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Traveling can produce a sense of wonder and excitement, but it’s pretty easy to commit cultural faux pas without even realizing it. From hand gestures to eating habits, some things are just not universal and tourists would do their best to prepare accordingly. Fortunately, well-organized internet users decided to ask locals what are the dos and don'ts of visiting their country, city, or general area.

So scroll down, dear Pandas, and upvote the rules that surprised you. Be sure to comment your own stories or unwritten local rules and if the travel bug has not left you, check out Bored Panda’s other lists of unwritten travel rules here

#1

30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Ireland here; We don't care if you're the bloody love child of Michael Collins and Eamon De Valera, if you weren't born or raised in Ireland, you don't call yourself Irish. I'm looking at you, American tourists...

Eoin741 , Threetails05 Report

Hotdogking
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And for the love of God, don’t try to talk in an “Irish accent”, ya just sound offensive. In fact, don’t even say you love the “Irish accent,” because every county has a noticeably different one! It’s like saying your favourite animal is a mammal. (Source: I’m Irish myself, born and raised)

A girl
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I completely agree with you but ask for a small grace. The south and north east parts of the US have very distinct accents. I'm from the Midwest which had it's own speech nuances. I have found myself lapsing into the speech cadence of an area if I spend more than a couple of days socializing with the locals. Not intentional in any way. It'd probably happen if I traveled abroad. Apologies in advance.

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Rocco MZ
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's funny because my dad went to Ireland and was completely embraced by the locals for celebrating his Irish heritage. Just about everyone I know whose been to Ireland had the same experience saying it's by far one of the most friendly countries they've ever visited.

morticia_b85
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We are friendly. And anyone who is nice and wants to learn more about where their ancestors cans from, grand! But there are a whole heap of people online who claim to be Irish... ask them where and in Éire they're from?.... oh no I wasnt born there but I flew over it once. No lad... flying over a country is not the same. Come have the craic and we'll all welcome yiz

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Tams21
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are plenty of people in every country that say "if you weren't born and raised here, you're not from here" (i.e. one of us). As someone that was born in one country and raised in another, I find that attitude highly problematic. It's also insulting to immigrants who've spent many years living in and contributing to their new home.

Two_rolling_black_eyes
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This comment is aimed at immigrants who've happily embraced their new home. It states if you live in Ireland, you can say you are Irish. Its aimed at Americans like me who had 1 Irish ancestor move away 180 years ago and are 1/128 Irish by blood. We have a tendency to show up in Dublin claiming we are Irish and not even know North Ireland isn't part of the country.

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Dippin Dot
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve seen the argument “Americans don’t say you’re [insert ethnicity here] when you weren’t born or raised here” so often. What people outside of the US do not understand is we do this out of habit. When immigrants first came to the country there was (and still is) a LOT of bigotry. And because looks can be deceiving, you had to tell people where your family immigrated from. The habit has just become part of what we do. And in many cases, people are still trying to honor their ancestral heritage while making a connection with someone who was born and raised in that country.

Marco Richter
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This propably count for most european countries. Especially those with a lot of immigrants to the states

Aria the Dog Lover
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American with the tiniest amount of Irish blood possible, I won't be calling myself Irish. Your welcome. But I do love Ireland as a country, it's very beautiful and I'd love to visit someday.

Aria the Dog Lover
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know, I know. I used the wrong "your", I just don't know how to edit comments.

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Jill Rhodry
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah it's funny - they don't want immigration but they identify with there great, great, great grandparent's nationality.

Brocken Blue
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am an American who both heartily welcomes immigration and is very fond of researching my ancestry. My family and friends would also fit that description. While there are plenty of redneck conservatives who might fit your description of hypocritical Americans, we’re a physically big country with a *lot* of people so generalizations like yours are also kinda generally untrue

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Ches Yamada
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Families in the US that identify with their culture outside of the 'States say these things generally because we have different lifestyles and traditions. What are we to say to each other, "Hi, I'm American? Gasp - so am I!" No. We say, "Oh, I'm Italian," for instance, and then you might gather that we eat a certain way (slower meals with multiple courses and we talk a lot during, etc). We're proud of where we came from, but seeing posts like this where people talk badly of us makes me feel amused - you want to chide the silly Americans for having bad manners all the time, but when they want to embrace their ancestry some act just as badly as those that go overboard here for other reasons. Look, I get it - when people make **anything** their sole identity it's annoying. But let the rest of us say we have roots where we do and be proud.

Prism Lens
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...Us Scots (that's Scots not Scotch) are sitting comfortably and watching this with a big box of popcorn...

Karl Baxter
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are quite free to explore their ancestry but that’s what it is - they are (insert country you were born and brought up in) with Irish ancestry. They can come to Ireland and protest all they like but most Irish people will just be amused and not annoyed like the OP appears to suggest I was born and raised in Ireland so I’m Irish but, by blood (my mother), I have strong German ancestry. While we celebrated German festivals, ate a lot of German food and spoke a fair bit of German around the house, I’ve never considered myself to be anything than where I was brought up.which was Ireland and you’d never guess that part of me unless I told you. There’s the difference.

