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The more you learn about people, the more you learn about the world. After all, there are so many cultures around the globe—each with something important to teach about life and nature.

So, to broaden his cultural awareness, Nasr, who is known on social media as Nas Alive, asked TikTok users "What is something that's normal in your country but weird to the rest of the world?"

"Growing up in an immigrant family from Syria, while living in Canada and going to a French school, I was naturally exposed to many languages and cultures," Nasr told Bored Panda. "So I tend to find myself asking a lot of questions. For example, what's the origin of phrases like 'break the ice' and 'break a leg'? And why do we knock on wood?" This TikTok was a result of such thoughts.

And it went viral. As of this article, the video has over 2.4 million views and 18.7K comments, many of which are replies to Nasr's interesting question. From installing saunas in Finnish apartments to congratulating someone on getting their degree in Argentina, continue scrolling and check out some of the most popular ones.

More info: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

#1

Pre-Pandemic Mask Wearing In Asian Countries

Pre-Pandemic Mask Wearing In Asian Countries

Wearing a mask. In Hogh Kong, if you're even slightly sick, you wear a mask. If you feel ugly, you wear a mask, if you're just lazy, and don't want to do anything - you wear a mask. Most Asian countries actually wear masks, and it's not because we want to, it's because we grew up knowing that as a society, we need to protect each other

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

In Vietnam, we have a thing for wearing masks LONG before the pandemic simply because our main transportation are motorbikes and let's just say that we have a lot of dust and smoke coming from bikes and other sources (construction, cars, etc.)

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Nasr believes that languages are a reflection of cultures, so his passion for the two is equally immense. "You'll find that languages have opinions too!" he said. "For example, topics like sex and God are taboo in Arabic. But say 'omfg' in English and no one bats an eye."

"Here's another example: time travels vertically in Mandarin from up to down. That's why in Mandarin last week is 'shangge xingqi' (up week) and next week is 'xiage xingqi' (down week). In English, however, time travels from back to front. That's why we say phrases like 'leave the past behind you' and 'I look forward to it'."

#2

In Norway, Parents Leave Their Babies Outside To Nap, Even If It's Cold

In Norway, Parents Leave Their Babies Outside To Nap, Even If It's Cold

I thought this was a normal thing everywhere until my American friends were like "what the [hell], why do you do that? That is so weird".
So we leave our babies outside when they're supposed to sleep. For example, If you're going to a restaurant, there will often be strollers outside with babies sleeping in them. It's normal in most of the Nordic countries. I just thought it was a thing everywhere. And also when they're in kindergarden and it's nap time, you'll just see a bunch of strollers outside. And no they are not cold, they are always packed in the stroller with a bunch of clothes

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engineer_nope.avi
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tbh, most countries find it weird and, albeit, dangerous simply because of the sad truth about child kidnapping in these countries. This really goes to show how much trust the Nordic people put on each other without fear. It's remarkable.

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"I believe learning about other languages and cultures makes us more empathetic as people. Every culture has something cool that we can learn from, and that's what I hope to share in my videos."

Right before he came up with the idea for his now-viral TikTok, Nasr was at home for lockdown, just like all the locals in Ontario, Canada. "I was trying to brainstorm new video ideas. TikTok has a feature that allows people to 'stitch' your video so they can respond to it. So I thought it would be fun to ask basically the world 'what's something normal in your country but weird to the rest of us?' and see what kind of quote on quote weird things people in other countries do."

#4

In Slovakia, We Keep Live Fish In Our Bathtub Before Christmas

In Slovakia, We Keep Live Fish In Our Bathtub Before Christmas

You go to a store, you purchase a live fish, that you bring home in a plastic bag, and you let it live in your bathtub. Because this kind of fish, it's a karp I believe, and it live in muddy waters. And it's kinda gross, so it needs to cleanse itself in clean water before you can eat it. My family used to do this every year up until a few years ago, and every year, I named the fish Michael. So before people took a shower, we needed to put Michael in a bucket.

