ADVERTISEMENT

It’s no secret—the rest of the world looks at how peculiar American culture can be and wonders if it’s even real.

‘Cause let’s face it—even if it looks fine for us, that doesn’t mean that having police patrol your school, paying for a ride to the hospital, and calling the toilet “restroom” when we all know very well there ain't nobody going there to have a rest shouldn’t raise a brow for others.

So this time, we are looking at what American things make our fellow non-American friends scratch their heads in simple, yet very spot-on questions below. Our dear American Pandas are also welcome to help separate what’s real, what’s rumors, and what only happens in movies in the comments! And after you're done with this post, check out our previous one with things Americans do that require an explanation for non-Americans.

#1

Questions-For-Americans

max_lus Report

Add photo comments
POST
Ceredwyn Ealanta
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But taking off shoes and socks when you come in is nearly as good as taking off your bra.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:
    #2

    Questions-For-Americans

    izzi_taylor Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jo Choto
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's a staple food. Most kids grow up eating PB&J sandwiches.

    Ben Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This gets rehashed all the time. "Jelly" in the UK is what Americans would call "jello." So yes a PB and jello sandwich would be disgusting. Jelly in the US is jam or marmalade in the UK. PB and jam is amazing.

    CrunChewy McSandybutt
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, that makes sense. We do NOT put flavored gelatin on sandwiches. We put marmalade or preserves.

    Load More Replies...
    Leo Domitrix
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how people in Europe will freak about PB&J, then eat Nutella piled 2.5 cm high on toast...

    Weishaar Jamie
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As above, that's because jelly in the UK, and probably elsewhere, is gelatin not jam or marmalade. A PB and G would be pretty disgusting. Americans (and I know, I am one) believe the world revolves around them and that all cultures, people, and countries should follow our "examples". Just a little political diatribe. The US has become so embarrassing

    Load More Replies...
    Brendan
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm from the UK, and I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (although, we call it peanut butter and jam).

    BG
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jam is made with whole fruit. Jelly is made with only the juice (and usually corn syrup). Jelly is WAYYYY more popular here (USA).

    Load More Replies...
    Truth Monster
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    (hides pb and j sandwich.) yes, its an inside joke. No one eats that.....lol

    Danieletc
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, oh GOD yes oh YES oh yes oh nomnomnomnomnomnomnomnom yeeaaaasssssss.

    Cassie
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is "jelly" something other than a sort of jam but made with fruit juice instead of the fruit in other parts of the world? I've hear this one before and I get the impression that people elsewhere in the world are thinking something than we are actually eating. Kind of like how US pudding would be what the UK calls custard rather than what pudding actually is in the UK.

    M O'Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the United States, per 21 CFR 150, "Jelly" is defined as a cooked and pectin-jelled preserve made from clarified fruit juice, "Jam" is cooked and pectin-jelled preserve made from the whole crushed fruit. This was necessary because definitions varied widely depending on region.

    Load More Replies...
    Bill
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    peanut butter is the most consumed breakfast food on the planet. I won trivia one week with that pearl of knowledge

    Jim Ellington
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh yes, much less palatable than haggis, tripe, caviar, lutefisk, or pangolin.

    Susan Reid Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Peanut butter is an inexpensive protein. And a PB&J is easy to make.

    Stacy Beare
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even in Australia we eat peanut butter and jam (same thing as jelly) or honey...it's great!

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

    Izzi I really hope you're not from England because I would ask "Is chutney actually eaten or left out to kill zombies!". How dare you make fun of my precious peanutbutter and jelly ! Disgusting looking? Yes ! Tasty? Absolutely !!!!

    Gerry Higgins
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Grew up on it. STILL a favorite with a glass of milk. More strange is why doesn't everyone eat PB&J ?

    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    PBJ is awesome. It isn't an American thing either. PBJ is all over the world.

    Lyra Rey
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've only ever eaten peanut butter in one other country (New Zealand) and it was nasty. Maybe I just bought the wrong brand, but when I mentioned it to my hosts they told me that peanut butter just isn't as big a thing there as it is here, which gave me the impression that their peanut butter generally isn't as good. (There may have been more to this conversation to give me that impression. It was nine years ago.) Ever since then I've just assumed that pb&j hasn't taken off in other countries because their peanut butter doesn't taste as good. I don't know why it wouldn't since the best peanut butter is just mooshed up peanuts (no salt, sugar, or whatever abomination they put in Jif and Skippy to give it that frosting-like consistency), and the roasted peanuts I bought at the grocery store in NZ tasted fine.