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that you could not have said it any better. I think some people fail to see that the United States is such a diverse and young country with a wealth of people who happen to be immigrants or are second generation. I think it can be fascinating to research your heritage and ancestry and learn more about your ancestors and family. For some people who are second generation it can help them feel closer to the home country of their parents. I also think that learning about your heritage can make you more fascinated by different cultures and perhaps even more empathetic. I have family in both the United States and United Kingdom so I do have to admit that I do feel an odd divide.

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My uncle was born in Ireland, is he allowed to say he's Irish?

Michael Largey
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if he moved permanently to Katmandu the next day, that's another story. (Probably one worth hearing, though.)

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Id row
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't accept that. I have family in Ireland, my parents are Irish, I *AM* Irish but I can't call myself Irish because I don't live there? You don't have a right to say I can't acknowledge my heritage.

Whotfisi
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mum was born in Poland, lived there until she was 6 years old, I still have a lot of family in Poland but I am not polish. I am German. I was born and raised in Germany. I don't know why that is so hard to understand for Americans

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JustinTime
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know a family in the Milwaukee area in Wisconsin, USA, who are from Ireland like 6 generations ago yet are so over the top with everything Irish I can’t go around them. Tattoos, clothes with Irish themes, name all their children and pets with Irish names, travelled to Ireland like it was the holy land. To top it off the dad is a firefighter and has to let everyone know he’s an Irish firefighter at all times.

Karl Baxter
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve noticed that in the US, some Irish Americans have a tendency to magnify certain Irish stereotypes and wear them like a suit E.g. green-wearing, heavy drinking, violent, lyrical and quick to anger acting like it’s involuntary behaviour (“Oh, it’s just my Irish genes boyo!” and all that BS). It’s like a one-dimensional cultural parody come to life.

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ShellsBells
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please don't down vote me on this, but I'm truly curious on the rationale and if this only applies to Ireland. I'm first generation American on my moms side who is English, Irish, and Welsh. Am I not these? What about a 3rd generation American of Japanese descent? Are they no longer Japanese since they weren't born and raised there? I promise I'm being totally serious. I hope this is really just based on people going to a different country and bragging "I'm just like you!" Which is totally understandable and I'd never do that, even as a silly American, lol.

rommee
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they are getting nationality and ethnicity mixed up. They are also failing to acknowledge those with dual citizenships.

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Joe Green
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whilst I appreciate some tourists must be annoying in this regard. Imagine someone in an American accent in 1900 New York shouting "I don't care if you are the love child of Abraham Lincoln! Don't call yourself American unless you were born here!". I think you'd consider that pretty atrocious.

Con O Cuinn
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's not the same thing at all. Someone who lives here, whether they were born here or not, have a legit claim to be at least part Irish. Yanks who claim to be Irish because their great great great grandfather was, whilst simultaneously knowing f**k all about the culture and are unable to pick it out on a map, it's insulting to all of us who live here whether we were born here or not.

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Trophy Husband
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is idiotic. I'm Irish because my ancestors were born there. And I have a number of friends there and friends from there who agree with me on that. There are a small number of people who think that your ancestral makeup is since sort of earned right, and it just makes no sense. Beside the fact that people like me put money back into the country, it's just a fact that if a DNA test would say you are more than half one type of ancestry, then that's what you are.

Colin
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're right. Your comment is idiotic. Your nationality is where you were born or live. Your heritage would be Irish.

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Lizzy the ironic frog
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m part Irish can I do that (I mean say that I’m part Irish not say I’m fully Irish cause I’m not)

Bob Bobbins
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sigh, this again. When are you guys going to realize that "I'm (insert nationality here)" is shorthand for "I am of (insert nationality here) descent?" We say that because unlike you, who have been essentially living in the same place for thousands of years, our country was created fairly recently, as a product of all the world's people moving to a brand new place all at once? As a result, a bunch of literally Irish people showed up and said "I'm Irish" because they were in fact Irish. We've all had school projects every year where we research how we all got here, then get up in front of the class and give a presentation on where our (very recent) ancestors came from. There's not really a such thing as "American" beyond our citizenship. We identify our background by where our ancestors were from when they got here, usually only 2-3 generations ago.

EarthGrowl
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So the Americans who had ancestors forcibly transported to North America in the 1700s from the UK can't claim their Scottish or English heritage? The descendants of the Irish refugees forced to leave Ireland during the Potato famine and swore they would never forget their homeland, those Americans can't be proud of their heritage? I can understand the world's loathing for Right Wing, Trump worshipping Americans and want nothing to do with them. But there are Americans who don't wallow in 'American Patriotism' and clinging to our Irish or Scottish heritage is how we accomplish that. My Grandparents were born in 1894 and 1896 so I am not that far removed from those initial American immigrants.

MagicJacket
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone's angry. I guess his pot of gold was discovered.

Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of Irish people (North and South) are still angry with Americans because of the amount of money that came from the USA and was funnelled into provisioning the IRA. Until 9/11 happened and suddenly "we don't negotiate with terrorists". Without American funding the "Troubles" would have been a darn sight less troubling.

Vix Spiderthrust
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It actually took some months after 9/11 before the US government realised that "if you feed a terrorist or fund a terrorist, you're a terrorist" applied to NORAID.

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Arindam Bhattacharjee
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does This rule practiced In Africa tooo ? :)

Kristal
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually when people from the states say they are Irish, it means they are of Irish heritage. In the states, it's common for someone to say "I'm german" or "I'm Irish" [etc] and refer to heritage, particularly after DNA testing kits came out. It's in no way offensive, just people proud and/or excited for their heritage. According to my results, I'm mostly an Irish and British mix ... so someone decided to make love instead of war in my ancestry :p

King Itchy
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was not born in Ireland but I will still call myself Irish. You cannot stop me.

ThatRandomGuy
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want to say as an Irish-American that if I had a dollar for how many f*cking potato jokes kids make to me I would be richer than Elon Musk

Kelly A.
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was born in the U.S. so naturally I would refer to myself as an American. I do have a lot of Irish ancestry, as well as polish. When I refer to my ancestry I'm just expressing that I'm proud of where my family all comes from. I think most people from the U.S. just think of it as a fun fact about themselves. At least that's my view :)

KariAdoresHerKats
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And that's wonderful to be proud of your heritage. But it's ridiculous when people claim to be Irish because of it

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Paul Macdonell
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds very petty and elitist. Being Irish is not about location but heritage. If i moved to Ireland would I immediately become Irish ? I am sure this same poster would have a problem with that.

Sydney C
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A big part of it is that american culture really cares about ethnicity. Historically, the Irish were quite discriminated against in the US and a lot of people cared where your great great grandparents were from (and still do)

Abrufal
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I allowed to say of Irish decent?

KimB
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ancestry told me I'm 42% Irish from Donegal and Ulster. Anyone here from those areas? I'm just curious :) (I'm also 30% German, 9% Polish, 8% Sweden/Denmark, 8% Scottish and 3% Baltics) it's very interesting to me we always thought we were Scottish my grandparents and father were born there in Cambaslang.

Tara L.
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry but I am Irish American idgaf who it offends, I'm proud of my heritage. No one seems to care that other people call themselves Italian American, Mexican American, black American, Jewish American, etc so....🤷‍♀️ get over it I guess.

Colin
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No one said you couldn't say Irish-Americsn. They stated you can't claim to just be Irish.

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Mario Strada
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was born and raised in Italy. I sympathize.

Jared Robinson
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow having a problem with someone describing their genetic heritage in the country that heritage comes from, what a d**k.

Nancy T
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

A bit too easily offended I would say.

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Marcos Valencia
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this is valid for all European countries.

Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heredity is fine, but you're not fecking Irish if one of your great grandparents was Irish. If you swan around proclaiming how "Irish" you are, expect to be mocked for it.

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Deirdre Kenny
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kind of gatekeeping is embarrassing. We relied on tourism to get us through many hard years after our independence. We were a poor country then and took every opportunity to rip off unsuspecting Americans tracing their genealogy.we were happy to call them Irish then. The big American companies here are currently our greatest source of revenue and employment. If American people wanting to call themselves Irish upsets you this much, you need a hobby smh.

Strega Nonna
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People can call themselves whatever they want. It's when people are labeled by others that is problematical.

The Original Bruno
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

According to the government of Ireland, if your grandparents were born in Ireland, you're Irish, and you can confidently apply for the citizenship paperwork to affirm it.

Emie N.
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Normally I'd agree with this, but in my opinion, I feel like a lot of Europeans don't understand what Americans mean when we say we're "German, Irish". Etc. We're not talking about nationality, we're talking about our heritage/bloodline. People forget that the US is a young country that is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. It's not a homogeneous country like a lot of countries in Europe are. We don't define ourself by being American even. If an American we're to ask me (a fellow American) where I come from and I say "American". 9 times out of 10 they will most like respond "no, where are your grandparents or ancestors from?". American culture itself is about defining ourselves by our ancestry instead of where we were born and raised because we are a country of immigrants. The only true Americans would be the Native American tribes.

StarlightPanda!
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! Exactly! Just because we're born here doesn't change our heritage/bloodline.

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Tenacious Squirrel
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn’t specific to Ireland and the US. I’m not from either of them, but I know of many people in Australia who will say they’re, for example, Italian, when what they mean is they are related to someone who is/was Italian (as in born and lived in Italy and then migrated to Australia). They themselves are Australian and have often never even been to Italy. It’s a common theme in countries like the US and Australia, although amusingly you rarely hear Australians introducing themselves as English (even if their mother is). It’s not exotic enough for them!

Toph Mangrum
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's ridiculous. If I was born in a barn, would I be a horse?

Analyn Lahr
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you. I'm an American an I can't stand it when an American whose family has been here more 200 years calls themselves Irish. You're American.

Lisa Zehr
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love Ireland! It's beautif...*slap* No, you don't. Go away and never come back.

Deirdre A Burke
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although my late dad had a strong southern Irish accent, he proudly called himself an "Irish-born American." During my visits to County Cork, I was brought to tears listening to voices that sounded so much like him. And always greeted with warmth wherever we went. Of course, my red hair, freckles and green eyes did help me to blend in.

StarlightPanda!
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While that's really sweet, there aren't actually as many Irish people born in Ireland who have red hair. Statistically speaking. Don't feel bad though. TV and media made us all think stuff like this.

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Anne S.
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sort of have the opposite problem. I'm American, and when talking about family history/heritage people automatically think I'm Irish. Just b/c I have red hair does not mean it's an Irish red people! Please remember this for March 17. Same thing every year...

Me myself and I
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is no one mentioning the Kilt in the picture....that's certainly not Irish..BP looking at you

Auntriarch
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm afraid it is Irish. In that it's not Scottish. And it dates back to the 1950's

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Nancy T
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I'm American. My grandfather was from Ireland. I do identify as part Irish. My great-grandparents were from Ukraine. Same there. The rest of my heritage dates back to the Mayflower. I think it's interesting to look into our heritage and even identify with it.

sofacushionfort
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Included in every PB post about Ireland is this resentment of Irish-American as a unique cultural identity. I believe it arises from having stuck it out after the Famine, endured the revolution and civil war and the crushing poverty of the early years of independence, through the Troubles and building Ireland into the economic miracle it is today: experiences that the Irish Americans can claim no part of. I fully understand not one of you having warm feelings toward Americans (with the exception of Father Oliver O’Grady with his cherished memories of the American children that were in his care).

Melissa McGuire
Community Member
Premium
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm of Irish descent, but also English, Scottish, and a wee bit of Coctaw. But... born 'murican. What can one do?

Jamie Greco
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You’re entitled to that rather mean spirited opinion. But, in America, we’re a mix of nationalities and we prize our background countries. I’m sorry that’s offensive to you. However, I can’t imagine attempting an accent in another country but, also, if you have Irish relatives, you have some Irish in you you get claim it.

Barbara Baldwin
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can't stop me from being envious, tho!

Nathan Shipman
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been to Ireland but as an American I did not say that I was Irish, even though most of my ancestry is Irish and Scottish. (Yes, I know that is not the same thing).

Bryn
Community Member
Premium
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If someone's mother was born in Irish and then moved to America, that child is still part Irish. FFS, you're trying to gatekeep heritage.

Missy Corron
Community Member
Premium
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad was born in Mullingar... I qualify for Irish passport. I'm totally American with both Irish and Italian ancestry. Is that acceptable then?

jim
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

De Valera (actual name George de Valero) was born in America. Just saying

Spooky Scary Skeletons
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OK. Finance your own IRA bombs then!

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

Yeah... I'll just keep my money here in the States... We have enough douchey people here without traveling to meet more. Thank you for the information though. Saved me a lot of money.

Sheila Ch
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

but they can say you look irish, i learned

Fred Weldon
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found out a few years ago that I'm a direct descendent of an Irish immigrant, my great-great grandfather, I carry his last name. I'm a fair-skinned redhead (well, mostly gray now).

Deirdre Kenny
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Miranda Marques
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Black American here. When we know where our ancestors are from, we claim it because it was stripped from us & we only claim America when it’s beneficial for us. Idk why the faux Irish do this tho. My grandmother is a McNaughton and I’ve never mentioned it lol

StarlightPanda!
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just hate it how when people will constantly talk about embracing their culture (which is beautiful), they treat others badly for wanting to embrace THEIR cultures/ethnicity/ancestry, whatever their roots are.

Pedantic Panda
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Eamon de Valera want born in on Ireland. Neither was James Connolly.

Pete E
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m an Asian dude and a Derry girl. Lol

Pablo Ramos
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would I call myself Irish? The world is full of Irish people that prefer to live anywhere but Ireland, so temper your expectations.

Joey Wright
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oddly, my genealogy tests say I'm 86% Irish and I'm not allowed by some pricks to be proud of my heritage? The other 14% is Pakistani. Crazy

Pam Page
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I accept your terms, on one condition. When you come to America, please do not ask me if I know you Uncle Conor who lives in Queens. Plenty of Conor's in Queens, and BTW, I live in Florida.

Heather Pobicki
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And guess what, we don't care that you don't care

Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lol, I'm not to sure on this one, I'm English, but you try telling my cousins I'm not Irish. Limerick city.

UpupaEpops
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The accent isn't necessarily intentional. I've spent three years in South Wales and have (completely unintentionally) picked up the cadence. It's super embarrassing and frankly hurtful when monolinguals get hostile about us polyglots falling into the local accent. Not to mention, since I'm not from an English-speaking country, there are words I only know the slang for, simply because that's the only way I ever heard it.

Cathy Jo Baker
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a gal from the American midwest, I am totally jealous of all authentic Irish accents

Theo Blackwood
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And don’t you dare ask me to repeat thirty three and laugh because I have an accent.

Timbob
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And it’s not an Irish brogue, it’s a whiskey infused mishap of speech!

morticia_b85
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know this isn't really to do with it...but also ...its either Paddys day or st.Patricks day.... it is NEVER "Pattys day" please can we all agree to stop that trend.

Colin
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not even Paddy's day. Just St. Patrick's Day

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Siobhan Fitzgerald
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Claire Bear
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m Scottish, even in Paddy’s Day, I’m Scottish 😉

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Solidhog
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My personal one is people who say "I'm a quarter Italian, quarter French, quarter Mongolian and quarter Icelandic" and yet have never left London and both their parents are from the UK.

Fred L.
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That leaves out the other way of being Irish - eventually gaining Irish citizenship.

