Our accents, body language, and mannerisms can tell everyone around us what country we’re from before they even ask. However, there are other more subtle cultural and behavioral differences that give this away as well when you’re going abroad on holiday. We’re not even aware of some of these things until someone points these out to us.
Redditor Mknapp37 went on r/AskReddit and asked people to share the ways in which you can recognize that a tourist is American, besides their accents. Redditors from all over the globe, including from the US, shared their opinions and experiences. Having loads of confidence, talking to waiters and strangers, and being super polite are all just the tip of the iceberg.
Have a scroll through these subtle and not-so-subtle signs that someone’s American, upvote the ones you agree with, and share your own insights from your travels in the comment section. Remember, dear Pandas, this list is a mix of compliments and subtle criticisms—all cultures have their upsides and downsides and it isn’t something that any of us should be ashamed of. However, stereotypes and false assumptions also play a large role in how Americans are seen abroad. More about that below in Bored Panda's interview with a redditor from the US.
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Being called African American while living in the Netherlands
I went to Russia once, and they knew I was American because I smiled too much.
Confidence. I have never seen someone walk so confidently in the wrong direction like an American can.
i can walk very confidently in the wrong direction also. Believe me, you don't have to be an American to do that.
I had an insightful chat about cultural stereotypes with redditor Pfl2020, who created another thread about how Americans are viewed abroad. The redditor, who lives in the United States and has traveled abroad and seen the stereotypes foreigners have about Americans firsthand, shared with Bored Panda that some of these points of view are here to stay.
“I think cultural stereotypes are impossible to live without to some degree. Until people have been exposed to other cultures and really understand that there is more than one way to live they will continue to pass judgment on things they don't fully understand,” Pfl2020 told Bored Panda.
Some Americans are way more polite than expected. Whenever I hear someone say 'ma'am,' I know they're American. One time I was in Lidl and there was an American family asking a worker if they sold cellphones. When the woman said they didn't, they were all, 'Oh, okay, thank you for your time, ma'am! Have a great day!' which is a lot cheerier than the average Scot.
The use of “ma’am” is somewhat more typical of a specific region of the US (the Southeast, mostly). “Thank you for your time” is a pretty common sentiment throughout the US.
In the SE USA, "sir" and "ma'am" are even used to address cashiers and waitresses, even if they are younger than yourself.
I'm French and i always use Madam and Sir. (i'm not a slaver, i mean i use the words)
I was raised with ma'am in the US North, so it may be generational, but we do try to be polite.
Yes, the ma’am culture! It’s so quaint and nice! I want to try sometimes but I feel so awkward it comes out creepy 😞
It's not always meant to be polite. It can be used to patronize and belittle people too. A tip! The two deadliest insults from the southern US are, "Well, bless your heart", and, "Isn't that nice?"
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I was going to say, in all my travels Scottish people seemed to be some of the friendliest, loveliest, most helpful people I’ve come across. I loved it there.
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Are you sure you weren’t really talking to a Canadian? As an American I’m skeptical of “Americans being polite”. Don’t see it much myself.
Mom and I are from Cali , dad was Texan. Her side ever used it. Dads side, you better!
I've an issue with Sir and Ma'am. I'm a ship's Captain and have done away with this on my ships. I often hear my officers use the VHF on the bridge and refer to others as such and discourageit. Sir and Ma'am are signs of respect, and respect is earned. Calling strangers such is deferential for no reason. It's possible to be polite and courteous with bowing and genuflecting.
Yes, when I first got to the US I thought it was so strange that they wrote emails likes "we're so excited to announce...". Like... are you? Really?
I greet men and women, "Sir" or "Ma'am", always. South south Texas here. To me, it's just a sign of respect that if they are available to be of some help to me. Then, "thank you" always, because being appreciated always feels good and hey, I am genuinely thankful.. I learned something new or received something, I couldn't have done on my own given the certain circumstance/environment.
Haha, your average Scot is not an effusive, hail fellow well met extravert, maybe that's why!
Actually, it sound like a work related injury for someone who has worked in service retail too long.
As an American who's lived in Canada half her life, I can tell you they're definitely not!
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While in Korea, I was casually talking to a friend on the bus in a regular speaking voice. Not even a minute later, the lady in front of us turned around in her seat and very casually said, 'Please calm down.' I guess American volume is noticeably louder.
When Americans cross the street, they expect cars to stop for them. In my country, the cars will run you down without thinking twice.