    Andrea Careless
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Canadian here . The jelly can be purple grape jelly which is a kind like a clear grape jam. Great with PB! Also jam, of course. And banana!

    Catlady6000
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite comfort food! PBJ, butter both sides and grill that sucker like a grilled cheese, then eat it warm.....heaven

    RitaGG
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sure. Question coming from someone who probably eats Black Pudding and Haggis. Go figure.

    Virgil Blue
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Among my friends and relatives peanut butter and chocolate sprinkles/flakes (hagelslag) are quite popular. Or PB and sambal. Never tried Pb&J. Does it need to be a specific flavour of jelly/jam?

    Pusfarm
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not to my knowledge. I've had blueberry, strawberry, orange marmalade, grape, and probably others. Haven't yet met a PB&J I didn't like.

    Load More Replies...
    ebony1k124 touch
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is that so weird? I love PB and strawberry jam sandwiches.

    Jimmy Wakeman
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I grew up loving peanut butter and jelly. Still do. So many variations can be made too.

    Flisey
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm from NZ and I love peanut butter and jam sammies. I very thin smear of hot English mustard under the jam is good too.

    leah
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I prefer peanut butter and Ruffles myself. Delish. If my girls don't like what we're having for dinner and after they've tried a bite per age they're absolutely allowed to make their own pb&j or pb&h. Even my 2 year old can make one. Not good, but it gets done.

    Suzi Gauthier
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, although my mother raised me on peanut butter & sugar sandwiches. I don't know where she got that. There's also peanut butter, banana & mayonnaise and peanut butter with marshmallow fluff.

    averageperson
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have eaten a PB&J samwich for lunch almost every day of my life, yes, it's true.

    Ry Keener
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm curious what things the media shows in other countries that makes this a question. lol

    May-Lize Nel
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Joyce Barmore Sterk
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the best sandwiches. If you leave it overnight, the jelly crystallizes and it's even better.

    Arctic Fox Lover
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you serious??? Never heard of a pbj????? Oh my, you have no childhood XD

    Downunderdude
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's the same as PB and jam - and no, not weird at all here in Oz.

    A Random Panda
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whoo, that was a train wreck. I meant I didn't have have one until I was like, six. You know the rest.

    Load More Replies...
    Mikal Du Preez
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I found this very very weird until I found out that "jelly" in America is just what I would call "jam". Then I was like oh OK, I eat peanut butter and jam sandwiches too. (My idea of "jam" is what Americans would call "jello" so, a peanut butter and jello sandwich... no.)

    Tor Rolf Strøm
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ARE YOU INSANE?!! Its the most delish thing ever! Also has lots of fat, protein and carbs - everything the body needs.

    Roadkill The Brave
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude why would dance so hard to a song about it? Peanut butter jelly time is a real song, dance, and lifestyle. PB&J is a good go to food if you're hungry and you don't want to cook. Also kids love the stuff so its an easy meal for them.

    CatWoman312
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where do you live? In a jungle surrounded by rock people? Wtf is this sh!t

    Bridgette Helms
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An American staple. Easy to put in kids school lunches but most schools banning them because parents freak out about their kids with peanut allergies.

    Pastry Person
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    like i understand peanut butter and jam but when it comes to peanut butter and jelly i just dont get it like how do you spread the jelly onto the bread without it being all chunky and slippery?

    Rosesinmyhair
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Peanut Butter and mashed banana and Honey on white crusty roll is delish!!

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

    One year in elementary, I only ate peanut butter sandwiches. The next year, only jelly. I can't believe I was allowed to eat just jelly sandwiches. So unhealthy.

    BG
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I eat them almost every day. You can buy PB&J swirled together in one jar. Look up Smucker's Goober Grape. You can also buy them pre-made by the carton (PB&J Uncrustables).

    Pusfarm
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to eat something similar in the 70s in the US called Koogle. Can't remember if they had peanut butter, but I seem to remember chocolate/banana. There were other flavors as well.