Jaaawn
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear Americans, this applies in Scotland too.

Annymoose
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Americans say they're "half Irish" when what they mean is someone told them they had Irish ancestors. Don't get me started on the "my grandmother was a Cherokee princess" BS. I'm so happy dna kits are a thing nowadays. Shuts some of them up.

Kennethbush
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a sad life you lead when you’re concerned about other people being curious about their heritage

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Michelle Lauer
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American here: WHY Would ANYONE Want Someone to Think They're Bloody IRISH!?!

Bi-Polar Express
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Generations of immigrants who saw "Irish need not apply" signs would like to tell you to go f**k yourself.

Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Census asked my nationality, and I answered American. She attempted to explain, and I interrupted and said nationality means place of birth. My answer's right. Your form isn't.

Pam Page
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I accept your terms on one condition. For the love of God, while visiting Florida, please do not ask me if I know your Uncle Conor who lives in Queens. This is a big country filled with lots of Conors.

GEPowers
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a poor gatekeeping attitude. Culture/traditions/attitudes etc. are passed down thru the family not where you are raised. If you think like an Irishman (or woman), feel like an Irishman, and act like an Irishman because of the way you were raised by Irish parents, grandparents, etc. then you can claim/boast about your Irish heritage. Saying what you are is different than saying where you are from. Most Americans would say I'm part Irish, English, German, Native American etc.

Rosa Carone-Prendergast
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So my husband....who according to his DNA test is 98% Irish but born in the U.S....is not allowed to call himself Irish??? I was born in Italy but raised in the U.S. I don't get mad when someone born in the U.S. but have Italian ancestry calls themselves Italian.

Karl Baxter
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well he may well have Irish ancestry but that’s not the same as being born and brought up in Ireland at all. For example, he didn’t have the same experience as me growing up in the middle of sectarian hatred and the subtle nuances regarding religion and politics that brings. Tbh, such DNA tests are so much BS to start with as there is no such thing as a pure bred of any nationality. Where you are born and brought up is your nationality. For example, in my hometown (near Belfast) the local market has a stall run by a Sikh family who go back generations there. They were born and brought up in Belfast and have stronger accents than mine. They are Irish (with Asian heritage) and certainly more Irish (in the real sense) than your husband.

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Bordem Exprt
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

But I wasn't raised in Ireland at all, 0% of my life. But I am 100% Irish... bloody hell

Kennethbush
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Relax Michael FitzInPatrick

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RELATED:
    #2

    Americans visiting Canada: Don't call us America's hat or the 51st state or any of that other nonsense. It's not endearing and it's not funny. It's just annoying. We love your country very much, and you're totally out bestie. But we don't want to actually be you. With love, Timbits and kind regards, Canada

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    PolymathNecromancer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is SO F*CKED UP, I...I can't even imagine anyone from the U.S. being so insulting to Canada..... please accept my apologies for this nonsense

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    #3

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Germany - Be there by the time you told me or I will be very pissed.

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    Nor
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's so rude when people are late (unless it's really out of their hands). I have a friend that wears a watch and will give you a time and rock up 2/3 hours late and either thinks its funny or pretends nothing is wrong!!!! Do you know what all I could've done while waiting for you???

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    Traveling often means dealing with a language you don’t know, sometimes involving a completely incomprehensible alphabet. So often, as tourists, we rely on hand gestures and smiles to communicate an idea. Can’t say thank you in the language? Just show a thumbs up! Unless you are in the Middle East or West Africa, where it is roughly equivalent to the middle finger! So if you are a person who gesticulates a lot, be sure to practice before leaving to avoid making an international incident. 

    Similarly, the ‘ok’ sign, formed by making a circle with the thumb and index finger, is relatively insulting in Brazil. So the bottom line is, maybe learn a few useful phrases ahead of time and practice them at home. It will save you the embarrassment of accidentally flipping someone off and you’ll expand your vocabulary at the same time.

    #4

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS. Or you will die. [Australia]

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    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. The lifeguards put them there for a reason. Rip currents can be fatal

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    #5

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About ~~England~~ **UK** here. Thanking the bus driver for the journey when you leave at your stop.

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    EM
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like the queing,just simple good manners.

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    #6

    Denmark - "Janteloven" Don't flaunt your s**t in the face of people who have less than you, and don't feel that you are worth more than others, merely because you are wealthy.

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    Hayley Smith
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like this should be all over the world

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    It's important to also remember that something normal in your country might be weird almost everywhere else. For example, in most places, one takes their shoes off at the door, before entering a house, while Americans might leave them on. Now, this isn’t universal and consistent, but in much of the world, walking around your host’s home in shoes or, God forbid, boots, would be seen as rude. The origins of this American practice are unclear, but it’s often linked to American car dependency. If you go from driveway to car to driveway, your shoes are unlikely to be that dirty anyway.

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    #7

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About (southern) Italy 1. Always eat offered food if visiting 2. Always accept to have coffe bought 3. Don t be scared of phisical contact. People will touch you, hug you, kiss you. 4. Offer to buy coffe. it s mandatory if you want to have "respect" 5. always talk to people. In line, in the bus, at the bank, at the post office

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    Subtlelikeawreckingball
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guess I'll be avoiding southern Italy... I don't like being touched and I don't like talking to random people.... but the rules around food and coffee are appealing....

