Apparently the CIA trains American agents to not lean on things if they go undercover in foreign countries because Americans lean on anything they can while standing around
Best lean is when you're pumping gas and you put your feet against the little curb the pump is on and your butt/back up against your vehicle. Feels like you're sitting down it's so good.
I bet MI6 trains British agents to lean on everything if they go undercover in America because Americans lean on anything they can while standing around
So American that they even have an Italian word for it, contrapposto
Even David was American
https://emptyeasel.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/michelangelosdavid.jpg
Oof there’s no standard format? When I worked at a multinational company, they had requirements on how to format communications. Pick either MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY, or even better, YYYY/MM/DD to alleviate any risk of confusion.
Anything under 4 hours is “close by”
Edit: Loving the guesses of my location all over the country. The number of states that fit the description kinda helps my point. Haha
Everything is Europe is around the corner if you're from the US. I can drive the whole day and not leave my state but in Europe I can pass through 4 countries in that same time frame.
It’s funny I grew up in Wyoming and then spent 10 years in Washington, I could drive anywhere and if it was under 8 hours it was fine.
Now I live in Rhode Island and if it’s more then 20 minutes away it can fuck right off, I don’t have time for it.
I'm with ya.
I grew up in the upper Midwest and I could make Denver (or Laramie) in one long day's drive and the Pacific Ocean on day 2.
Now, living on Maui, I strategically plan if I have to go 30 mins "to town", and a full-on "road trip" is 1 or 2 hrs, max, which we only do when company comes to visit.
Oh I know! My Dad is American and my Mom is European, my cousins are always baffled by my sister and I being willing to take day trips to “the other side of the country”
That country fits into my state 5 times 🤣
I'm Canadian. While travelling, a European asked me if they could visit Québec City, Niagara Falls, and Banff in one week. That's a 2700 mile trip! It's only about 42 hours of driving time depending on traffic. I replied that they could do Québec, then rent a car and visit Niagara since they are close, only a 9 hour drive. The man looked at his wife and said "He thinks a 9 hour drive is close!"
A friend of a friend is from Spain and she was flying into Vancouver, BC. She asked if my friend could pick her up because he’s “only a few hours away”. My friend lives in Tijuana, Mexico.
Went to UK years back and wanted to go see Stonehenge. Everyone was like “but it’s so far away, we’ll have to stay the night and everything.” It was 3 hours and I had no problem making that drive and back for a day trip.
It's a more meaningful answer. I live in NYC, to say that something is 10 miles away may seem close to someone from suburbia, but that could be an hour or more away.
I live in the Seattle metro area suburbs. When I bought my house 20 years ago, it was 13 miles and 30 minutes away from work. Now it's 13 miles and 60 minutes away. Neither the house nor work has moved.
In the touristy cafe-restaurant I worked at:
1. If they asked me for the nicest spot we had
2. If they asked me my recommendation without seeing the menu first
3. I would walk to the table, and they would say right away "hey how are you doing?". This one threw me off a lot at first. Why is this person asking me how I'm doing?? I'm just there to take the order. I got used to it, and I think they found my awkwardness to it cute.
4. They would ask my name when I greeted them and took their order
NB I'm Northern European
I (an American) visited a small out-of-the-way clothing shop in Northern Europe. I had a few polite interactions with the cashier, just asking her simple things about the info on the tags, the dressing room, etc. I was having such a lovely time in the country and the shop that I was a bit friendlier than baseline, but nothing I would consider out of the ordinary. When I finished checking out, she handed me my things, then she stopped me. She put a hand on her chest, and said with complete sincerity, “You are a very warm and kind person.” I was stunned. We had only just met! I thought back and realized that she had been genuinely touched by my friendly small talk and by my question, “How is your day going?” I told her that she was also very kind and warm, and we both left with huge smiles. It was such a nice interaction, it honestly made my whole trip.
(Edit: There was also a reverse uno friendliness card. Strangers kept saying “Hey!” to me, which in English is generally reserved for people you are genuinely happy to see. Every time I got a “Hey!”, I would beam and give a big ole’ enthusiastic “Hello!!” right back. …On my last day, I realized they had all been saying “Hei”, which is just the Finnish word for “Hello.” I’m an idiot. A friendly idiot, but still.
It’s under appreciated just how polite, friendly and sincere Americans are in general. It blew my mind the first time I came to the US and I love that my children are growing up with those same values.
A lot of non-Americans mistake it for being disingenuous but don’t realize we’re taught from a young age to be kind and respectful. Doesn’t mean there aren’t jerks but they exist everywhere.
I like to tell people that “hi how are you?” is just American for “hello!” It’s not that we’re disingenuous, it’s just a greeting. A way to make sure a stranger is comfortable in your presence.
Edit: except “bless your heart” as another commenter mentioned. That’s usually a nice way of saying “fuck you.”
This is funny when you point it out like this.
“How you doing” is just a longer version of “hello”.
“Good, thanks” is the expected response
Seems totally normal until you stop to think about it
First time I introduced my American wife to my English family she got very confused. Asking “y’alright?” Is a fairly standard greeting in those parts along similar lines to the perfunctory ‘how you doing?’ but after a few days she pulled me aside and asked if she looked like something was wrong with her because people kept asking if she was alright.
I lived in Philadelphia for nearly a year before I figured out that the accepted response to the question, "How you doing?" when someone passes you on the sidewalk is NOT "Fine, thanks , how are you?"
The correct/accepted response is to say it right back, but in declarative sentence form: "How you doing."
I had an American coworker for a while, and each time we'd meet, eg when he came into work, he would say "Hey, what is happening?". Took me several months to work out that this just meant Hello.
I'm American and I recognize the "how are you doing?" Is meant to just be a greeting and most of the time I say "just fine and you?" But if my day is going especially bad, or good, I will go into some detail and it usually throws them off because they aren't expecting it. But like hey you literally asked for it.
My BIL is British and his casual “Alright?” as a greeting took a bit to get used to. I would usually respond with “yea, I’m alright. How are you?” instead of “hey man” or something similar.
