives are losers out of high school
Emi Asanuma 5 years ago
Totally. Except mine continued to university and after that lol
Load More Replies... Darling McKee 5 years ago
To get to go to high school used to be a luxury. We are taught to enjoy while you can you’ll be expected to work very hard the rest of you’re life providing the opportunity for someone else.
Chloe Drury 5 years ago
I mean high school is pretty important because it decides the rest of your life. It decides colleges and sometimes jobs look at it.
James Arvidson 4 years ago
That is what people tell you but it is a load of crap.
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C Black 5 years ago
Americans get MAD? Rather they probably just don't know which sport you're speaking of. In America, football and soccer are two different sports. That's probably why they don't know what you're talking about. As for being "mad..." I doubt they are mad about it, LOL.
AJu 5 years ago
Great job making fun of the use of vocabulary of the person who posted it. FYI "mad" is a synonym for "angry" in this context. You probably know what synonym and context means, right? And also FYI: Football ist what you call "soccer" to the rest of the world, in case you've heard of such a place
Load More Replies... Helen Haley 5 years ago
Because they consider american football to be a real sport and they think soccer is a boring insult to the word sport. I don't personally understand the attraction to sports at all, but I know americans like sports bloody and they compensate fanaticism in place of having a hobby or personality.
Gregg Long 5 years ago
Pretty much this... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJu2qSJ9zno
Load More Replies... Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
That's only certain Americans...as more people in this country play "soccer" than play "american football". The real question here is where the F did the word "soccer" come from?
Gregg Long 5 years ago
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/soccer-not-football-_n_5492714
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Caroline Driver 5 years ago (edited)
And why do Americans armour up to play rugby? Oh wait, I already answered that in a previous reply, i.e. barbaric healthcare system.
Jake Foil 5 years ago
In America, football, or gridiron, or American football, whatever you like to call it, is almost a religion. Especially when it comes to college football, and the super bowl. With college ball, everyone gathers in large crowds, chants their schools tradition, sings the school song, and repeats the alma mater in an almost cult-like way. The reason they get "mad" is because we have no real connection to soccer other than occasionally we make it to the world cup. And soccer is what a lot of people view as "boring" and "wimpy". Please do not attack me for I love both sports, just one a little more than the other ;)
#24
Marcellus the Third 5 years ago
Yeah but then you also have 'drinks halls' in germany with liquor, beer, water, soda... Why? Also you're ignoring the "dry county" thing where within one state many counties may sell absolutely zero alcohol and the next does.
Dippin Dot 5 years ago
The concept of having a "dry" municipality is due to the majority religious affiliation in a particular region. In the south, certain Baptists forbid alcohol consumption, in Utah it's LDS, and areas like Pennsylvania it would be the Puritan influence.
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Belinda_Vikingheart_🇧🇻 5 years ago
Norway to, called Vinmonopolet. The state have monopoly selling hard liqeur. In the food stores, you can by beer.
Ariel Fox 5 years ago
In Quebec, Canada, only the provincial government is allowed to sell alcohol - it's in special stores that are only open limited hours 6 days a week! It's the province's Roman Catholic heritage...
Load More Replies... Kathy Baylis 5 years ago
Depends where you are. Some states allow grocery stores to sell liquor too, others only allow it to be sold in licensed stores, and yet others have completely “dry” counties where you can’t buy it at all!
Flash Henry 5 years ago
It varies state by state, and it's hella annoying. Like in New Jersey, liquor stores carry everything, but you can't get beer at supermarkets or other shops. Then in NY you can get beer anywhere, but there is no beer in the liquor stores because they only sell hard liquor and wine.
Everybody Say love! 5 years ago
The UK have Off-Licences which exclusively sell alcohol (and snacks of course, we're no monsters!)
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
We have bottle-o’s (liquor shops), it is extremely unlikely for you to find a supermarket that sells grog.
Gregg Long 5 years ago
The selling of Alcohol is regulated by the states. This was part of the compromise in getting rid of the National Prohibition Amendment. States that were still anti-alcohol (mostly the more religious states) couldn't bann it anymore but could put all kinds of regulations around how it could be sold to placate the religious people who saw it as sinful. In many states it's just like you describe. It's just sold in the Super market like anything else except they still ask for ID if you buy it.
Helena Murphy 5 years ago
South Africa also have liquor stores - it is called either Liquor store or Bottle Store
Darling McKee 5 years ago (edited)
We are conservative, even democrats. And not everywhere is allowed to sell liquor. It must be closely monitored. You’ll even find security guards there to make sure no one underage gets in. Why would you want to travel to a store without knowing wether they have what you’re looking for or not?
#25
Lori Jabi 5 years ago
As a Swiss I have to say, this is the right question! WHY NOT?
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Laugh or not 5 years ago
The real question is why they call this semi-plastic, tasteless thing cheese.
Emperor Kitten 5 years ago
American "cheese" is revolting. It's technically not even cheese, is classified as "cheese-food" by the fda.
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Colin Bayler 5 years ago
Specifics? What the heck are all the things we are putting cheese on?
#26
Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Never heard of such a thing. Been playing a lot of Call of Duty with high school kids, eh?
Fairsher 5 years ago
lol that is kinda like me picking a word used only in the Bayou, never heard that word used ever in 59 years in Canada, maybe in some Newfoundland areas.