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    #8

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Thailand - Always pay for items with the banknote showing the Kings head facing up. The same goes for India and Ghandi. Most won't bat an eyelid as your obviously a foreigner, however some will be very offended. Surprisingly this is something a lot of travelling folk have never heard of.

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    Niall Mac Iomera
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My auntie got into trouble in Thailand for putting money in her shoe. Apparently it's tantamount to stepping on the kings face

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    #9

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About England checking in: Always queue. Never push. This morning since the tubes are down because of strikes, there were people actually queuing for queues. Intense.

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    David Fox
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We don't queue THAT close!! But yeah, we queue for everything....it's an unspoken rule that if, not done, you will get multiple tuts, sighs and the odd angry person going 'EY!! Get to the back'

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    If you are traveling and you are unsure what small talk topics are acceptable, defaulting to the weather is a safe bet. This is stereotypically attributed to the Brits but can be applied everywhere. After all, the weather is a universal experience and affects both the rich and poor alike. Experiencing bad weather together also creates a sort of social solidarity. 

    #10

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About South Africa - Don't ever pick up hitchhikers!

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    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pft I can give you tons of rules. 1. Don't leave valuables visible. 2. Keep your bag in front/on your lap except in a car where it goes under the seat (yes, smash and grab is a thing). 3. Don't accept help at ATMs. 4. Don't park or walk anywhere dirty/dark/isolated. 5. Avoid crowded scenarios particularly street pavements with lots of people on them. 6. Rather pay to park than park somewhere isolated. 7. Rather use a phone camera than an SLR (grab risk). 8. Don't leave your drink unattended at a bar if a woman. (Sorry, that's really horrible but... yeah.). Otherwise please do visit, we need the cash, our country is bleeding money.

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    #11

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Norway: Don't sit next to someone on the bus if you can avoid it. Don't talk to strangers.

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    Ansi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We scandinavians are so warm, open and always up for chit chatting with strangers. 🥰 /s

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    #12

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Northern Ireland: Do not bring up religion/scottish football teams in a pub unless you are looking for a fight.

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    Casey McAlister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't bring up religion anywhere. keep it to your place of worship.

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    Similarly, be sure to avoid certain topics or small talk in general. Learn about a country's history and religion before, so you don’t accidentally offend a local or provoke a rant about their horrible neighbors, rival football teams, or anything else. In some places, like Northern Europe, small talk is uncommon and it is best to simply stay silent.

    #13

    Southern US- If you propose something and everyone just nods and smiles, it's a southern no.

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    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    interesting. So, too polite to explicitly say "no"?

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    #14

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About America: When someone on the train or subway says - "Good Morning Everyone.. My name is..", you turn around cuz they're about to tell a sob story and start begging for money.

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    #15

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About In San Francisco, you are expected to act like nothing fazes you. Old man dressed entirely in leather straps with a ball gag in his mouth? Obese homeless lady with an electronic skeleton playing a banjo? Three young women wearing only sandals? Robin Williams? No matter what you encounter, you're supposed to pretend that it's a part of your daily routine to see it. Outsiders are quickly identified by their tendency to stare, comment, or otherwise take notice of the city's eclectic sights and sounds, at which point they will be swindled by a junk vendor.

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    Hawkmoon
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but if I ran into Robin Williams, I'm not sure how I would react since he's been dead since 2014 (RIP - we still miss him).

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    #16

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About England: Always moan about the weather. It's never "just right". You are either too hot, too cold, too wet, too dull, too windy. Three flakes of snow on the ground and the whole f*****g country comes to a standstill.

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    Tyke
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    forgot to mention if a leaf touches the train tracks

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    #17

    Ireland. Stand your round. When you go out to the pubs with a group of friends, make sure to pay for a round of drinks when it's your turn. The other members of your group *will* make a big show of trying to pay for you, telling you to put your wallet away, etc., especially if you are new to the group or are a foreigner (or both). DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, GIVE IN TO THIS TOMFOOLERY. If you do, you will be secretly labeled a cheap bastard and will not be invited out the next day. (The foregoing should be interpreted half-jokingly, but no more than half.)

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    Hotdogking
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But remember, everyone has to take turns buying the rounds. Went out with a whole group of friends last Summer and one guy decided to mooch instead of taking his turn paying by taking advantage of the offers. He didn’t get invited out for a good few months lol.

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    #18

    in america if someone random asks you hows it going just say "good, you?". dont actually tell them how's it going. no idea how this became a thing

    jimbojammy Report

    Bill Evs
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A similar thing in the UK too. If someone greets you with "alright" they're just basically saying hello and not actually asking if you're OK

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    #19

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Sweden checking in. Respect for personal space is probably #1 here

    mr_loveboat , Barry Dale Gilfry Report

    Nor
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OOOOOH i need to move to Sweden...where i come from, that's never been heard of until C19 hit and then some couldn't even understand, respect or adhere to that

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    #20

    Ireland-give as good as you get! If we like you we will 'rip the p**s' (tease you/insult you) and expect you to do the same in return!! It's called banter and it's basically our 2nd language!!