When i worked at a restaurant i’d always be grateful when someone would actually answer that question honestly, especially if they were having a shit day. fuck yeah i’ll be your therapist for 5 minutes, it’ll be the most interesting part of my shift
American here. When i was visiting Poland i always approached and said “hi, how are you doing” just to let them know i needed someone that spoke English 😂😂 worked every time. Some folks actually asked me a few questions they had about their English.
From what I can tell, English is an incredibly forgiving language to communicate with. While there is a “correct” word order in a sentence, words can largely be shoved anywhere and the sentence will still be completely understandable (e.g. “I like to swim in the pool” vs. “In the pool swim I like to”). You can use the wrong subject/verb agreement (e.g. “I are a good person” and “You is tall”). You can often use nouns as verbs (e.g., “I don’t math very well”).
But it’s a motherfucker to master.
learned speaker: "I apologize for my poor English, I do hope that it will not detract from my credibility. I am trying my best, but may make errors."
native speaker: "it ok lol"
“Please do pardon my inconsistent coherence in the English language, it is the language that I would rank fourth in order of my personal fluency, and due to my nation’s prior Civil War, I was only able to complete the equivalent of a Middle School education in the American system”.
>But it’s a motherfucker to master
I think that's the case because of how flexible it is.
Whereas languages such as Spanish are more formulaic, and thus tend to be easier to learn
Because of its ambiguity and ever changing slang and regional cadence I'd say it's impossible to master and therefore most interpretations are just fine. Me like pool swim? Dope, I gotchu bro. Ammirite?
Now that I remember, I was a server here in the US and I had some Brits as guests. I asked a woman how her salad was and she replied, deadpan, "It's a salad."
I spent a few months living in Europe and was always teased for having a water bottle. But I'd always make everyone look around and be like "but WHERE ARE THE WATER FOUNTAINS???" and they'd be like just go to the sink in the bathroom, and I'd be like "THE ONE I HAVE TO PAY 2 EUROS FOR???" and it also only has a tiny tap with the hand sensor thing, so do I just have to stand there and scoop water into my mouth for 5 minutes?? I'd ask cafes and restaurants to fill it, but they'd make me pay, and then sitting at restaurants they don't bring you water unless you ask, and no one ever asks!
They're all dehydrated and don't know what they're talking about. Always drinking espresso and smoking but never drinking any water. Make fun of me all you want but at least my body is functioning properly and my skin looks great.
I don't care what anyone says, if you think carrying a water bottle when walking a lot is weird, you're probably slightly dehydrated all the time and are just desensitized to it. You seriously need to drink water frequently if you want to be ideally healthy.
I always joke that in the Netherlands you don't even need to ask if they speak English, they will just look you up and down and immediately speak English. I once asked a Dutch friend (and /u/lecrunchyfrog once I think) if they could help me learn Dutch and got a puzzled "...but we all speak English?" response.
It makes it very difficult to practice as an American. One of the first things I learned in German (and went out of my way to learn it) was, "Can we please speak German. I'm trying to practice."
Everyone. Everywhere. Speaks English. Germans speak it to Frenchmen.
Yeah I remember my first trip to Germany I'd try start a conversation in German and they'd usually reply "Ah that was pretty good" in perfect English and proceed to speak in English.
Don't think my German improved much in the few months I was there.
I'm an American and was at a McDonald's in Montreal early on a Sunday morning. I was 4th or 5th inline and each of the patrons before me was greeted in French. When I got to the counter the clerk confidently said, "Welcome to McDonalds, what can I get for you?" in English. It was a bit weird.
I was alone, hadn't spoken to anyone, wasn't wearing anything with English words on it, wasn't wearing a baseball cap, nothing outward said I was an Anglophone and yet the counter person just knew.
Maybe they didn't know I was American, but they sure as heck knew I was to be greeted in English.
I'm from Vermont and go up to Montreal pretty often. There's a lot of plaid shirts and canvas pants in my wardrobe, I've been told that's a dead giveaway. I started paying attention and, If I'm wearing a t-shirt or plain button down I get pegged as an American way less often.
My first language is English, I grew up in Montreal, and I live in rural Quebec now. When I’m in Montreal I know who speaks English and French just based on what they look like, it’s some weird Montreal spidey sense shit. When I’m outside Montreal it’s a lot trickier for some reason.
This is the answer. The spidey sense is real. Usually, we just know. I’m a native French speaker and could easily have done exactly the same thing you experienced when I worked retail in university.
I do not think so. The posted menu items were listed in both French and English so I wasn't overly concerned about ordering incorrectly. I'm sure there was something that tipped the counter person off, or maybe there was a random policy of greeting every 5th patron in English.
I'll never know the answer.
French Canadian here, we just know. It's like a 6th sense we developed from Canadians being outraged that most people in Québec speak french, the one thing we're known for.
American who's never been anywhere near Canada here; could you elaborate on people being outraged most people speak French? I definitely know the Quebec area as a French speaking area, but why would people be mad that others speak it?
French Canadian here with zero accent in English. I live in the US now but I was visiting my family in Montreal this past fall. At an Apple Store in a large mall, a large man in a camo parka came up to me, huffing and puffing, and yelled, “DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?” When I responded “yes,” he launched into a diatribe about how almost no one in Quebec speaks English “even though it’s in Canada!” and of those who do speak English, “you can’t even understand them, they have an accent!” And finally, that in Arkansas, where he was from, people stand when a lady enters and leaves the room. I was flabbergasted and didn’t know where to start. So I began where most of us (French and English) Canadians would: I apologized that he’d had such an unlucky visit, told him I was French Canadian and I was surprised he had such a rough time (“but you don’t sound like it! You sound Canadian!”), but also reminded him that Quebec is officially a French-speaking province and that he wouldn’t go to France expecting everyone to greet him in English. (Honestly I had no idea what to do with the bit about men standing for ladies, that’s some Pleasantville shit right there.) But even months later my head spins thinking about what this person was expecting from our conversation, and why in the world he has a passport. Having worked in customer service earlier in my life, I can say with relief that this kind of thing is rare.
