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Matrozi , Mental Health America (MHA) Report

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans "I'm french, italian, spanish, portuguese and serbian"

**Born and raised in Connecticut, never left the state, only speaks english and maybe took a 23andme test**

Or

"You're french ? I'm french too ! My great great ... great grandmother was in Paris one time when she was a toddler !"

Final score:

248points

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DrBronxx 2 years ago

Yes. Americans claiming to be from another country without any qualifiers is a pet peeve of many around the globe. The first time I met an American while I was traveling abroad, she said "I'm English", and I, assuming she must have moved to the US as a child, said "Oh really? Which part?" Her response was "Oh, I don't know. I just know that my great grandparents came from there." The exchange left me very confused.

133points

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Assume everyone on the internet is American.

RoombaTheKiller , Josh Johnson Report

Final score:

243points

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Regal Kitten 2 years ago

They aren't? ;)

81points

Apprenhensive-Sun-236 , Andrew Wise Report

It’s no secret that citizens of the most powerful country in the world often find themselves in the spotlight. The internet’s fascination with America, from its culture to its politics to its people, seems to be beyond control. It looks like everyone has at least a few opinions to share about the nation, and, news flash! They’re usually far from great.

In reality, not all typically American characteristics are negative. Every culture has peculiar quirks that can tell people around the world what country someone came from, even without asking. But differences between the US and other places can sometimes be so painfully obvious that they make for some amusing moments of confusion whenever pointed out.

To learn more about the subtle and not-so-subtle things American tourists do that immediately out them in other countries, we reached out to a writer and travel blogger Megan Starr who is originally from Virginia, US. She is one of the authors of a blog called Megan & Aram that’s purely dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Scandinavia, the Eastern bloc, and beyond. Living abroad for 12 years now, Megan is an avid traveler that has explored many breathtaking places around the globe and has amassed an arsenal of experiences she’s eager to share with others.

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Smug and overconfident. Especially applies to White American men. I work in engineering consulting and it constantly amazes me how comfortable they are listening to the sound of their own voices and being wrong or inaccurate more than 50% of the time.

Final score:

234points

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OokiiStaR 2 years ago

I'm still amazed and it happens so often here.

47points

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans They make a huge fuss over your accent.
I was in London and some American tourists asked for directions, I told them and they were like ‘you sound so British!’ and even called his friend over to marvel at my accent. Like, dude you’re *in* England. What do you expect? The people aren’t a f*****g museum attraction

Eli_JMI , Janis Oppliger Report

Final score:

200points

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Mokayokok 2 years ago

British and Australian accepts *ARE* sexy as hell, but yes, tourists acting like this is uncalled for.

72points

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Most Americans I meet are some of the friendliest, polite people. That being said, they are unmistakably loud and over-sharey of personal details.

Also they should know that the customer is not always right, that service industry jobs are respectable occupations, and asking for ketchup is a dead giveaway.

ZealousidealRush2899 , zoetnet Report

Final score:

180points

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Lakota Wolf 2 years ago (edited)

I do NOT over-share personal details! I mean, the ONLY thing you REALLY need to know about me is that I'm 5'5", I have curly hair, I have two cats who are named Kohl and Preacher, and Kohl was named for the mineral stibnite, and Preacher was named for one of my favorite comic book series, and I have a puppy named Stilgar, and I really like pears, and I like pretty much all insects except for earwigs, and I was adopted at birth, and my adopted mother is a toxic narcissist who was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive towards me my entire life, and I have one adopted sister and two biological sisters, and my adopted dad died last year, and he was an awesome dad and a great guy, and I have this one hair on my chin that grows out all bristly and thick, and we call those "bruja hairs" in my family, and I like parsnips and beets and pretty much all vegetables, and I'm 40 years old, and when I was a kid I had a small speaking part in a TV series so I have an actual IMDB listing, and

231points

When asked if she could reveal certain things that instantly expose Americans as tourists, she said that extreme confidence is probably the biggest one. "I can always tell an American (especially when abroad) because they walk around with confidence, they speak loudly and clearly (sometimes too much), and they are quick to say hello and be social," she told Bored Panda. "When I am abroad, this is usually how I can spot an American."

While the accent is seemingly their biggest giveaway, body language, behavioral differences, and even fashion choices also help people to recognize that a tourist is from the US. "That and the fact that they are likely wearing a t-shirt from their favorite college or sports team," Megan added.

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Measure everything in eagles per squarefoot

firebullmonkey , Aaron Doucett Report

Final score:

167points

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Nathan Jones 2 years ago

Literally nobody has ever done this. We strictly measure in football fields.

220points

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Based on my personal experience:
“I don’t understand why no one here speaks English” - In a foreign country where actually a lot of people do speak English although not at a native level.
Also “You guys have no customer service” just because Karens in my country don’t get free food.