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    Hotdogking
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s so ingrained in our culture, that if you hang out with your mates and haven’t been insulted at least once, you can consider the friendship over. (I’m only joking of course)

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    #21

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Southern USA- If someone offers you something, or offers to do something for you, refuse at least three times. Three times is obligatory. If they continue to offer after that, it's a true offer, but if they say after the third refusal "are you sure?" you say yes, you are, and then all is well. Also, Yes means yes, sure means maybe, maybe means no, no means "how could you possibly be so rude as to continue to pester me until I have to say no?" Finally, "bless your heart" is not a compliment.

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    PolymathNecromancer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Northeast is sooo much less passive aggressive, we just tell you STFU and/or maybe argue a bit and then go our merry ways without so much emotional constipation lurking for the next victim.

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    #22

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Always take off your shoes when visiting an Estonian. They might not say anything if you don't but you'll practically FEEL their disapproval.

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    #23

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Trinidad & Tobago. You better say good morning/good afternoon/good evening when you enter public transportation vehicles.

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    #24

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About America: If you cut someone off in traffic, give a little wave - it makes everything okay. I swear I could have a head on collision at their fault, but if they waved afterwards I'd feel bad that I called them a f*****g douchebag.

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    Doctor Strange
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The wave is NOT for if you cut someone off. If someone lets you in, wave to say thank you.

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    #25

    Italy No parmesan on pasta seasoned with fish sauces No capuccino after 11am If you have 3 people coming for dinner, cook for 19. And I only listed the food rules!

    badgirlgoneworse Report

    Ivana Bašić
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always break spaghetti at least twice and cook pasta for at least 20 minutes.

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    #26

    Don't mess with the seagulls. Aberdeen, Scotland.

    Mac4491 Report

    HelluvaHedgehogAlien
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t mess with the seagulls in China too. At some tourist locations next to beaches, they’re vicious enough to swoop over your head and either grab that thing right out of your hand or s**t all over you. Or is that a universal thing?

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    #27

    Canadian here. B***h about the cold, but only to other Canadians. Nobody else needs to know that we're f*****g sick of minus 30 with the windchill.

    anon Report

    i_like_boats
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    See but you told us now! The whole world knows!

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    #28

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About India: Lanes exist on the roads but lane driving doesn't.

    anon , ADITYA PRAKASH Report

    Tushar Roy Mukherjee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also In Kolkata( in picture), lane markers and stop-line markers are made with chalk and can be eroded by traffic in 2 days. Also people will stand at the Zebra crossing during a red light. Pedestrians don't recognize the specific pedestrian traffic lights and follow the ones for vehicles. DO NOT be on a bicycle at a main road. Since Cycles are not under any legal jurisdiction here, everyone , INCLUDING THE POLICE, will want you to break the rules and move waaay ahead of the stop-line during a red light, so that ' they can stand a little ahead of the crowd'. Oh and vehicles will break a red light,and will get caught in very few instances, so don't start crossing the road the moment there is a red light.Someone WILL be a d*ck. And for God's sake, do beware of the cyclists. Some of them will stand in the wrong lane and will NOT use hand-turn signals. if you are in a motorised vehicle and even touch a Cyclist by accident, people will beat you up.

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    #29

    Puerto Rico: Another puertorican in a street of PR? Enemy. Another puertorican in a street of anywhere in the world? Long lost best friend. This is how I ended up with my current roommate. I was at the gym and I notice that he had a PRican flag and island tattoed on his arm. I said "Boricua?" (which is the native word for puertoricans) and we hit it off right away. We've been best buddies since then.

    seikot Report

    Per-Ole Sjuve
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hope they don't travel to PR together, then they will be mortal enemies.

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    #30

    Iran: If there is money involved, the person receiving money (shopkeeper, taxi driver, lender) HAS TO say a phrase that basically means it's free, similar to "it's on the house." It is NEVER free. It's just something that has to be said, to the point that shopkeepers emotionlessly say it while taking your money at the same time. And even more extreme they will say it even after an argument about the money or bargaining has taken place. No one can explain it, it's just the way it is.

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    Corvus
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably some very, very old tradition for politeness that has stuck around for centuries.

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    #31

    **India.** - Do not criticise any religion, even constructively. People will get offended. - Do not air any strong opinions publicly. People will get offended. - Do not do anything out of the ordinary. People will get offended.

    ani625 Report

    Sapna Sarfare
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    First, yes. Second, yes. What do you mean by the third thing? We do not live in 13th century

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    #32

    Guam - Taking food home with you is not a polite suggestion from your party host, it's a requirement.

    thepizzlefry Report

    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I must have Guamian ancestors, I can't let people leave without feeding them for a week

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    #33

    DO NOT expect the weather to stay nice. Seriously. We talk about 5 minute weather and we mean it. Iceland can be a tourist deathtrap.

    Kjartanski Report

    VonBlade
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's no bad weather, only the wrong clothes.

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    #34

    Apologize if you ALMOST bump into someone. Actually, if you come within six feet of bumping into someone--apologize. (Canada.)

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    Lindilou
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In UK, you should apologise if someone bumps into you.

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    #35

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About Denmark: At the 12.00 o'clock lunch break, no one smokes inside the first 15 min. (to allow non-smokers to eat their food without being puffed in the face) Mostly seen on construction sites

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    Henrik Schmidt
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most workplaces here in Denmark have a strict no-smoking-indoors-ever policy. Many don't allow you to smoke on company premises, even outdoors. We even have some workplaces where you're not allowed to smoke when you're at work, even on your break.

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    #36

    America: In big cities, don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk. Move to a side or keep moving. This probably applies much more in NYC than other cities, but from my experiences, still applies to a degree elsewhere.

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    Lisa H
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This applies EVERYWHERE in the US that has a lot of people. Don't block the store aisle, when you step off and escalator/elevator, move your a$s to the side. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't stand in the way.

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    #37

    Hungary If we casually bring up how our cuisine, wines or the beauty of our women is world famous, just play along, even if you never heard about any of them (which is likely).

    vernazza Report

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    #38

    Brazil : Cheek-kissing is very common in Brazil, among women and between women and men. When two women, or opposite sexes first meet, it is not uncommon to kiss. Two men WILL shake hands. A man kissing another man's cheek is extremely bizarre for Brazilian standards (unless in father-son relationships). Kissing is suitable for informal occasions, used to introduce yourself or being acquainted, especially to young people. Hand shaking is more appropriate for formal occasions or between women and men when no form of intimacy is intended. Trying to shake hands when offered a kiss will be considered odd, but never rude. However, to clearly refuse a kiss is a sign of disdain. When people first meet, they will kiss once (São Paulo), twice (Rio de Janeiro) or three times (Florianópolis and Belo Horizonte, for instance), depending on where you are, alternating right and left cheeks. Observe that while doing this, you should not kiss on the cheeks (like in Russia) but actually only touch cheeks and make a kissing sound.

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    MrLoufoque
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's quite similar in France but that was pre-Covid. Since then kissing on the cheek (called "faire la bise") has really dropped in use.

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    #39

    Ireland. If an old person offers you something, no matter how gross, you eat it and you like it.

    orangelego Report

    Hotdogking
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Speaking from experience, if you don’t you will have two outcomes. Either Mrs. Doyle offering tea (ah go on, ah ya will, go on, go on) or the Irish mammy (I spent AGES on this, AGES.) Long story short, you’ll end up eating it anyway, but saying yes is the quicker way.

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    #40

    Chicago here. In the winter after a snowfall, don't move the random junk in the street that's placed there to reserve the parking spot of the person who shoveled it out. Or else.

    shchmara Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wait what? You mean that stuff we see on pavements is not stuff being discarded but a parking spot reservation? weird.

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    #41

    China - save as much money as possible by eating cheap food by yourself and never buying new clothes, then spend a thousand dollars taking your 35 closest friends out to dinner at the nicest place in town.

    -t0m- Report

    VonBlade
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I took all my friends out to dinner I'd still be eating alone. Yay me.

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    #42

    In Tokyo: * Know the population and recent sports information from your hometown / home university (even if you couldn't give a c**p about it) * Don't talk on mobile phones in the train, and don't speak in a loud voice if you are with people on the train * Always carry handkerchiefs and tissues * Never allow anyone to pay for anything - always cover the bill yourself.

    anon Report

    Tyke
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How does the latter work if eating out in a group? I can imagine people sat there for years no debating who will actually pay

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    #43

    Canada: Shovel your part of the sidewalk

    anon Report

    Ba-Na-Na
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *AND* if you have an elderly/disabled neighbour or just feel neighbourly - do their walk as well.

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    #44

    Germany. If you leave your Pet monkey here because you don't want to pay a tax involving it.....we will find ways to make you pay. Also if the Traffic Light is red, you better stay on one side till it's green.

    Knusperklotz Report

    PolymathNecromancer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to know the entire backstory to people leaving monkeys in Germany

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    #45

    Brussels: If you dare to talk in the metro, prepare to be stared to death. I think this applies to Paris and London as well.

    mmmmoooohhhh Report

    Saint Thomas
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ? I live in Brussels, and there's plenty of people talking in the subway... And it's not frowned upon (unless you talk loud enough for the whole wagon to "enjoy").

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    #46

    Germany: Don't touch someone's car

    notmadatall Report

    PolymathNecromancer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should be everywhere. Even if it's not the best. Unless permission is given.

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    #47

    In Japan always use the left side of the escalator if you aren't walking fast or in a hurry (unless your near Osaka). This way people in a hurry don't get blocked by other people.

    anon Report

    Mr Red
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Belgium, do the same but on te right side.

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    #48

    30 People Share "Unwritten" Rules In Their Countries That Foreigners Might Not Know About India: Learn to discreetly slip a 100 rupee note into the hands of an official. A small price for getting things done faster.

    anon , Satish Krishnamurthy Report

    Tushar Roy Mukherjee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    as a resident Indian, 100 only works on labourers. nothing below 1000.

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    #49

    If you walk on the bicycle path, bicyclists will not slow down or swerve to avoid hitting you

    visvis Report

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

    Bicyclists don't slow down or swerve when they're on the sidewalk either.

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    #50

    US: always pretend you're in the middle class. (Even if you're rich or poor)

    dumspirosper0 Report

    Kristin Ingersoll
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Huh???? US here and I don't know what this means.

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