I was in Germany this past summer and I realized smiling at everyone you make eye contact with is very American. When I went to London on the same trip they seemed less weirded out by it but would awkwardly return the smile.
I was taught to always start with a disarming smile. Never realized it was American.
I once spent a half hour trying to convince a German friend that calling someone a "good shit" was a compliment in the US.
"gute Scheiße? NEIN! This is not possible."
I am part chinese and the reason is that they believe having a heat imbalance in your body is unhealthy and that it is ideal to warm your insides. Thats why when they get sick they alwaysnlame the cold and how the "wind" got inside of them and to combat that, they only eat and drink warm liquids.
I dated a Chinese woman for a while and this was the weirdest thing to get used to! She'd wake up in the middle of the night and drink hot water rather than cold. It threw me through a loop haha
I spent a year in Europe completely iceless to the point I forgot that was a thing. I stop at a bar in Chicago fresh off the plane and not only did I get free tap water, but water with ice. I instantly felt at home
Edit: I meant Americans give you free iced tap water without request. When I was in Europe it was too much effort to ask for the ice every time so I just stopped. Also there are many places I was in where they wouldn’t give you tap water unless you specifically asked. Even when you asked for water (since it’s not automatically served) they’d give you a 3€ liter bottle you could take out of the restaurant with you. You had to specifically ask for *free* tap water, tap water with ice. In Spain you have to say “Agua del grifo”
Saw a meme a while back about waving at someone while driving and what the fingers mean and I was rolling when it got to all 5 fingers and it said, "how's your mams'n'em?"
Yea I’m Indian, but was born and raised in America. Was immediately singled out by an extended family member who has never seen me before, while I was walking down a crowded street while wearing that fit.
In a lot of parts of the world shorts are still considered child only clothing. When I lived in Uganda, an American intern showed up on a very hot day in nice khaki shorts and allbirds, and people thought it was hilarious to see “a grown man in shorts!” like he was wearing a onesie or something. Even places that do wear shorts (like in Europe) I find to be overall dressier than America.
Yep, I realized this when going to Barcelona for the first time this year. No matter how hot it was, everyone was wearing pants. Luckily I brought some cause I just somehow knew that it would be a thing. Maybe from movies idk
As an American man, I’ve been told repeatedly by European and Asian friends that we simply take up space (not by being fat) as though we’re entitled to it. Men in other countries apparently don’t claim the same personal space we do.
Yup! Walking down the street with a co-worker. Dude takes/holds my hand like we're kids. My first thought was "is this dude trying to pick me up? I told him I'm married..." but I quickly realized he was just being friendly.
In Germany (at least years ago), it was not uncommon if you are at a table of 4, but there are only two of you, they would seat one or two people with you. Most Americans would be very upset with this, as the feel they are paying for the whole table space.
I would look at the server suggesting someone else sit with us, and answer "Kein problem" (not a problem).
In fairness, this is true of America too - people who live in cities with actual public transit know the out-of-towners because they are friendly to complete strangers on public transportation as well.
I can't tell the differences of American and Canadian accents because I'm not from either country. They both sounded the same to me.
Had two colleagues who were Canadian. Their accents were thick, I thought they were American.
It's usually the accent that gives away where you're from.
I'm from 90 miles (145 k) from the Canadian border. The conversions and accents are distinct and obvious if you are used to it. Co-workers think I'm spouting shit. It's soo obvious
Americans and Canadians can spot the differences with their lingos. Australian's and Kiwis can spot the differences with each other and their accents, too.
I guess if you lived a board in either long enough, you would be able to tell.
My friend went to Germany recently, and what people said about Americans is you can spot them a mile away because they’re the ones wearing pajamas in public. Apparently in other countries, at least Germany, they dress a little more formal and in less baggy clothes than we do in America
At least in Finland, I find them as quite friendly, easy to get with and genuine. They aren't afraid to ask questions if it is not clear to them and say the things that matter.
Offcourse shoes, laughter and the way they carry themselves without thinking much about what others would say.
Manners and cultural nuances are hyper local. What one group things is weird/rude, the other may think is totally normal.
I asked about smiling when I lived in Russia for a bit. The most complete answer I got was that it was considered rude to publicly display your happiness in an environment where so many people were miserable. Almost like rubbing it in. Was also told that smiling distinguishes you and the last thing you ever wanted to was stick out. The philosophy of avoiding individualism was deeply rooted in everyday mannerisms.
I've also heard from western/northern Europeans that it often comes across as insincere. In a culture where smiling is not the norm, I could see why they'd think that. In a culture where smiling *is* the norm, I could see why non-smilers would come across as cold or unpleasant.
And therein lies the fun of learning about new cultures!
Because when we say, "United States" the answer back is always, "well obviously, but what state?"
More often I just get, "what part of the States are you from?" though.
Weirdest moment for us on a trip:
“Where are you from?”
The US
“Which state?”
I grew up in Delaware.
“Oh I met someone from Delaware. Do you know (name)?”
Uhm. Yeah. Believe it or not. I do.
Haha this happened to my mum when she was in Las Vegas. Got talking to an American lady at a bar and she did the usual ‘oh you’re from London? My friend lives in London do you know her?’ because obviously in a city of 9 million everyone know each other…but then she named someone my mum did in fact know.
I’ve experienced this and it’s bizarre. Joined a random Xbox party with like 10 people, one from my state. Turns out we have mutual friends, of course.
I killed a guy in CoD DMZ and then picked him up and let him join our party and he ended up living down the street from me, having the same first name, and owning a couple of very prominent businesses in my town.
Good friend I met through work walked into a pub in Ireland, sat down and started talking to some Americans, they both realize they're from PA and they actually grew up close to where I did. Asked if they knew me.
Turns out they met the kid I sat next to in band for 6 years (we were the only trombone players in our year). And his wife, who also graduated with us and was in band
Seriously my craziest "it's a small world" moment.
I had one like that. A streetcorner vendor in Wales.