Poeberry_fields , Clem Onojeghuo Report

Final score:

166points

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Mokayokok 2 years ago

Most of us absolutely cringe when we here about Karens doing this - we're really sorry, we want to throat punch them as much as anyone else does.

109points

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Introduce themselves as their ancestors nationalities lmao

sweatybisexy , Sora Shimazaki Report

Final score:

142points

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Ange Marsden 2 years ago

Australians and Kiwis don't do this; You gonna live in the past, better mention all the shifty things your ancestors did too....

104points

Most of the responses from the community can be considered as clichés that poke fun at American citizens, and as we all know, stereotypes do tend to have a grain of truth in them. However, they may also form a rather negative view of the country for those who have never come into contact with the culture. Since Americans wear their identities proudly, they often become subject to "America vs. the rest of the world" comparisons.

When asked why some people spend so much energy frowning upon the US, Megan believes it has become trendy for some to make "hating Americans" their personality. "I feel bad to say that... but I know many people that have allowed that to become their entire personality. As an American (who has plenty of issues with her home country), I have found many American tourists to be better behaved than other nationalities," the travel blogger said. "I feel like (for the most part), our best people travel abroad."

#10

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Drive from one shop to the next even if it is 50 meter by walk

maldobar4711 , mentatdgt Report

Final score:

140points

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Vector 2 years ago (edited)

"honey, can you get me the keys? mummy needs to drive to the fridge..."

69points

#11

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Extremely extroverted and talkative
I've lived in germany for 14 years and I've never seen strangers talk really. when I went to America everyone was so nice and talkative. it was a nice but strange experience

doykjoe , Tim Douglas Report

Final score:

135points

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Latchkey 2 years ago

I'm American and still hate it when other American strangers talk to me 😬😬

95points

#12

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Honestly all the American I saw in my town were particularly cheerful and enthusiasts about things we take for granted. Like walking in a thousand years old street.

I also find them very expansive about their feelings. They don't hesitate to say: "Oh! this guy is so funny, man" in public. whereas in Europe I have the impression that we have lost the habit of communicating together in public.

Nikokab , Jacek Dylag Report

Final score:

131points

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Lakota Wolf 2 years ago

Our country is kind of embarrassingly young and we don't have much history/historical culture. So we do tend to be fascinated and awed by the old stuff in other countries :)

76points

Even if stripes and stars seep through your pores, the chances are that you sometimes want to be a more discreet traveler. Maybe you’re tired of feeling singled out, or perhaps you experienced unfortunate situations only because locals knew you’re a foreigner. Whatever the reason, Alyse, The Invisible Tourist, shared a few tips on how to blend in when traveling.

First, do a bit of research. The odds for you to look more like a local grow significantly if you spend time learning about the culture and etiquette. "Not only will this demonstrate to locals that you respect their heritage, but they’ll also be super appreciative of your efforts," she wrote. Also, learning a few basic phrases in their language can help you find a way out of troubling situations. Then, avoid proudly displaying your camera or selfie stick out in public, as they’ll immediately blow your cover. "Unless you’re a professional photographer, do you really need a flashy camera permanently draped around your neck that makes you look like a tourist?" Alyse asked. Well, that's for you to decide.

#13

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Maybe woosh, but...

If you hold your fork on the left, and cut with the knife in the right, then you would usually keep the fork on the left to eat with.

Very American to cut with the right, then swap the fork to the right to eat that bit, then swap again to cut with the right. Rinse and repeat.

Eldowon , ROMAN ODINTSOV Report

Final score:

128points

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Nadine 2 years ago

Yeah, we're savages.

70points

nomoreofyourbs , Harry Cunningham Report

#14

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Equating freedom with being able to buy a product or being able to do something really meaningless

Final score:

127points

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Regal Kitten 2 years ago

Hey, if I don't have the freedom to waste my time doing something entirely pointless when I feel like it, what even is life worth?

31points

#15

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Asking for refills, ice, or iced tea has outed me more times than I'd care to admit.

roastedoolong , ROMAN ODINTSOV Report

Final score:

121points

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Bored Person 2 years ago

I don't understand this. You pay for one drink, so you get one drink, or at least that's how it works where I'm from

82points

However, Megan mentioned that trying your best to blend in may take away some joy from your journey. "I think that if you're headed to visit the Colosseum, for example, you are likely not going to give off the vibe that you're a local! I think it is good to remain chilled out and respectful, but I don't see the point in trying to 'blend' in. I have made several friends on the road from simply being a foreigner. But, I am also the first person to throw headphones on and wander about trying to discover the streets on my own terms,” she said.

#16

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans "Do you speak English? DOOO! YOOOU! SPEEEAK! ENNNNGLISH!"

JeffRyan1 , Mimi Thian Report

Final score:

110points

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Regal Kitten 2 years ago

I never understand how saying something really loudly and slowly is supposed to make it easier to understand.

