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

I wear a mask when I ride my motorcycle too. When masks became a requirement for entering stores, it made things easier for me because I didn't have to take it off when I got there.

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

Wearing a mask when you're sick and you have to use transport or be at a crowded public place, is a sign of responsibility and caring. Everyone should do that to protect others.

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

This is why I have always held Asian culture at the highest level. They have my respect. They are considerate, disciplined and actually a lot of fun. ;)

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

actually prior to SARS in 2002 they didnt wear masks, it wasn't that they "grew up knowing that as a society, we need to protect each other" it was because they already had one pandemic that killed thousands and learned from it.

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

I think it would be great if people here in the US took hold of the idea of wearing masks when they were sick. It just makes good sense, especially if you're going to be somewhere in close quarters, like on public transit. I saw a little of it here in California pre-Covid-19. My healthcare provider requires it in doctor's offices if you're coming in sick. I'd see people wear them when wildfires had made the particulate matter in the air dangerous. I would hope the experience of Covid-19 would help people realize that it doesn't have to be a pandemic for a mask to make sense from time to time. It's a socially responsible thing to do.

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

I wish the US had hopped on this bandwagon years ago. In case some of the anti-maskers haven't noticed, the flu in the US is at a historically low rate this year. Gee, do you think it's because most everyone is wearing a mask?

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

This is why I look up to Asia right now. They are so much better than us when it comes to mask-wearing. Go Asia!

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

I mean...when I came to 🇯🇵 25 years ago, mask wearing, especially in winter, was kind of the norm here already. Got quickly used to it, never saw it as more of a big deal than good manners and protection 🙄

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

I've always thought this was a considerate thing to do. Some years ago my husband had cancer, went through chemo and radiation treatment. His immune system was at its lowest so as a food service worker in an elementary school I wore a mask while serving so I wouldn't bring home anything bad. People didn't like me wearing the mask around the kids, it bothered them. I hope now mask will be more acceptable after all this.

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

I hope the US (and everyone else) adopt masking when you're sick as a common custom/practice. It's polite, makes sense, and can really cut down on virus spread.

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

Ya and my mom goes on about how bad it is for you and other crazy s**t

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

When I lived in Japan, people would wear masks all the time because they didn't want to get anyone sick. It's like they had a responsible outlook before the pandemic.

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

People wore masks to protect themselves from allergens which are common in that part of asia. It's not so altruistic.

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

it was interesting as an asian in growing up in America before the pandemic wanting to wear a mask outside for fashion and not wanting people to think your sick or something

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

yup! i went to china in 2015 and people were wearing masks and i was young so I was like Mom? whats those weird things on there faces?? lol

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

I wear a mask because it seems to stop all the pretty girls fighting over me. And if you believe THAT............

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

I'm Asian and I don't exactly agree to this post but damn! That guy's cute!

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

before pandemic i use commuter line to get to work in Jakarta Indonesia, people wearing mask is very common. it covers your mouth when sleeping in train-trust me people sleeping with open mouths is not a pretty view haha. on busy hours trains get really cramped, hot, people sweat and smell, masks helps reduce bad odor. then it helps protect from dust and smoke when we are walking from the station to our offices.other reason is, well why not?

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

When I lived in China, sometimes I would wear a mask riding my bike in the winter. It helped me stay warm!

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

Milk bags are still a thing in Slovakia. I (31) remember when the only milk one could buy came in bags instead of carton containers.

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Truth Monster
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3 years ago

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Asian countries had SARS (which, incidentally, is related to COVID) to deal with.

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Quazmodic
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3 years ago

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Rubbish. They wear masks because of smog. NOT for concern for anyone else.

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

You're telling someone who lives there why they wear masks? The cheek of you...

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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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#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
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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
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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
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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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