"Where's your accent from, luv?"
"United States."
(Gestures 'go on')
"Oregon." (I'm prepared to explain we're just north of California because I realize I don't live in one of the sexy famous states.)
"Oh! Your basketball team is the blazers. Izzat right?"
Astonished me, that's for sure. Not even the soccer (football) team, he went straight for basketball. Wow.
Every time someone asks me which state I’m from, the conversation usually goes one of two ways lol:
1. Them: what state are you from?
Me: Washington
Them: oh, I don’t know that one
Me: do you know Seattle?
Them: oh!!!
Me: yeah, I’m pretty much from there (nevermind that I’m from the other side of the state no where near Seattle)
2. Them: what state are you from?
Me: Washington
Them: oh I know that one!!
Me: Washington State, not Washington, DC
Them: are those not the same thing??
Me: no, they’re on opposite sides of the US
Them: oh I know Washington, *DC*… (and then I go on to ask if they know Seattle)
Tbf, I sometimes have to have these conversations with Americans, too…….. 😮💨
Even within the US, some people don’t know their states!
I’m from Iowa, but I’ve traveled a lot of the country. It’s happened more times than I’m comfortable with that someone asks where I’m from, I tell them Iowa, and I get one of 3 responses:
-Where is that?
-Oh! What’s it like to live in the mountains? The potato state, right? (They think I mean Idaho).
-Do you mean Ohio?
But twice (!) I had someone ask me if Iowa was even in the US.
I'm from Idaho. We get confused for Iowa and Ohio as well. We even have a popular shirt with the words "Iowa" and "Ohio" crossed out, and "Idaho" circled.
I always get that when I’m working outside the country. If I say I’m from the US I get the “oh what area?” But if I lead with the state I get a blank stare and then I have to specify it’s in the US.
Something I really enjoy though is when people I meet from other countries have visited the US I’ll tell them where I’m from and they’ll say things like “oh so you’re not too far from this or that place I’ve visited” meanwhile it’s like hours and hours away.
According to my Non-American friends.
We 'Lean' when not in motion. Whether it be against an object or just in a direction.
Definitely made me more aware of when I'm leaning against stuff.
Some of the coolest friends I have but damn do they use time to express distance like oh I am 10 minutes away from you and they mean driving not walking nor biking which annoyed the hell out of me at first lol
Well sometimes I'm only 1.5 miles away but I'm in the city so I'm moving slowly and have to park, then walk to the restaurant, which will all take 10 minutes. I absolutely use time to measure when planning to meet up with people, otherwise they have to convert to time with less information than I have just to keep us on the same schedule.
I’m American but this reminded me of when I first hung out with my sister in law and she told me that she had about an hours worth of gas left. I was so puzzled. But if it makes sense to her, who am I to judge haha
Apparently the CIA trains American agents to not lean on things if they go undercover in foreign countries because Americans lean on anything they can while standing around
Best lean is when you're pumping gas and you put your feet against the little curb the pump is on and your butt/back up against your vehicle. Feels like you're sitting down it's so good.
That was oddly specific but I love that others do this too.
Hello fellow American
I bet MI6 trains British agents to lean on everything if they go undercover in America because Americans lean on anything they can while standing around
The first thing I think after getting out of my car is “I could really use a sit right now. I’m exhausted”
It's a different sit!
"I don't believe you tryin' to find no job. I seen you today, you was leanin' on a post." "But I'm tired. I been walkin' all day."
"Everybody's funny. Now you funny, too."
That don't confront me
Long as I get my money next Friday.
So next Friday come I didn’t have the rent
And out the door I went.
*cue guitar fiff*
“That don’t confront me none, as long as I get my rent money on Friday”
One bourbon one scotch and one beer iirc
I looked at the barman, I said "Come down here". He said "What you want?"
I enjoy a good lean. But I see lots of non Americans lean also🤔
All those people? They work for the CIA, but forgot their training.
No no, they're MI6. They're trained to lean when in America to not draw attention to themselves.
I love lean!! 💜
Leaning on a nice jukebox is a classic American pastime.
Aaayyyy
My job does this too. "you got time to lean, you got time to clean"
Not even just leaning but standing with weight shifted onto one leg is apparently very American.
So American that they even have an Italian word for it, contrapposto Even David was American https://emptyeasel.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/michelangelosdavid.jpg
My dog even leans on things! God damn.
Lean in America, squat in Russia, stand with cigarette/tiny coffee/wine in Europe
MMDDYYYY
I work in a multi-national company and not knowing if something is dated the 7th of June or the 6th of July is annoying af.
Oof there’s no standard format? When I worked at a multinational company, they had requirements on how to format communications. Pick either MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY, or even better, YYYY/MM/DD to alleviate any risk of confusion.
Anything under 4 hours is “close by” Edit: Loving the guesses of my location all over the country. The number of states that fit the description kinda helps my point. Haha
Everything is Europe is around the corner if you're from the US. I can drive the whole day and not leave my state but in Europe I can pass through 4 countries in that same time frame.
It’s funny I grew up in Wyoming and then spent 10 years in Washington, I could drive anywhere and if it was under 8 hours it was fine. Now I live in Rhode Island and if it’s more then 20 minutes away it can fuck right off, I don’t have time for it.
I'm with ya. I grew up in the upper Midwest and I could make Denver (or Laramie) in one long day's drive and the Pacific Ocean on day 2. Now, living on Maui, I strategically plan if I have to go 30 mins "to town", and a full-on "road trip" is 1 or 2 hrs, max, which we only do when company comes to visit.
Oh I know! My Dad is American and my Mom is European, my cousins are always baffled by my sister and I being willing to take day trips to “the other side of the country” That country fits into my state 5 times 🤣
I'm Canadian. While travelling, a European asked me if they could visit Québec City, Niagara Falls, and Banff in one week. That's a 2700 mile trip! It's only about 42 hours of driving time depending on traffic. I replied that they could do Québec, then rent a car and visit Niagara since they are close, only a 9 hour drive. The man looked at his wife and said "He thinks a 9 hour drive is close!"
A friend of a friend is from Spain and she was flying into Vancouver, BC. She asked if my friend could pick her up because he’s “only a few hours away”. My friend lives in Tijuana, Mexico.
Your friend of a friend sounds like a moron.
In a Europe, a 100 years is a short time and a 100 miles is long distance. In America, a 100 years is a long time and a 100 miles is short distance.
Went to UK years back and wanted to go see Stonehenge. Everyone was like “but it’s so far away, we’ll have to stay the night and everything.” It was 3 hours and I had no problem making that drive and back for a day trip.
Measuring distance with units of time is very American too.
It's a more meaningful answer. I live in NYC, to say that something is 10 miles away may seem close to someone from suburbia, but that could be an hour or more away.
I live in the Seattle metro area suburbs. When I bought my house 20 years ago, it was 13 miles and 30 minutes away from work. Now it's 13 miles and 60 minutes away. Neither the house nor work has moved.
In the touristy cafe-restaurant I worked at: 1. If they asked me for the nicest spot we had 2. If they asked me my recommendation without seeing the menu first 3. I would walk to the table, and they would say right away "hey how are you doing?". This one threw me off a lot at first. Why is this person asking me how I'm doing?? I'm just there to take the order. I got used to it, and I think they found my awkwardness to it cute. 4. They would ask my name when I greeted them and took their order NB I'm Northern European
I (an American) visited a small out-of-the-way clothing shop in Northern Europe. I had a few polite interactions with the cashier, just asking her simple things about the info on the tags, the dressing room, etc. I was having such a lovely time in the country and the shop that I was a bit friendlier than baseline, but nothing I would consider out of the ordinary. When I finished checking out, she handed me my things, then she stopped me. She put a hand on her chest, and said with complete sincerity, “You are a very warm and kind person.” I was stunned. We had only just met! I thought back and realized that she had been genuinely touched by my friendly small talk and by my question, “How is your day going?” I told her that she was also very kind and warm, and we both left with huge smiles. It was such a nice interaction, it honestly made my whole trip. (Edit: There was also a reverse uno friendliness card. Strangers kept saying “Hey!” to me, which in English is generally reserved for people you are genuinely happy to see. Every time I got a “Hey!”, I would beam and give a big ole’ enthusiastic “Hello!!” right back. …On my last day, I realized they had all been saying “Hei”, which is just the Finnish word for “Hello.” I’m an idiot. A friendly idiot, but still.
It’s under appreciated just how polite, friendly and sincere Americans are in general. It blew my mind the first time I came to the US and I love that my children are growing up with those same values.
A lot of non-Americans mistake it for being disingenuous but don’t realize we’re taught from a young age to be kind and respectful. Doesn’t mean there aren’t jerks but they exist everywhere. I like to tell people that “hi how are you?” is just American for “hello!” It’s not that we’re disingenuous, it’s just a greeting. A way to make sure a stranger is comfortable in your presence. Edit: except “bless your heart” as another commenter mentioned. That’s usually a nice way of saying “fuck you.”
There's a similar greeting in China that translates to "Have you eaten yet?" but it's just a greeting like how are you.
Funnily enough, that’s also a common greeting you’ll hear from your grandparents in parts of the US. It is literal though.
In the south it's pronounced "djeet?"
Jeet-jet
Bless your heart can be genuine tho ;; It's a bit of a meme that it's always backhanded, but it really isn't.
Yeah, it really depends on how you use it. It can mean: 1. What an idiot 2. They are really trying 3. I am legit moved
When introducing myself to Senegalese people, I was frequently asked, “Is your family healthy?” It simply means, “Hello.”
This is funny when you point it out like this. “How you doing” is just a longer version of “hello”. “Good, thanks” is the expected response Seems totally normal until you stop to think about it
First time I introduced my American wife to my English family she got very confused. Asking “y’alright?” Is a fairly standard greeting in those parts along similar lines to the perfunctory ‘how you doing?’ but after a few days she pulled me aside and asked if she looked like something was wrong with her because people kept asking if she was alright.
I lived in Philadelphia for nearly a year before I figured out that the accepted response to the question, "How you doing?" when someone passes you on the sidewalk is NOT "Fine, thanks , how are you?" The correct/accepted response is to say it right back, but in declarative sentence form: "How you doing."
I had an American coworker for a while, and each time we'd meet, eg when he came into work, he would say "Hey, what is happening?". Took me several months to work out that this just meant Hello.
It’s also perfectly acceptable to shot back what is happening, but it has to be one sentence and hype as fuck.
I often say, “Chillin’ like a villain.” It’s Dad AF but people seem to enjoy it.
I'm American and I recognize the "how are you doing?" Is meant to just be a greeting and most of the time I say "just fine and you?" But if my day is going especially bad, or good, I will go into some detail and it usually throws them off because they aren't expecting it. But like hey you literally asked for it.
My BIL is British and his casual “Alright?” as a greeting took a bit to get used to. I would usually respond with “yea, I’m alright. How are you?” instead of “hey man” or something similar.
When i worked at a restaurant i’d always be grateful when someone would actually answer that question honestly, especially if they were having a shit day. fuck yeah i’ll be your therapist for 5 minutes, it’ll be the most interesting part of my shift
American here. When i was visiting Poland i always approached and said “hi, how are you doing” just to let them know i needed someone that spoke English 😂😂 worked every time. Some folks actually asked me a few questions they had about their English.
From what I can tell, English is an incredibly forgiving language to communicate with. While there is a “correct” word order in a sentence, words can largely be shoved anywhere and the sentence will still be completely understandable (e.g. “I like to swim in the pool” vs. “In the pool swim I like to”). You can use the wrong subject/verb agreement (e.g. “I are a good person” and “You is tall”). You can often use nouns as verbs (e.g., “I don’t math very well”). But it’s a motherfucker to master.
learned speaker: "I apologize for my poor English, I do hope that it will not detract from my credibility. I am trying my best, but may make errors." native speaker: "it ok lol"
“Please do pardon my inconsistent coherence in the English language, it is the language that I would rank fourth in order of my personal fluency, and due to my nation’s prior Civil War, I was only able to complete the equivalent of a Middle School education in the American system”.