89points

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

See Also on Bored Panda

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#17

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans BEING LOUD. And I don’t mean intentionally. They can be just talking in a restaurant or a train and it’s the only conversation that can be heard from everywhere.

bobthememequeen , Sebastian Coman Photography Report

Final score:

110points

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StarlightPanda! 2 years ago

American here. Most people I talk to here think I talk too loud. So I must talk overly loud as an American. I think it's a me thing though. Lol

37points

#18

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans “Do you accept American dollars?”

kgold0 , Titouan COLOMB Report

Final score:

107points

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Teresa 2 years ago

I don't know why people do this. Never in my travels to other countries have I ever expected to pay for something with American money.

8points

If you want to be a great tourist when traveling around the globe, Megan shared one tip that could help you reach your goal. "Asking questions in a non-invasive and judgmental manner," she told us. "You can make friends this way and also learn a lot about culture."

"I also think it is about respecting where you are. If you are in a conservative country as a female, cover up. Simple as that. You may not agree with it, but being respectful goes a long way. Also... don't break stuff. And don't photograph places you shouldn't or fly drones in no-flying zones," the travel blogger concluded.

#19

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Ask about common American chains that are uncommon/nonexistent in other countries. Also assuming that international chains serve the same thing in every country; McDonald’s, for example, has different menu items in, say, China. Assuming the food is prepared the exact same, too—I remember ordering chicken nuggets as a kid in Germany and being shocked they tasted so different. Probably because they were made with real chicken.

_marshmallord_ , Erik Mclean Report

Final score:

105points

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Carole Reid 2 years ago

That could be. I was at McDonald's in Germany. They had beer.

50points

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

See Also on Bored Panda

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#20

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Uses their shoes inside. Even if there has been raining

TurbulentBarracuda83 , Tenis Amante Report

Final score:

91points

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Cashme Outside 2 years ago

Ive got a Mr. Rogers thing goin on in my house. I have house shoes and outside shoes.

14points

#21

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans They start talking to you/always trying to make conversation.

I was at the car wash one time and this guy sat beside me and asked if the truck was mine. I said no politely and hoped he’ll stop talking to me as English is not my first language.

Lo and behold few minutes later he was telling me the story about 9/11 as he was one of the first responders and how he developed an illness because of the said job.

Americans are really interesting people. They really know how to keep a conversation going. I couldn’t do that, Europeans wouldn’t do that, i think lol.

__what-now___ Report

Final score:

90points

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Gionanna 2 years ago

When watching American movies/series I'm always amazed and amused at how the characters seem to make friends so easily. So, it's not made quick for the storyline. It's simply how many Americans are :-)

32points

hmmm_thought_pig , Giorgio Trovato Report

#22

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Not giving a f**k what the rest of the world thinks.

Final score:

86points

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Robin DJW 2 years ago

Some of us do. We try to improve our image in small quiet ways. It's hard for us to learn unusual (to us) behaviors, but some of us really do try to at least tone it down and learn a few word of the place's language.

42points

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

See Also on Bored Panda

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#23

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans I asked for a refill of coke on vacation at a restaurant in Australia. They said I’ve got to be American and had a good laugh.

shreddymcwheat , Lukas Ballier Report

Final score:

84points

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Silly Putty 2 years ago

I guess I don't get out much but I've ever once expected, or asked for, a refill.

20points

#24

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans If they’re a 35+ year old man wearing a large T shirt, khaki cargo shorts, and white sneakers with socks that go halfway up their calves

knightsofgel , Chris Hunkeler Report

Final score:

83points

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Regal Kitten 2 years ago

It's like in a video game where everybody gets the default skin, and then you can upgrade, except nobody does

47points

#25

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Saying "hey how are you/how is it going" without expecting an actual answer. An when you answer and ask how they are, it usually baffles them!

audio_inferno , Jonah Brown Report

Final score:

81points

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Jill Rhodry 2 years ago

We have the same greeting but Aussie style - 'owyagoin' - the only appropriate response is 'not bad, yaself?"

48points

#26

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans It's 10 degrees and you're wearing an oversized sweatshirt with the name of your college, shorts and flip flops.

darienhaha , John Fornander Report

Final score:

75points

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Chucky Cheezburger 2 years ago

10 degrees Celsius...thats reasonable...not great but whatever. 10 degrees Fahrenheit, they're gonna be a frozen idiot soon.

61points

#27

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Wear a baseball cap at an indoor restaurant.

Signed, an American who (ONCE!) wore a baseball cap at an indoor restaurant.

solo_duality , Nathan Dumlao Report

Final score:

69points

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Downunderdude 2 years ago

Most recent Prime Minister in Oz who wore a baseball cap instead of an Akubra got annihilated at our recent election. Coincidence? I think not.

19points

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

See Also on Bored Panda

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#28

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans We get a lot of American tourists here, why do you all wear the exact same clothes? Ireland t shirt, shorts, socks with sandals or those awful trainers, sunglasses and baseball caps

leopoldsghost29 , Francis Bourgouin Report

Final score:

59points

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Lazy Panda (she/her/hers) 2 years ago

These are all making me think that I am positively incognito when I travel. I hope I can at least pass for Canadian, if nothing else.

29points

lioness-2208 , Obi - @pixel6propix Report

#29

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Loud, the way they dress, being overly polite, ask what I do for a living in the first 5 mins of conversation, etc

Final score:

52points

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Tybalt P. 2 years ago

As an American, I’ve never actually noticed the last thing until now, and thinking back on it, holy c**p is it true

39points

Fatigued_Otter , Skinny Guy Lover Report

#30

30 Giveaways That Someone Is American, As Described By Non-Americans Eating while walking (eg eating a bagel or breakfast sandwich on the way to work or school)

Final score:

37points

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DDmaybeandor 2 years ago

How can we eat while walking if we drive everywhere?

100points

Note: this post originally had 44 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.

Ieva is a writer at Bored Panda who graduated in Scandinavian studies from Vilnius University. After learning the Swedish language and getting completely lost in the world of Scandinavian mythology, she figured out that translating and writing is what she's passionate about. When not writing, Ieva enjoys making jewelry, going on hikes, reading and drinking coffee.

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I'm a visual editor here at Bored Panda and I enjoy a good laugh. My work ranges from serious topics related to toxic work environments and relationship difficulties to humorous articles about online shopping fails and introvert memes. When I'm not at my work desk, checking if every single pixel is in the right place, I usually spend my free time playing board games, taking pictures, and watching documentaries

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What do you think ?

POST

Gavin Johnson 2 years ago

To add a tiny bit of balance. I have crossed paths with a huge number of U.S. citizens, I worked in hospitality, I found them to be engaging and polite, they loved the history of our hotel (built in the 1400s), they loved a conversation and that is way better than being grunted at by a drunk, English businessman. I can honestly say they were a delight to have at our hotel, they brought an energy that livened things up, they made folk smile (even if it was unintentionally) and they treated staff respectfully and generally speaking they made great guests. Every race, colour, creed has negatives assholes, don’t define a nation by the idiots you see, would you want your nation to be defined by your idiots?

70points

Katy McMouse 2 years ago

Thank you very much. I didn't expect any of these comments. You all have warmed my cynical heart!

19points

LinaLovesBooks 2 years ago

Thank you so much , Mr. Johnson. I needed that .

7points

AsexualShrimp 2 years ago

Amazingly put.

4points

Eat Dirt Crow 2 years ago

Thank you. I've come to visit you, your history and your culture. I know this is just the way you live but it's different than mine and I find that fascinating. If you'd ask me about how I lived I'd probably also struggle to find anything fascinating about it.

3points

brat zert 2 years ago

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Glitterati 2 years ago

When I was a backpacker travelling Asia and South America I got bashed constantly for the sins of the British. Other travellers would not let up about all the shitty things the British did over the years, using the term “you did x, y and z” like I was personally responsible. It really got me down. This post probably has the same affect on Americans. Every country has jerks and quirks. Negative stereotyping in any form is uncool.

43points

Sanchi 2 years ago

Yea. It’s not my fault guys!

0points

Hexenfox 2 years ago

Please stop bashing Americans. Why can't you find another country to bash.

24points

No One 2 years ago

I seriously couldn’t get through this list. A lot of ignorance and rudeness regarding Americans.

16points

Nikki Sevven 2 years ago

How about not bashing any country? Doing so is bigoted nonsense that relies on false stereotypes, or on judging the entire country's population by the behavior of a few. It's childish and silly.

11points

joop 2 years ago (edited)

Yeah it's no fun. I found an American on youtube who went to Holland and makes fun of us. He's a comedian and hilarious. Greg Shapiri. He's not nasty, just hilarious. Yet some get offended lol.

5points

Tracy Sellars 2 years ago

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Cross Oni 2 years ago

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Gavin Johnson 2 years ago

70points

Katy McMouse 2 years ago

Thank you very much. I didn't expect any of these comments. You all have warmed my cynical heart!

19points

LinaLovesBooks 2 years ago

Thank you so much , Mr. Johnson. I needed that .

7points

AsexualShrimp 2 years ago

Amazingly put.

4points

Eat Dirt Crow 2 years ago

3points

brat zert 2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Glitterati 2 years ago

43points

Sanchi 2 years ago

Yea. It’s not my fault guys!

0points

Hexenfox 2 years ago

Please stop bashing Americans. Why can't you find another country to bash.

24points

No One 2 years ago

I seriously couldn’t get through this list. A lot of ignorance and rudeness regarding Americans.

16points