According to the redditor, something that greatly influences how the world stereotypes people from the United States is the media that the country puts out.
“I think pop culture and the prevalence of American media internationally is the true source of so much of the ‘presumption.’ As Americans, we really don't know that much about the way other people around the world live day to day,” they pointed out that many foreigners already have an idea of how Americans are ‘supposed to’ act and can shoehorn some of them into neat little categories when they meet them. After all, we tend to look for things that support our hypotheses when we’ve already come to a conclusion about something.
When I went to Italy with a friend, I couldn't figure out why everyone greeted me in English before I said a word. I don't wear running shoes outside of the gym, I dress pretty posh, I can't remember the last time I owned a baseball cap, and I try to have a basic grasp on the local language. How could they tell I'm American? My friend told me, 'It's because you're smiling at them.'
Americans are amazed by old things. My girlfriend used to work on a farm in an estate in the UK and would often have Americans in awe of the old buildings. One time someone said, 'Some of these buildings are older than my country'.
That is sad since the US has such a long diverse native culture. I'm from Europe so I'm used to old buildings (the entirely insignificant church in my village is over 600 years old and it's church #4 in its place), and I'm not particularly interested in native American art and culture personally, but I find it rather sad that these people's long history and rich culture is just ... not seen as history. America has thousands of years of history, it just wasn't European for the longest time. /steps off soapbox
Saying, 'Hi, how are you?' to baristas, servers, retail workers, etc. My country doesn’t quite have that culture, so I find it really sweet.
Pfl2020 told me that they’ve been abroad only a couple of times and it was to visit their wife’s extended family in England. “I was intrigued at the assumptions some placed on us because of where we lived. We just had candid friendly discussions about how we lived that was different from England in particular,” they shared.
The key to being a good tourist is pretty much the same as being a decent human being: respecting others and doing your best to fit in with the local customs. The more time you put into learning about the culture, the better off you’ll be.
I was at a beach where music was playing and 'Sweet Caroline' came on. I told my sister (we are both Hispanic, but I live in the US): 'Hey, if you are wondering who here is from the US, you are about to find out.' Ten seconds later, we heard: 'BA BA BAAAAAA.'
I mean, obviously you could tell they were an American when they spoke, but once in my little village in Scotland I was in the pub and a woman politely asked the barman where the restrooms were. He didn’t know wtf she was on about and then it obviously clicked. 'Ye mean the toilet? Aye hen it’s joost back ‘err.'
It's 80 degrees out there!
How many miles?
That's two pounds?
I was in grade school in the 70s in the US. We, for a whole year I think, were FINALLY switching to the metric system with the rest of the world. I don’t know why we stopped. It's idiocy I agree. I tell my kids about it. I rebel and use that side of the ruler because it's easier for me.
Also, make sure to learn at least a handful of key words and phrases so that you can communicate with the locals. Yes, English might be a global language but it would be arrogant to assume everyone knows it. Besides, learning a new language before your trip is part of the romance of travel. Embrace the experience.
When Americans introduce themselves, they never say they're from America. They mostly say the state/city they're from.
I usually reply with "Oh, ok. I'm from Harestua". I've always seen it as them thinking everybody knows where Baltimore or Seattle is, when I usually have no idea UwU
Baseball caps, university spirit wear, cargo shorts, free T-shirts from events with ads and text all over them, and, for the older Americans, they always seem to just kinda stand in the middle of everything and look around
"free t-shirts from events"? you should know we BUY those to support the artist or event - and they ain't cheap!
The absolute fearlessness of asking anyone on the street about anything
Absolutely no problem with long car/bus drives.
This is mostly because you can (and sometimes have to) drive thousands of miles to visit places or people, "gas" is super, super cheap, and the roads are often scenic. You try driving 1000 miles in England and you'll either be in the sea, or going in circles
They’re overexcited over something ordinary. “OMG look that grass how green it is”
If you see an American in Japan, they will frantically look for public trash cans. The absence of trash receptacles is something unfounded in the US, and they become confused at the idea of having to hold onto their trash for extended periods of time.
I think many people from various countries would be looking for public rubbish bins, not just Americans.
Having conversations with family at a level appropriate to a rock concert. HEY SANDRA WOULD YA LOOK AT THIS!
When we were visiting Paris, my wife and I learned that they don't seat you at restaurants. You just walk in and sit down at an available table. We figured it out after standing around at the entrance a few times. Then we started noticing other American tourists doing the same.