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The culture and language fan said the collective response to his video has been thrilling. "People 'stitched' the video from all around the world. It got attention from big Internet celebrities and even a news anchor from the US," Nasr cheered.

#5

In Ireland, If Your Friend's Mom Offers You Food, You Have To Say 'No' A Bunch Of Times While She Insists And You Finally Give In

In Ireland, If Your Friend's Mom Offers You Food, You Have To Say 'No' A Bunch Of Times While She Insists And You Finally Give In



In Ireland, we Speak English, so the way you say you say 'no' is 'no', and the way you say 'yes' is 'yes'. However, if you're in your friend's house nad your friend's mom offers you food, 'yes' is then pronounced 'ah, no sure, I'm grand'. To which she'll respond 'ah, you will'. To which you'll respond ah, no honestly'. To which she'll respond 'ah, go on you will'. To which you'll finally respond 'ah, sure, wouldn't say no'. Despite the fact, you've just said 'no' twice, and you've been secretly starving the whole time. It's a linguistic tradition, not the most time efficient, but it is what it is.

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

See Mrs Doyle in Father Ted: "Oh do go on, Father. Go on. Go on. Go on. Come father go on." [ad infinitum]

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

Yep - Mrs Doyle is not fictitious. Not much of an exaggeration either really! Oh, I do miss Father Ted.

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Mewton’s Third Paw
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s every country. Every country has food culture and this is almost always part of it.

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Mewton’s Third Paw
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3 years ago

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Literally everyone is just going to list their country because every country has this just about. It’s so stupid that it’s so high up on the list.

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

We have a similar thing in Vietnam. If somebody offers you a gift, (especially if the person is much older than you) you have to decline it first, then when they offer it again, then you can accept it.

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Paul K. Johnson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not going through all that. "YES PLEASE FEED ME! THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!!" and then I eat, she smiles and everyone is happy.

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

You will also be offered more food than is humanly possible to eat, multiple times per visit

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

I knew someone would hsow up with this here.. Another one in Ireland is not completing your round or not holding open doors for people. You will get glares.

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

When I was a kid I was so nervous to ask for food at my friend's house. Is that just me?

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

Eating food at other people's houses is so enjoyable! I love eating outside of my home! Some people (who have the cash) are just stingy and don't want to "feed the neighborhood" while others set out a feast, even if your a regular. I agree though, if you don't know which of the above they are, it can be nerve wracking.

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

Aw go,on,go on,go on , aw go on, go on,go on, go on.(father Ted)

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

you can not win with some mother asking you do you want tea by saying no---she will just respond with "go on,go on--ah sure go on" multiplied by 100,000 times

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

It is also common in Japan. Being an American and usually hungry, I broke this custom a lot....much to the dismay of my girlfriend

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

Same in India, you have to decline first, and then you eat

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

I brought an english boyfriend home once, and when he said no to a cup of tea , my extended family looked waiting for him to got through this whole thing.

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

Nothing unique about this...? It happens almost everywhere??

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

In México, it is common for grandmas to tell everyone "mijito, estás muy flaco, Vamos, come algo" ( son, you look too skinny, come on eat something) and they feed you with high-calorie meals as if they had a farm of fattening pigs.

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

Why to Irishmen always wear two contraceptives? == To be sure to be sure. BTW, does anybody remember Mrs Doyle in the great Father Ted? Aww go on go on on go on....Magic.

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

I am Dutch. If I ask you if you want anything and you say no, you're not getting anything.

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

Hahaha! So true, it also takes half an hour to leave after the initial "I must get going" and we say goodbye at least 5 times.

