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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.”

#1

Things-Americans-Do

hesthehabit Report

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European other
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It makes sense to start with the day, but I guess it's what you get used to

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#3

Things-Americans-Do

Montberte Report

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Prince Maroochy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We choose from a lot more at first, eventually narrowing it down to two and choosing from them.

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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.

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#4

Things-Americans-Do

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Kaisu
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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?

jon7167 avatar
Jon Robinson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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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Nunya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simply put: Universal healthcare won't work in America because the medical and pharma corps and their government stooges will not allow it to work.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans are conditioned to believe that it DOESN'T work in other countries. I can't tell you how many times I've had to argue these facts with people.

blugeagua avatar
blugeagua
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MANY of us Americans would love to have universal healthcare.

dks001 avatar
DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as you're witnessing now, America is a greedy m**********r

snorincats avatar
Kathy Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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Kathy Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!).

greenebean616 avatar
Kerri Labelle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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info_884 avatar
Alex Bailey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have had several operations and even non urgent I only waited weeks. I can see my GP same day. Nothing wrong with the quality. That is just what people say to make themselves feel better with their crappy, unaffordable 'healthcare'.

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Jack Lambrecht
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't think that at all- but we don't have infinite amounts of money. Everyone wants to spend it differently, and for many healthcare isn't on that list of priorities.

artcat742 avatar
Kori K. Warriner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, we do think it would work here, but good luck getting big-soul-sucking pharma to fight for it.

visable1 avatar
Eatthe Damncookie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think most of us agree with universal healthcare. The problem is, the the minority GOP has our voting districts so gerrymandered that its difficult for the majority to actually vote through major important changes.

deannawoods avatar
deanna woods
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I would love the idea of universal healthcare. Especially since many members of my family have a lot of health problems.

ysabelfelt avatar
Ysabel Felt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

??? that’s not anyone else’s problem, like I’m sorry but I don’t want higher taxes to pay for your families health problems.

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Kikka io
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

this is something that has always made me turn up my noses about Americans, because it seems that they base everything on money. now, I am one who does not spit on money, and I agree that it makes the world go round, but literally do not care about all those who do not have money and leave them to die in the middle of a road I think it is a barbaric thing and not from civilized beings. if you want a better type of health care for the rich it's okay, if they can pay for it, but at the same time you should create a form of state health care that allows even the weakest categories to be treated in all their needs, otherwise you are just an egoist who thinks of himself and cares about the world. a society based on this type of selfishness should be removed.

anotherlittlething avatar
Jill Pulcifer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In all fairness, a lot of us to believe in things like universal health care, and gun control. We simply have a broken two party system that is controlled by special interest groups. Its impossible to cater to these groups and do meaningful things for the American people, so keep your head down in a crowd and dont get sick, but at least the oil companies got that pipeline no one wanted, so theres that.

willemsen avatar
Meami
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sigh. That is the question of the hour. There is so much propaganda out there regarding universal healthcare that has no basis in fact. SMH.

darlingsmckee avatar
Darling McKee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s a different debate when you already have a system in place.

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Jolee Hang
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't want to pay more taxes. It's an excuse. If we pay just a little more taxes, everybody, the people that can and can't afford it, will have semi-free hospital, doctor, ER, etc cetera visits. We're not all idiots, but enough are that we won't change.

sherry_straus_94 avatar
Fairsher
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jezz, how much tax increase do you think you will need to pay?? I mean, I have no idea what Americans pay for taxes but I can tell you I would rather pay a few hundred more a year than paying for my health care over the past 59 years. And I have been fairly healthy but just having 3 kids, mri/cts,surgeries for my back would have cost $$$$ more.

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kerri avatar
Kerri Russ
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the best question on here... why? American's are asking the same question of their elected Republican politicians and the answer is "because I shouldn't have to pay for anyone but me." That's not MY answer, of course... A nation that doesn't take care of its weakest citizens isn't a good nation.

valeriegibson avatar
Valerie G.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here in B.C. Canada, we actually had our premiums go down to Zero in January.

johnbaker avatar
John Baker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The majority of Americans have been in favor of universal health care for at least the past fifty years, but Republican politicians won't hear of it.

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Trude Stener Hansen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The argument that it’s a big country, well yeah - that means more tax income. I don’t care, I don’t have to live with their s****y healthcare but the argument is just off 🙈

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Monica Michelle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People do not elect those who actually make the laws. We do not elect the Supreme Court or the president who picks the Supreme Court see electoral college. Due to $ those who run for office will be helped by groups who are like nra and pharma. Person elected person pays the, back with nice laws. People do not get to know who bank roles thanks to corporations are people Supreme Court decision

rlrl1212 avatar
Rhonda Siwak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because we hear stories of the long waits for healthcare in those other countries. We do not have enough doctors for that to be avioded here

greenfrisbee_2000 avatar
Stephanie Trump
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because it’s socialism, and socialism is scary. (Not me, what other people say). I’m well aware that it isn’t free and comes out of taxes. I would rather have my taxes pay to help people than go to big corporations, which is where most of our taxes go.

elizabeth_gardner925 avatar
Elizabeth Gardner
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sheer stupidity I may suggest. They are always looking for something else to take the place of something that works perfectly well. But they will never find it.

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Bettye McKee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Healthcare is a difficult problem. The government is not qualified to dictate your healthcare. As for guns, the United States Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to bear arms. That was included in the Constitution for a good reason. We wouldn't have the United States if we hadn't had guns. And we will not risk losing the United States to invaders because we will use our guns to keep it. There are almost 5 million members of the NRA and not one of them has committed a school shooting, a massacre, a bank robbery. or a murder. Because of a few mental cases who commit crimes, some people want to deprive all gun owners of the right to have guns.

info_884 avatar
Alex Bailey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The constitution has been changed many times to suit those who wanted the changes. To think of it as something that is unaltered and unalterable is foolish. FEW mental cases? Have you seen your gun death stats??? invaders... hahahahaha.

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Logan Colee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do any of you want to try to take away the literally millions of people with semiautomatic a? I’d like to see you even try down in texas

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Ysabel Felt
Community Member
3 years ago

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Because we like our freedom. The brits instilled it into us that taxation is theft, we already have high enough taxes as is, increasing taxes just so I can pay for someone else’s heathcare when I rarely go to the doctor is preposterous. Universal healthcare systems are NEVER as good or efficient, why the heck do you think America has some of the top health and medical facilities in the world? Also, if someone decides to trespass on my land or try and harm me or my family, b in like to have my guns so I can protect myself while the police are still 20 minutes away.

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Jim Kang
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty much since inception. You try reading sources other than trump.

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Kat Brew
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3 years ago

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I doesn't work in other countries. You have people waiting months to see drs & have surgeries. We see drs when we need to and surgeries within days. We choose our drs & hospitals yours are assigned. Ill take our health care over yours any day.

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Thomas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you have experience with that? Or you're heard it on Fox News? Having spend half of my life on each continent (and multiple countries in the EU), I have experience with both and call claim, without any doubt, that the system in the US is a joke.

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YupItsMe1234
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3 years ago

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True American's don't believe there are other countries. It is the USA and then Russia and China. That is the world

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#5

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Scarlet4UrMa Report

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Thomas brennan
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#6

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Alan Green
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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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

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wiIIjem Report

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

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.

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#8

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ASXPJESSICA Report

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Petra Schaap
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#9

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SummerSongGirl Report

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Just Carmen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know about other Americans, but at our house, we just call it TUNA.

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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

Things-Americans-Do

_ElizabethMay Report

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Colin Bayler
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because you don't need a bloody scale to measure grams. All you need is a simple cup with lines. DUH!

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#11

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Just Carmen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well actually, most of the time we say that we don't give a s**t, so.....

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#12

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ZakAbel Report

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Stimpy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tried changing it to "the poopery" but people won't listen to me

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#13

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valentinavoight Report

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Carol Lewis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#14

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Mette Olsen Douglas
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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!!

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#15

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javi_draws Report

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Kaisu
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some Americans also love making fun of people who speak English with a foreign accent, when they themselves can only speak one language

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#16

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greasybananna Report

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Brick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anything to not use the metric system whats next: glazed donuts per bald eagle who knows

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#17

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imwafflingg Report

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Winston Smith
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hear it said at least 3 different ways depending on what news channel you watch

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#20

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semagomez Report

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

Because educators didn't want parents to think E meant "Excellent"

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#21

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JennaGuillaume Report

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Chewie Baron
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't get me started on how Americans pronounce 'mirror'. They miss out the 'o' and say "mirrrrr". Madness!

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#22

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brndizzle Report

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

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.

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#23

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C Black
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#24

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Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#26

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THEYOUNGTROY Report

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#28

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BANGTANDIOR Report

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Anne
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are handy when you bring cooked food to a meeting/people etc.

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#29

Things-Americans-Do

phoebehalliwels Report