Here in Australia, there's usually a sign saying "PLEASE WAIT TO BE SEATED". If there isn't one, just help yourself.
Americans are very outspoken. At my local aquarium the other day, I heard a lady very loudly say, ‘Have the penguins gone to bed? Can we not see them? Y'all, the penguins have gone to bed! Y'all, we missed 'em.’
Inability to be discreet + really really really loud.
From across the petrol station on the other pump, I can hear that your wife's pin number is 7321 and she also wants you to buy her a coke, the other lady in the back just wants a sprite or whatever that is over here.
You are counting the money in your wallet on the way into the store out in the open, and i can see you have about a grand in 50's.
Where does the loudness come from, is it because everyone lives in such large houses that are built a few yards apart, so there has just absolutely never been a requirement to be quiet?
Not all Americans are loud and indiscreet. Most aren't. Too many are. And apparently, they are the ones who travel abroad the most. We Americans HATE the loud ones too.
Americans will try to tip everyone, even in countries where tipping isn't a thing/is considered a serious insult
There was a bowl of ice in the middle of the table for everyone to share between them, and this American guy took the bowl and dumped all of the ice in his own drink. Apparently Americans like ice more than Europeans
I feel like this goes hand in hand with the “free refills” culture. In other countries, the more ice, the less drink, and ordering/getting more is too much of a haste
They’re looking for a store to be open at like 11 p.m. In most European countries stores close at like 7–8 p.m
In rural Germany everything closes at 6pm. And good luck trying to shop on a Sunday 😂 the only thing that opens 24/7 are gas stations usually
Handing the credit card to the server to be taken away and processed
I think this is a terrible idea. Never hand your card over, especially out of your sight. Is this normal anywhere else besides the US?
Not looking to blame or shame, but there was this (otherwise Adorable) lady at a social gathering a few weeks back, that started talking about religion, and abortion, and how everyone should basically 'pick a side' (her words). I live in Northern Ireland, and that happened in Derry. Luckily everyone took it fine and the conversation went on after a short silence.
Edit : so pretty much as expected, obviously not all Americans are Muricans :)
When it comes to things like abortion, religion or politics, laying down the law among a bunch of people you don't know just marks you as an ignorant, arrogant clod, no matter what your nationality.
I hear that us Americans can easily be spotted in the airport by the fact usually were use to taking off our shoes in TSA
I know this is an America centric site with a predominantly English speaking community, but can we please have posts about countries other than the US. I've also noticed how little people in this community know about Latin America, Asia and Africa. I'm sure you'd all find it incredibly refreshing and even entertaining.
This is a pretty terrible list. Firstly many of these people seem to presume the person is from the US. Secondly many people from other countries would do a lot of these as well coz their experiencing something different too etc.
I agree. I opened this article hoping it would be examples from experienced workers in the tourism field, because they notice patterns and such. But no, it's just about a common illusion based on what's on the surface.
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I was working in a pub in my hometown in the southwest of England a group of American ladies come to the bar to order drinks and say “your accent, where are you from? Australia?” They simply wouldn’t accept that England has different accents other than the queens English
The US has many different accents too. But many people can't accept that either and think we all sound like mid-westerners.
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I don't know about this weird list! I'm Greek and i found a lot in common with what is thought to be American here! We also smile, socialize and are loud! For me Americans are shown from one thing! BIG TIPS! I work in touristic industry and we always "fight" who will service the Americans!
And we have another list of "American's are rude, loud, socially inept, etc., etc. and on and on. So tired of this.
So I would just like to say that making sweeping generalizations about all Americans because you’ve had a run-in with a couple of them is not helpful to anybody. We are an absolute diverse group of people, many of us come from countries other than America and have not been in this country for more than a couple of years.
Well, now to be fair this is people in other countries recognizing american tourists (and they seem to mean US, not Canadian or anything south of the US). So it's their perception of a US citizen out of the US.
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I just smile when I read these kind of post. I thank God every day that I'm an American.
Hilarious how Europeans are so obsessed with Americans. Yep, we aren't you and you aren't us. Glad that Americans aren't as petty and ridiculous as most of the Europeans that post here.
Ninn Kynok refreshing to hear. Seems that many of the posters from countries other than the US (trying to be more specific for Lauren Caswell) paint all of us with the same brush. But you're right, I just did what I accused others of. My apologies.
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So many people here need to learn how to use the word "some" in front of the word "Americans".