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

My uncle who is a Catholic priest from Galway Ireland was out in Newcastle England with another priest who was English and from the area. They we're doing the missions ( going around peoples houses and praying with them). They went to this woman's house and as they sat down she asked if they wanted a cup of tea. The English priest said "yes please " but my uncle being Irish and at this time only been living in England a few weeks said "no" going on this strange tradition even though he was dying for a hot drink. The lady took him at his word and only gave a cup of tea to the English priest. Realising very quickly that this strange tradition was only carried out in Ireland my uncle never made that mistake again.

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

We call it "taarof" in persian culture and its not just with your moms friend its used everywhere. Actually its kind of rude to say yes at first. Even in store when you are buying somthing you have insist to pay when you ask how much it is the first answer is not the price its "for you, nothing"

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

This is also in the Asian culture. Taiwanese here and gma's feed everyone

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

I read that entire thing in an Irish accent in my head, lol.

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

Ah ha!! Yeah.... it's like this in East-Asian cultures too (as far as I was brought up) - because to immediately say "Yeah! Thanks!" would be considered greedy, as if you were just waaaaaiting for them to offer so you could be a mooch" - the minimum number of times you have to insist "no, that's okay" is 3... and if you really don't want to... it gets complicated.

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Keri O'Donnell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Usually you would say no because you don't want it and she convinces you - if you want it you say 'yes'

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

So, where I come from in Nigeria, it's almost the same but crucially, you shouldnt really accept the invitation to share as its just courtesy. However, you may be served separately your own meal which you can accept if you want.

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k1ddkanuck
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But then... do you just sort of sit in another room and eat your plate of food while your friend's family eats together?

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Lillukka79
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Normal in parts of Finland too. My brother in law has to be called at least 3 times. Can't seem too gready.

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

Also in Italy often it is not considered polite to immediately accept a drink or food if you have not previously been invited to lunch or dinner.

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

In Minnesota an offer of more coffee isn't legit unless it's made 3 times. Any less and you know they're saying there's no more coffee in yur cup and it's time to go.

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

And in Portugal. I actually find it rude when people force food on you when you've said no.

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#6

In Denmark If You're Not Married By The Time You Turn 25 Years Old, Then On Your Birthday You Get Tied To A Pole And Get Cinnamon Thrown At You

In Denmark If You're Not Married By The Time You Turn 25 Years Old, Then On Your Birthday You Get Tied To A Pole And Get Cinnamon Thrown At You

However, if you are still not married by the time you turn 30, it's pepper.

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Charlotte A.
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I could survive the cinnamon but.... pepper? And why would everyone have to get married anyway? Anyways I hope the poles can be inside as my birthday is in winter.... o.O

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The man has learned a lot from the 'stitches' attached to his original TikTok. "In Nordic countries, it is normal for parents to leave their babies in prams outside in temperatures below zero," Nasr highlighted what has really stood out for him. "They apparently sleep longer and have overall better quality sleep."

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#7

Everything In Switzerland Has To Be In Al Least 3 Languages

Everything In Switzerland Has To Be In Al Least 3 Languages


Everything has to be translated into at least 3 languages. I live in Switzerland, a small country in the center of Europe with 8.5 million population. There are 4 national languages: German, French, Italian & Rhaeto-Romance. Rhaeto-Romance is spoken by a small part of the population so it's not widely used in businesses. If you have a nation-wide business, your website needs to be translated into at least 3 languages, same with brochures, instructions, product boxes. Sometimes if large companies do a presentation, they will actually do it in 2 languages, or people will receive headphones with a live translation. In some small villages, cinemas will have 3 sets of subtitles, taking up half the screen.

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

In Florida, government forms are available in 76 different languages... So far... Another few are already in the pipeline. The US has no official language.

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#8

In Sweden, People Cool Drinks Outside In The Snow

In Sweden, People Cool Drinks Outside In The Snow

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#9

That’s How We Greet Each Other In UAE

That’s How We Greet Each Other In UAE

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

In France and some other countries, people kiss each others' cheeks when greeting each other so I think this is OK.