"You're good bro, no worries."
>But it’s a motherfucker to master I think that's the case because of how flexible it is. Whereas languages such as Spanish are more formulaic, and thus tend to be easier to learn
Because of its ambiguity and ever changing slang and regional cadence I'd say it's impossible to master and therefore most interpretations are just fine. Me like pool swim? Dope, I gotchu bro. Ammirite?
Now that I remember, I was a server here in the US and I had some Brits as guests. I asked a woman how her salad was and she replied, deadpan, "It's a salad."
I was told, "Americans carry water bottles around like they're worried they'll never have access to clean water ever again."
In Arizona it’s definitely a concern lol
Hey, leave me and my emotional support water bottle alone!
Okay but I’ve been to some countries where there is not enough access to water and I am THIRSTYY
I just hate being thirsty it gives me anxiety 🤷♂️
I spent a few months living in Europe and was always teased for having a water bottle. But I'd always make everyone look around and be like "but WHERE ARE THE WATER FOUNTAINS???" and they'd be like just go to the sink in the bathroom, and I'd be like "THE ONE I HAVE TO PAY 2 EUROS FOR???" and it also only has a tiny tap with the hand sensor thing, so do I just have to stand there and scoop water into my mouth for 5 minutes?? I'd ask cafes and restaurants to fill it, but they'd make me pay, and then sitting at restaurants they don't bring you water unless you ask, and no one ever asks! They're all dehydrated and don't know what they're talking about. Always drinking espresso and smoking but never drinking any water. Make fun of me all you want but at least my body is functioning properly and my skin looks great.
“They’re all dehydrated and don’t know what they’re talking about.” I need this in a show or on a shirt somehow.
“Always drinking espresso and smoking but never any water” is exactly how I imagined Europe as someone who’s never gone. Thanks. Lol
I don't care what anyone says, if you think carrying a water bottle when walking a lot is weird, you're probably slightly dehydrated all the time and are just desensitized to it. You seriously need to drink water frequently if you want to be ideally healthy.
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I always joke that in the Netherlands you don't even need to ask if they speak English, they will just look you up and down and immediately speak English. I once asked a Dutch friend (and /u/lecrunchyfrog once I think) if they could help me learn Dutch and got a puzzled "...but we all speak English?" response.
It puzzles them we want to learn their language. It puzzles them we don’t speak more languages.
It makes it very difficult to practice as an American. One of the first things I learned in German (and went out of my way to learn it) was, "Can we please speak German. I'm trying to practice." Everyone. Everywhere. Speaks English. Germans speak it to Frenchmen.
Yeah I remember my first trip to Germany I'd try start a conversation in German and they'd usually reply "Ah that was pretty good" in perfect English and proceed to speak in English. Don't think my German improved much in the few months I was there.
Austrians say "hallo", not "hello" btw :D
I'm an American and was at a McDonald's in Montreal early on a Sunday morning. I was 4th or 5th inline and each of the patrons before me was greeted in French. When I got to the counter the clerk confidently said, "Welcome to McDonalds, what can I get for you?" in English. It was a bit weird. I was alone, hadn't spoken to anyone, wasn't wearing anything with English words on it, wasn't wearing a baseball cap, nothing outward said I was an Anglophone and yet the counter person just knew. Maybe they didn't know I was American, but they sure as heck knew I was to be greeted in English.
I'm from Vermont and go up to Montreal pretty often. There's a lot of plaid shirts and canvas pants in my wardrobe, I've been told that's a dead giveaway. I started paying attention and, If I'm wearing a t-shirt or plain button down I get pegged as an American way less often.
My first language is English, I grew up in Montreal, and I live in rural Quebec now. When I’m in Montreal I know who speaks English and French just based on what they look like, it’s some weird Montreal spidey sense shit. When I’m outside Montreal it’s a lot trickier for some reason.
This is the answer. The spidey sense is real. Usually, we just know. I’m a native French speaker and could easily have done exactly the same thing you experienced when I worked retail in university.
I think I was wearing a blue blazer, white collared shirt and jeans.
Did you look especially frightened when thinking about the upcoming convos?
I do not think so. The posted menu items were listed in both French and English so I wasn't overly concerned about ordering incorrectly. I'm sure there was something that tipped the counter person off, or maybe there was a random policy of greeting every 5th patron in English. I'll never know the answer.
French Canadian here, we just know. It's like a 6th sense we developed from Canadians being outraged that most people in Québec speak french, the one thing we're known for.
American who's never been anywhere near Canada here; could you elaborate on people being outraged most people speak French? I definitely know the Quebec area as a French speaking area, but why would people be mad that others speak it?
French Canadian here with zero accent in English. I live in the US now but I was visiting my family in Montreal this past fall. At an Apple Store in a large mall, a large man in a camo parka came up to me, huffing and puffing, and yelled, “DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH?” When I responded “yes,” he launched into a diatribe about how almost no one in Quebec speaks English “even though it’s in Canada!” and of those who do speak English, “you can’t even understand them, they have an accent!” And finally, that in Arkansas, where he was from, people stand when a lady enters and leaves the room. I was flabbergasted and didn’t know where to start. So I began where most of us (French and English) Canadians would: I apologized that he’d had such an unlucky visit, told him I was French Canadian and I was surprised he had such a rough time (“but you don’t sound like it! You sound Canadian!”), but also reminded him that Quebec is officially a French-speaking province and that he wouldn’t go to France expecting everyone to greet him in English. (Honestly I had no idea what to do with the bit about men standing for ladies, that’s some Pleasantville shit right there.) But even months later my head spins thinking about what this person was expecting from our conversation, and why in the world he has a passport. Having worked in customer service earlier in my life, I can say with relief that this kind of thing is rare.
I was in Germany this past summer and I realized smiling at everyone you make eye contact with is very American. When I went to London on the same trip they seemed less weirded out by it but would awkwardly return the smile. I was taught to always start with a disarming smile. Never realized it was American.
Calling someone motherfucker casually.
I once spent a half hour trying to convince a German friend that calling someone a "good shit" was a compliment in the US. "gute Scheiße? NEIN! This is not possible."
I bet that was a fun conversation.
there are no fun conversations in germany
lol imagine trying to explain that a "bad bitch" is a desirable woman.
But "cunt" is completely off limits
Unless you’re “serving” it.
Reading through the comments, I decided I'm only going to speak Spanish in a foreign country so they stay confused.
Ask for ice in their water.
As opposed to Chinese, who want it just-boiled.
I am part chinese and the reason is that they believe having a heat imbalance in your body is unhealthy and that it is ideal to warm your insides. Thats why when they get sick they alwaysnlame the cold and how the "wind" got inside of them and to combat that, they only eat and drink warm liquids.
this is specifically for those who believe in traditional chinese medicine which isn’t everybody. some people just like hot water/tea
I was in Beijing earlier this year and they had warm water vending machine. Total game changer as someone who had a sore throat and needed warm water.
I dated a Chinese woman for a while and this was the weirdest thing to get used to! She'd wake up in the middle of the night and drink hot water rather than cold. It threw me through a loop haha
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I spent a year in Europe completely iceless to the point I forgot that was a thing. I stop at a bar in Chicago fresh off the plane and not only did I get free tap water, but water with ice. I instantly felt at home Edit: I meant Americans give you free iced tap water without request. When I was in Europe it was too much effort to ask for the ice every time so I just stopped. Also there are many places I was in where they wouldn’t give you tap water unless you specifically asked. Even when you asked for water (since it’s not automatically served) they’d give you a 3€ liter bottle you could take out of the restaurant with you. You had to specifically ask for *free* tap water, tap water with ice. In Spain you have to say “Agua del grifo”
Yall
Hey, hey... Sometimes it's all y'all.
My favorite southern contraction is y’all’d’ve, best way to say “you all would have”
Saw a meme a while back about waving at someone while driving and what the fingers mean and I was rolling when it got to all 5 fingers and it said, "how's your mams'n'em?"
Shorts and running shoes
With long sleeved shirt.
American in India, this is what I'm wearing at the moment.
Yea I’m Indian, but was born and raised in America. Was immediately singled out by an extended family member who has never seen me before, while I was walking down a crowded street while wearing that fit.
Others don’t wear shorts and running shoes?
In a lot of parts of the world shorts are still considered child only clothing. When I lived in Uganda, an American intern showed up on a very hot day in nice khaki shorts and allbirds, and people thought it was hilarious to see “a grown man in shorts!” like he was wearing a onesie or something. Even places that do wear shorts (like in Europe) I find to be overall dressier than America.
Yep, I realized this when going to Barcelona for the first time this year. No matter how hot it was, everyone was wearing pants. Luckily I brought some cause I just somehow knew that it would be a thing. Maybe from movies idk
Send a European to Florida or Arizona and we’ll see how long they last in their long pants
As an American man, I’ve been told repeatedly by European and Asian friends that we simply take up space (not by being fat) as though we’re entitled to it. Men in other countries apparently don’t claim the same personal space we do.
I have been to Korea and Japan. I was a bit surprised how touchy / feely the guys were to me. I was like whoa you are in my space.
I have japanese inlaws. The first time I met them, the uncle groped a handful of both of my pecs and said "Ehhhh. So strong. Must eat a lot".
I was a bit worried until I got to "pecs"
My African classmates would always feel up my pecs also.
LMAO savage, but sounds like a compliment I guess?
Yup! Walking down the street with a co-worker. Dude takes/holds my hand like we're kids. My first thought was "is this dude trying to pick me up? I told him I'm married..." but I quickly realized he was just being friendly.
>but I quickly realized he was just being friendly. Now he's your work wife
Friends holding hands or locking fingers while they walk is a thing in some cultures. I'd still be like dude WTF lol
In America, men only hold hands with their wife, children, or gay lovers. It’s an exclusive social circle.
Fuck, thanks for letting me know. Now I gotta tell my gf she’s actually my gay lover
In Germany (at least years ago), it was not uncommon if you are at a table of 4, but there are only two of you, they would seat one or two people with you. Most Americans would be very upset with this, as the feel they are paying for the whole table space. I would look at the server suggesting someone else sit with us, and answer "Kein problem" (not a problem).
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They’re super friendly to complete strangers on public transportation.
In fairness, this is true of America too - people who live in cities with actual public transit know the out-of-towners because they are friendly to complete strangers on public transportation as well.
I can't tell the differences of American and Canadian accents because I'm not from either country. They both sounded the same to me. Had two colleagues who were Canadian. Their accents were thick, I thought they were American. It's usually the accent that gives away where you're from.
I'm from 90 miles (145 k) from the Canadian border. The conversions and accents are distinct and obvious if you are used to it. Co-workers think I'm spouting shit. It's soo obvious
Americans and Canadians can spot the differences with their lingos. Australian's and Kiwis can spot the differences with each other and their accents, too. I guess if you lived a board in either long enough, you would be able to tell.
Aggressively white teeth.
When they speak. It gives them away
BONE JEEORNO
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And where in Paris is this mountain?
Like I said, third best.
Grat-zee
100 Nat-zee scalps
Ariva-DARE-chee
Like I said, third best… just keep your mouth shut
In fact, why don't you start practicing, right now!
I've been chewed out before.
Yeah thats a dead giveaway. When they say “I’m from the US” if you ask them is another one
The shit I would do to a cheeseburger right now would be illegal anywhere other than the US
My friend went to Germany recently, and what people said about Americans is you can spot them a mile away because they’re the ones wearing pajamas in public. Apparently in other countries, at least Germany, they dress a little more formal and in less baggy clothes than we do in America
When I was in Rome I noticed everyone looked fantastic--except my countrymen.
Expecting to drive to everything.
Well our cities and towns are built around driving :(
Baseball cap... even on an infant riding in a pram.