Talking about God and Jesus like he's their next door neighbour. Soe of my American clients are almost overflowing with loud piety and some oddly cheerful Christianity.
And how does all of these posts change if the title was: 29 People Share How They Can Tell If Someone In Their Country Is A Tourist?
i think nowadays people american-shamming too often(?)not all of them act douchebag tho ...(i'm not american i'm from wakanda country)
I know most Canadians are quite nice but I ran into a LOT of Canadian jerks for a few years in Korea. Did training with some new coworkers at a different branch that were Canadian and asked them is it just me or a trend. They noticed the same thing! I have a theory that some bad American stereotypes are perpetuated by Canadians and others who can mimic the accent claim to be American. My coworkers had no clue about WHY there was a sudden influx of a-holes
LOL, I grew up on the Canada-US border, and the difference isn't even as big as the accent! Canada has its share, as does any nation, but for some reason, Canada's public relations is still good.
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My wife and I were waiting in line to get into the Vatican and look at the art. An American couple were in front of us, and we chatted merrily until the lady asked us where we were from. Norway, we said. "Really? Your English is so good! Especially yours!" (My wife) We have laughed at this a million times afterwards. My wife's English is very good, but I used to be married to a scot. My fluency is much higher than hers, but the Americans of course didn't recognise this. The funniest part is that I was pissed off, which my wife knew without even looking at me. She was giggling all the way to the Vatican doors...
The cottage country north of Toronto is well south of Minneapolis, but every year, we would have Americans showing up with skis and toboggans. They would also drive an hour from Niagara falls, discover Battlefield Park in Stony creek, and "remember" that they won that battle.
I'll get the usual downvotes, I'm sure, but since I've seen this in other nations from its natives, I really gotta wonder... do these folks get out much? Oh, and for the Brits who think we're too loud: I was near a train station after a match. Never tell me Americans are too loud after *that* ;-D
A rowdy, and loud, crowd following a football match is not comparable to unnecessarily loud talking in, for example, restaurants.
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I would actually prefer here in my country more people that are kinder, more communicative, approachable and smile a lot. We don't have enough of that. I saw some YT videos of Americans visiting Serbia and it's so sweet how happy and full of life and hope they are and they have mostly only the best thing to say while our people can be seen in the backgrounds of videos looking tired and apathetic as usual.
I totally understand why there are so many apathetic and tried people in Serbia. Don't you? Also, I understand why Americans traveling through Europe would be communicative, approachable and smiling a lot.
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I wear Cornish tartan and play English (Northumbrian) Pipes: No, I'm not Scottish! (Actually have some Scottish ancestors, but...)
Oh the traditional Cornish tartan created in the 1960s .............
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I’m surprised that no one has mentioned the constant and ongoing director’s commentary that comes along with *everything* they do: “I’ going to sit down here now. I’m going to get out my map. I’m going to take a sip from my water bottle. I’m going to put on my hat. I’m going to clean my glasses. I’m going to put on my raincoat. I’m going to look at this painting. I’m going to do x, y, z…..” and it just never ever ends.
It seems like the Americans here get upset really easily. I don't think that there's more posts about them than other topics? It's like a Catch 22: they'll yell at you for telling lies and laughing at them but if there isn't a post about them at least once a week they're saying you discriminate against them.
That's because we see so much negativity about us. WAY more than anything positive. And actually MANY of us would like the articles about us to not be that often.
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I know this is an America centric site with a predominantly English speaking community, but can we please have posts about countries other than the US. I've also noticed how little people in this community know about Latin America, Asia and Africa. I'm sure you'd all find it incredibly refreshing and even entertaining.
This is a pretty terrible list. Firstly many of these people seem to presume the person is from the US. Secondly many people from other countries would do a lot of these as well coz their experiencing something different too etc.
I agree. I opened this article hoping it would be examples from experienced workers in the tourism field, because they notice patterns and such. But no, it's just about a common illusion based on what's on the surface.
Load More Replies... I was working in a pub in my hometown in the southwest of England a group of American ladies come to the bar to order drinks and say “your accent, where are you from? Australia?” They simply wouldn’t accept that England has different accents other than the queens English
The US has many different accents too. But many people can't accept that either and think we all sound like mid-westerners.
Load More Replies... I don't know about this weird list! I'm Greek and i found a lot in common with what is thought to be American here! We also smile, socialize and are loud! For me Americans are shown from one thing! BIG TIPS! I work in touristic industry and we always "fight" who will service the Americans!