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"I learned about the practice of throat singing by @Kayuulanov who is an Inuk from Canada. I also learned that unfortunately in many parts of the world, kids smoke and drink at ages as young as 13 years old," he said, adding that it's the good and the bad but it's also the reality."

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Nasr dreams that one day he will be able to travel the world, and show off different cultures first-hand, and judging by how excited he is about these things, I'd say he would do a great job as well.

#10

The Ridiculously Large Size Of American Soft Drinks

The Ridiculously Large Size Of American Soft Drinks

The sheer amount of carbonated beverages that we drink. I've never been to a country where this is a normal standard amount of sugar. Even when I was in Europe, none of the soft drinks were ever this big, this is a purely American thing. And probably for the best, because nobody needs 44oz of coke.

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#11

In Russia, We Have 2 Passports

In Russia, We Have 2 Passports

One is for internal use, which is basically an ID card for most countries. But here in Russia, we have many pages of information about our citizens, like who your children are, where are you living, and other things like that. The second passport is an international, Russian Federation passport. And not every Russian has it, you need to pay about $60 to $70 to get one. And all my visas are stored here.

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

I think most countries have this information, but not in a identity document.

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#12

In Sweden, You Can Google A Lot About A Person, Like Their Address, What Car They Drive, How Much They Earn

In Sweden, You Can Google A Lot About A Person, Like Their Address, What Car They Drive, How Much They Earn

In Sweden, you can just type in the name of the person on Google. The results will come up, his full name, date of birth, where he lives, what car he drives, how much he earns, everything. It's free for everyone to just check, I think that's very unnatural

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

As much as this may seem convenient if you want to find somebody, I can see that this can be misused by stalkers and creepy folks if this is implemented elsewhere.

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Culture is a huge part of people's lives. It influences their views, their values, their humor, their hopes, their loyalties, it pretty much is a blueprint for their personalities. It's TikToks like this that foster building bridges between these differences rather than fighting over them.

#13

I'm From Papua New Guinea, And It's Chewing Betel Nut

I'm From Papua New Guinea, And It's Chewing Betel Nut

If you ever visited, you might be surprised to see so many people with red-stained mouths. Well, it's from chewing betel nut. It's a social practice that every Papua New Guinean does. From the elders to the young ones. And there are 2 ways to chew betel nut. You can just crack open the green nut and chew the flesh regularly, or you can dip the dake, which is the green stem, into the kambang, which is a white powder, to produce a red paste in your mouth. And basically, this is a drug, it's a stimulant, it's like coffee, it gives you a burst of energy, people usually chew this in the mornings.

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#14

In Argentina, When You Graduate University Your Friends And Family Attack You With Food And Paint

In Argentina, When You Graduate University Your Friends And Family Attack You With Food And Paint

In Argentina, when you graduate university your friends and family attack you with eggs, flour, contiments, oil, food in general, paint, foam, anything. And they just drench you in head to toe as a celebration. The way it works is you let everyone know when your final exam is, and if you pass, you change into comfy clothes and everyone gathers around you and throws stuff at you. In the past few years it has changed from food to paint, foam, confetti, as to not waste food, but a lot of people still do the food thing. So you go with a carton of eggs and just whack them at the person who graduated.

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#15

In Brasil, We Are Very Obsesive About Oral Hygene

In Brasil, We Are Very Obsesive About Oral Hygene

It's very common to see a Brazilian brushing their teeth or flossing in a public bathroom or workplace bathroom. We also take multiple showers a day, usually 2 or 3 showers. And we eat pizza with a fork and a knife, I don't really know of any other country that does this, I'm sure there are, but we eat pizzas with a fork and a knife.

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#16

Toilet Bidet Sprayer In Iran

Toilet Bidet Sprayer In Iran

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

Well, it saves space over a bidget. I think the context here is that, as far as I know, wiping the butt is considered nasty in arabian countries, to a point where people do it with the left hand only because they shake hands with the right one.

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#17

Swedish Cheese Slicer

Swedish Cheese Slicer

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