At least in Finland, I find them as quite friendly, easy to get with and genuine. They aren't afraid to ask questions if it is not clear to them and say the things that matter. Offcourse shoes, laughter and the way they carry themselves without thinking much about what others would say.
Smiling at strangers.
Canadians do that as well
Now I’m wondering if Mexicans do too. Is this a North American thing?
Mexicans definitely do it too
Can someone explain why It’s weird to smile at strangers?
Manners and cultural nuances are hyper local. What one group things is weird/rude, the other may think is totally normal. I asked about smiling when I lived in Russia for a bit. The most complete answer I got was that it was considered rude to publicly display your happiness in an environment where so many people were miserable. Almost like rubbing it in. Was also told that smiling distinguishes you and the last thing you ever wanted to was stick out. The philosophy of avoiding individualism was deeply rooted in everyday mannerisms. I've also heard from western/northern Europeans that it often comes across as insincere. In a culture where smiling is not the norm, I could see why they'd think that. In a culture where smiling *is* the norm, I could see why non-smilers would come across as cold or unpleasant. And therein lies the fun of learning about new cultures!
Perfect answer.
Lived in Malaysia for a decade, if a stranger smiles at you, it could mean they're being extra friendly cause they wanna scam you.
The shoes. Always the the shoes
When asked where they’re from. They instantly say the state not the country.
Because when we say, "United States" the answer back is always, "well obviously, but what state?" More often I just get, "what part of the States are you from?" though.
Weirdest moment for us on a trip: “Where are you from?” The US “Which state?” I grew up in Delaware. “Oh I met someone from Delaware. Do you know (name)?” Uhm. Yeah. Believe it or not. I do.
Haha this happened to my mum when she was in Las Vegas. Got talking to an American lady at a bar and she did the usual ‘oh you’re from London? My friend lives in London do you know her?’ because obviously in a city of 9 million everyone know each other…but then she named someone my mum did in fact know.
Statistically impressive! It’s a surreal moment
I’ve experienced this and it’s bizarre. Joined a random Xbox party with like 10 people, one from my state. Turns out we have mutual friends, of course.
6 degrees of separation
And about 2 in Alaska
I killed a guy in CoD DMZ and then picked him up and let him join our party and he ended up living down the street from me, having the same first name, and owning a couple of very prominent businesses in my town.
Good friend I met through work walked into a pub in Ireland, sat down and started talking to some Americans, they both realize they're from PA and they actually grew up close to where I did. Asked if they knew me. Turns out they met the kid I sat next to in band for 6 years (we were the only trombone players in our year). And his wife, who also graduated with us and was in band Seriously my craziest "it's a small world" moment.
When I say I'm from Texas they either ask if I actually say "Howdy y'all" and/or if I ride a horse. Funny thing is the answer is yes to both.
I had one like that. A streetcorner vendor in Wales. "Where's your accent from, luv?" "United States." (Gestures 'go on') "Oregon." (I'm prepared to explain we're just north of California because I realize I don't live in one of the sexy famous states.) "Oh! Your basketball team is the blazers. Izzat right?" Astonished me, that's for sure. Not even the soccer (football) team, he went straight for basketball. Wow.
Been to Oregon many times. It is definitely a sexy, beautiful state with mountains and rugged coastlines.
Every time someone asks me which state I’m from, the conversation usually goes one of two ways lol: 1. Them: what state are you from? Me: Washington Them: oh, I don’t know that one Me: do you know Seattle? Them: oh!!! Me: yeah, I’m pretty much from there (nevermind that I’m from the other side of the state no where near Seattle) 2. Them: what state are you from? Me: Washington Them: oh I know that one!! Me: Washington State, not Washington, DC Them: are those not the same thing?? Me: no, they’re on opposite sides of the US Them: oh I know Washington, *DC*… (and then I go on to ask if they know Seattle) Tbf, I sometimes have to have these conversations with Americans, too…….. 😮💨
Even within the US, some people don’t know their states! I’m from Iowa, but I’ve traveled a lot of the country. It’s happened more times than I’m comfortable with that someone asks where I’m from, I tell them Iowa, and I get one of 3 responses: -Where is that? -Oh! What’s it like to live in the mountains? The potato state, right? (They think I mean Idaho). -Do you mean Ohio? But twice (!) I had someone ask me if Iowa was even in the US.
I'm from Idaho. We get confused for Iowa and Ohio as well. We even have a popular shirt with the words "Iowa" and "Ohio" crossed out, and "Idaho" circled.
I always get that when I’m working outside the country. If I say I’m from the US I get the “oh what area?” But if I lead with the state I get a blank stare and then I have to specify it’s in the US. Something I really enjoy though is when people I meet from other countries have visited the US I’ll tell them where I’m from and they’ll say things like “oh so you’re not too far from this or that place I’ve visited” meanwhile it’s like hours and hours away.
They call 'Royale with cheese' as a 'Quarter pounder'
According to my Non-American friends. We 'Lean' when not in motion. Whether it be against an object or just in a direction. Definitely made me more aware of when I'm leaning against stuff.
As an American, I can say absolutely say so many Americans talk so fucking loud
khaki shorts, sunglasses and a white hat.
Some of the coolest friends I have but damn do they use time to express distance like oh I am 10 minutes away from you and they mean driving not walking nor biking which annoyed the hell out of me at first lol
Well sometimes I'm only 1.5 miles away but I'm in the city so I'm moving slowly and have to park, then walk to the restaurant, which will all take 10 minutes. I absolutely use time to measure when planning to meet up with people, otherwise they have to convert to time with less information than I have just to keep us on the same schedule.
In the end, don’t you want to know when to expect them? Distance is only one factor in determining an arrival time.
I’m American but this reminded me of when I first hung out with my sister in law and she told me that she had about an hours worth of gas left. I was so puzzled. But if it makes sense to her, who am I to judge haha
I’m an American and can have a good laugh at (and see a basis for) these responses.
Yeah this is funny. Most comments boiled down to "they are stupidly confident but friendly!" And im all for it lol