And we have another list of "American's are rude, loud, socially inept, etc., etc. and on and on. So tired of this.
So I would just like to say that making sweeping generalizations about all Americans because you’ve had a run-in with a couple of them is not helpful to anybody. We are an absolute diverse group of people, many of us come from countries other than America and have not been in this country for more than a couple of years.
Well, now to be fair this is people in other countries recognizing american tourists (and they seem to mean US, not Canadian or anything south of the US). So it's their perception of a US citizen out of the US.
Load More Replies... I just smile when I read these kind of post. I thank God every day that I'm an American.
Hilarious how Europeans are so obsessed with Americans. Yep, we aren't you and you aren't us. Glad that Americans aren't as petty and ridiculous as most of the Europeans that post here.
Ninn Kynok refreshing to hear. Seems that many of the posters from countries other than the US (trying to be more specific for Lauren Caswell) paint all of us with the same brush. But you're right, I just did what I accused others of. My apologies.
Load More Replies... So many people here need to learn how to use the word "some" in front of the word "Americans".
Talking about God and Jesus like he's their next door neighbour. Soe of my American clients are almost overflowing with loud piety and some oddly cheerful Christianity.
And how does all of these posts change if the title was: 29 People Share How They Can Tell If Someone In Their Country Is A Tourist?
i think nowadays people american-shamming too often(?)not all of them act douchebag tho ...(i'm not american i'm from wakanda country)
I know most Canadians are quite nice but I ran into a LOT of Canadian jerks for a few years in Korea. Did training with some new coworkers at a different branch that were Canadian and asked them is it just me or a trend. They noticed the same thing! I have a theory that some bad American stereotypes are perpetuated by Canadians and others who can mimic the accent claim to be American. My coworkers had no clue about WHY there was a sudden influx of a-holes
LOL, I grew up on the Canada-US border, and the difference isn't even as big as the accent! Canada has its share, as does any nation, but for some reason, Canada's public relations is still good.
Load More Replies... My wife and I were waiting in line to get into the Vatican and look at the art. An American couple were in front of us, and we chatted merrily until the lady asked us where we were from. Norway, we said. "Really? Your English is so good! Especially yours!" (My wife) We have laughed at this a million times afterwards. My wife's English is very good, but I used to be married to a scot. My fluency is much higher than hers, but the Americans of course didn't recognise this. The funniest part is that I was pissed off, which my wife knew without even looking at me. She was giggling all the way to the Vatican doors...
The cottage country north of Toronto is well south of Minneapolis, but every year, we would have Americans showing up with skis and toboggans. They would also drive an hour from Niagara falls, discover Battlefield Park in Stony creek, and "remember" that they won that battle.
I'll get the usual downvotes, I'm sure, but since I've seen this in other nations from its natives, I really gotta wonder... do these folks get out much? Oh, and for the Brits who think we're too loud: I was near a train station after a match. Never tell me Americans are too loud after *that* ;-D
A rowdy, and loud, crowd following a football match is not comparable to unnecessarily loud talking in, for example, restaurants.
Load More Replies... I would actually prefer here in my country more people that are kinder, more communicative, approachable and smile a lot. We don't have enough of that. I saw some YT videos of Americans visiting Serbia and it's so sweet how happy and full of life and hope they are and they have mostly only the best thing to say while our people can be seen in the backgrounds of videos looking tired and apathetic as usual.
I totally understand why there are so many apathetic and tried people in Serbia. Don't you? Also, I understand why Americans traveling through Europe would be communicative, approachable and smiling a lot.
Load More Replies... I wear Cornish tartan and play English (Northumbrian) Pipes: No, I'm not Scottish! (Actually have some Scottish ancestors, but...)
Oh the traditional Cornish tartan created in the 1960s .............
Load More Replies... I’m surprised that no one has mentioned the constant and ongoing director’s commentary that comes along with *everything* they do: “I’ going to sit down here now. I’m going to get out my map. I’m going to take a sip from my water bottle. I’m going to put on my hat. I’m going to clean my glasses. I’m going to put on my raincoat. I’m going to look at this painting. I’m going to do x, y, z…..” and it just never ever ends.
It seems like the Americans here get upset really easily. I don't think that there's more posts about them than other topics? It's like a Catch 22: they'll yell at you for telling lies and laughing at them but if there isn't a post about them at least once a week they're saying you discriminate against them.
That's because we see so much negativity about us. WAY more than anything positive. And actually MANY of us would like the articles about us to not be that often.
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