Load More Replies... #27
Prince Maroochy 5 years ago (edited)
Uh, I'm American and I pronounce it Krayg, never heard anyone who doesn't pronounce it that way...
Craig Lee 5 years ago
That's my name, and I've never heard anyone pronounce it like "Creg".
Load More Replies... Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Again, this varies state-to-state. While bored on lockdown, have a go at the crazy linguistics of the US in particular. Think people from Boston have a weird accent? New York? Try reading about the Pittsburgh accent, or the Missouri accent, or the West Coast "vocal fry". A search of "North American English regional phonology" will get yinze dahntahn...
Jolee Hang 5 years ago
Graham is Gray-ham, but we slur it, so the h is almost silent.
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#28
SilverRozFox 5 years ago
Yes. I agree. It has helped my family with unexpected but wonderful visits from friends/family
Load More Replies... James Arvidson 4 years ago
They are aluminum and recyclable. Less water use as well.
Load More Replies... Ariel Fox 5 years ago
Also can be used as a cooking container - like a Thanksgiving turkey!
Load More Replies... Johnny Farnen 5 years ago
Aluminum is infinitely recyclable and we actually have lots of it available to mine.
Colin L 5 years ago
Most recycling centers won't accept dirty recyclables. But yeah, 75% of aluminum used goes back into circulation.
Load More Replies... Paige Johnson 5 years ago
Easier to transport, you can cook in them, and you don't have to bug someone for your dishes back. They have lids too.
Chloe Drury 5 years ago
they can have a top, its a pretty big decent container, not too heavy, reusable
Esca Sav 5 years ago
Easy to use, transport, and very cheap. You don't need to take them home after bringing them to someone's house. They are ugly, but they're handy.
Ariel Fox 5 years ago
And you can just heat up the food in the oven as is!
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#29
Just Carmen 5 years ago
It's the MOVIES for F sake! Get a clue would you?! We don't DO that IRL.
MidnightFury 5 years ago
Actually I've noticed when dropping off my friends here in the states (I moved here from England last year) that they all just open the door freely and walk right in. No keys, no one to open their door, nothing.
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Aria Whitaker 5 years ago (edited)
Because it is a damn tv show, Rita. It is literally NOT REAL. That's why, love. Do you think we fly out of windows and throw cars at each other because you saw it on Superman?
Foxxy (The Original) 5 years ago
When I was a kid, my parents never locked our front door when we went out. Didn’t start locking it until I was about 16.
Lauren Darnell 5 years ago
TBF we never used to lock our front door unless no one was in the house, but crime rates went up so we always lock it now
Load More Replies... Evil Little Thing 5 years ago
Because if the TV people locked their doors, whomever was about to walk right into their home and terrorize them would be stuck outside rattling a doorknob, which is boring to watch on TV.
Paul K. Johnson 5 years ago
Lock their doors? In most shows they don't even close their doors.
S 5 years ago
reread your question. TV SHOWS. Unless of course you're one of those people that think TV is real life???
Emi Asanuma 5 years ago
TV is not real life? Now a lot of things in my life make sense..
Load More Replies... Marcellus the Third 5 years ago
Seinfeld was the exception!... Jokes about the multiple locks on NY apartments etc.
Katie Allen 5 years ago
Seinfeld didn't lock his door so Kramer could barge in all the time
Load More Replies... Donna Leske 5 years ago
Americans? I watch a LOT of BBC, they are movies. MOVIES! Not real life.
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Leah Rays 5 years ago
These are kinda stupid. It's an unnecessary generalization. Not everyone does. Some do, not all. Lots of Americans would love to have the metric system. We just don't and can't change it.
Fact Perils 5 years ago
I know! It wouldn't even be that hard, they teach it in schools already. And the pain that it was to learn to convert centimeters to inches...*shivers* like seriously, 1 inch = 2.54 cm WTH?
Load More Replies... Petra Schaap 5 years ago
OMG. The questions get more and more stupid the more you scroll down. And the first one is already pretty stupid.
ToGo 5 years ago
This article would be okay if people were asking questions they genuinely want answered, but they're taking the p**s. Also, it's just ignorant to assume all Americans do these things. I'd be pissed if they made an article asking Americans to do this to Brits. Just not my sense of humour I guess.
oddball0626 5 years ago
Let's keep bashing Americans because it makes us feel better about ourselves.
steven 5 years ago
why do americans continually complain about their pathetic healthcare but vote in people who promise to fix it but never do
Leah Rays 5 years ago
These are kinda stupid. It's an unnecessary generalization. Not everyone does. Some do, not all. Lots of Americans would love to have the metric system. We just don't and can't change it.
Fact Perils 5 years ago
I know! It wouldn't even be that hard, they teach it in schools already. And the pain that it was to learn to convert centimeters to inches...*shivers* like seriously, 1 inch = 2.54 cm WTH?
Load More Replies... Petra Schaap 5 years ago
OMG. The questions get more and more stupid the more you scroll down. And the first one is already pretty stupid.
ToGo 5 years ago
This article would be okay if people were asking questions they genuinely want answered, but they're taking the p**s. Also, it's just ignorant to assume all Americans do these things. I'd be pissed if they made an article asking Americans to do this to Brits. Just not my sense of humour I guess.
oddball0626 5 years ago
Let's keep bashing Americans because it makes us feel better about ourselves.
steven 5 years ago
why do americans continually complain about their pathetic healthcare but vote in people who promise to fix it but never do
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