    Load More Replies...
    Madison Sweeney
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    oh, he doesn't know about peanut butter, he thinks its just butter

    Nadine Khazaka
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's actually pretty good, but don't get me started on root beer, that's just not palatable.

    Louise Stange-Wahl
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love peanut butter, hate jelly. Peanut butter on crackers is a meal in itself! PNB and untoasted bread--SQUISHY AWFUL!

    George-Florin Constantin
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Peanut butter is disgusting. I tried it combined with jam and I came to the conclusion that I had ruined a perfectly good spoonful of jam... But I guess Americans are used to this combination.

    BG
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jam is made with whole fruit. Jelly is made with only the juice (and usually corn syrup). Jelly is WAYYYY more popular here (USA). Also, our peanut butter has alot more sugar added.

    Load More Replies...
    Rabbit Carrot
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I tried one once. It was so sickly sweet and weird I couldn’t finish it.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #3

    Questions-For-Americans

    dreamdoie Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We have them. They are usually part of the cheerleader squad or dance squad. It is a sports thing. We take sports very seriously.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Even though Americans and Europeans share many things, like commitment to democratic principles, a strategic alliance, and some of the highest standards in the world, there are still some very notable differences between them.

    A 2016 study done by Pew Research Center was very revealing in that respect. First of all, it showed that Americans are more likely to believe they control their own destiny.

    The research showed that a staggering 57% of Americans disagreed with the statement “Success in life is pretty much determined by forces outside our control.” The percentage was higher than in any other European nations polled.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #6

    Questions-For-Americans

    melo1ore Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Brendan
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An affective way to make the 'popular' kids feel even more popular.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    The second interesting thing the Pew poll showed is that “Americans prioritize individual liberty, while Europeans tend to value the role of the state to ensure no one in society is in need.”

    When it comes to religion, it turned out that over half in the US (53%) say religion is extremely important in their life, which is nearly double the share with the same view in Poland.

    In France, for example, only 14% consider religion a very important aspect of their lives.

    #8

    Questions-For-Americans

    thatsgayrichie Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    chi-wei shen
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How else would you call them? Students wouldn't use the teachers first name.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Questions-For-Americans

    whorevina Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some schools are more strict than others and require them. My schools didn't require them. We just excused ourselves and went to the restroom when needed.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #10

    Questions-For-Americans

    alfadamson Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. They don't - at least the schools that I went to and my nieces and nephews don't (they are ages 4 - 17). In the past, students were made to recite the "pledge of allegiance" each morning, but I think this is something that has fallen by the wayside.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #11

    Questions-For-Americans

    lovetrivialove Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    giraffescupcakesandlove
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some schools don't allow it, but at the schools I went to we were allowed to. It was fun! You can put magnets, quotes, pictures of loved ones.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #12

    Questions-For-Americans

    kraken_seance Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Potter
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, and there are usually one or two questions where you have to read something and write a few pages for it.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #13

    Questions-For-Americans

    maydaybaerade Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kat Hoth
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, and sometimes mail does get stolen even though it's a federal offense.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #18

    Questions-For-Americans

    shcbangsthedrum Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    chi-wei shen
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's so unusual with this? I'm Austrian and my children's friends never used my first name.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    Questions-For-Americans

    TANGYRO Report

    #24

    Questions-For-Americans

    Lissasies Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    chi-wei shen
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think children all over the world have to feel "slightly suicidal" to do this.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #25

    Questions-For-Americans

    cmangles_ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    80 Van
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, we call eye doctors “Optometrists,” and we call Opticians “Opticians.”

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #29

    Questions-For-Americans

    Kaylee_Crystal Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bill
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    most countries do because it has been a part of military training for centuries. They want inshape youth for military service.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #31

    Questions-For-Americans

    sparklysaniya Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    GirlFriday
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The term "20/20" and similar fractions (such as 20/40, 20/60, etc.) are visual acuity measurements. They also are called Snellen fractions, named after Herman Snellen, the Dutch ophthalmologist who developed this measurement system in 1862.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #33

    Questions-For-Americans

    dietcoke____ Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    giovanna
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm Italian. Children eat pasta with butter and Parmigiano here. I also do when I want the comfort of a warm pasta hug.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #34

    Questions-For-Americans

    leapfroglesbian Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    spirit wolf
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to school in other countries aswell and boy did I write lines in detention. This is definitely not just an American thing. Yes, I was an exemplary student.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu