22 Oddly Specific "American" Things That Aren't Really A Thing In Other Countries

Yahoo

6 hours ago

Every culture has its quirks, but sometimes it takes a fresh perspective to realize what makes your own country unique — or, in some cases, kind of weird. Curious to uncover what everyday aspects of American life seem unusual to people from abroad, u/CommonDecision6391 asked, "What do Americans not realize is an American thing?" People from around the world chimed in, citing everything from ice water to tipping culture. Here's what else they had to say:
1."In-sink garbage disposals."
—u/mdmoon2101
2."Red Solo Cups really aren't a thing outside the USA — except at explicit 'USA-themed' parties in Europe."
"Also, high school sports, especially football — especially when there are major annual events between rival cities."
—u/CatOfGrey
3."I've heard that other countries don't have commercials for medications."
—u/Milvers619
"True in a lot of Europe, at least. You get what doctors prescribe you — that's it. You will see ads for some over-the-counter medications, though, like antacids and ibuprofen."
—u/fenderbloke
4."Graham crackers. I was telling some Aussies about s'mores and then had to stop and explain what graham crackers were."
—u/Marquar234
"I met an Australian named Graham once and at first thought he said 'Grant.' When he clarified, I said, 'Oh, like the cracker?' He was a bit confused."
—u/KDawgandChiefMan
5."I recently realized Miracle Whip is a North American thing. For those unfamiliar, it's often used as an alternative to mayonnaise — on sandwiches and in some salads. I've heard it's similar to salad cream in the UK."
"A lot of people say they don't like Miracle Whip, but I actually do — at least in certain things."
—u/RolandMT32
6."Buying tons of things for very specific purposes. My mother-in-law is always amazed by all the junk we have: a clip-on book light, a lime squeezer (that only works on limes), etc."
—u/LumberjackSueno
7."Wearing your college's name or athletic team logo in public on a regular basis. College sports being popular."
—u/Electrical-Ad1288
8."The American lean."
—u/noahsuperman1
"It's not abnormal, but I think Americans do it more. People say it's leaning 'against' things, but I've noticed Americans more often lean on one leg? If that makes sense? That's not to say other cultures don't do it — I do, for sure — but Americans seem to do it more."
—u/freckledclimber
9."Wearing athletic shoes everywhere."
—u/GirlWhoWoreGlasses
10."Estimating distance by time — like saying something's 30 minutes away."
"Apparently, that's mostly an American and Canadian thing."
—u/_dk123
11."Carrying a gallon of water with you everywhere you go."
—u/one_pump_chimp
12."Big trucks."
—u/Electrical-Ad1288
13."Air conditioning everywhere."
—u/TeeTownRaggie
"It's not that we don't want to; it's just never been necessary in Germany. And now it's very difficult to install. Most people living in cities rent, and you can't just put in an AC unit in a rented apartment."
—u/Insane_Unicorn
"No, lots of countries in Asia and Latin America have that, too."
—u/fedeita80
14."Screens on windows."
—u/dutchman62
"My sister lives in Australia. I can't tell you how many times she's told me they just leave doors and windows wide open — and have had to chase things out or scare them off. I'm always like, WTF! We have mosquitoes the size of airplanes here, and that alone is enough to make me NEED screens. I can't imagine living somewhere where everything wants to kill you — and practically inviting them in for coffee."
—u/tjcline09
15."Everyone driving their own car."
—u/KarmaSilencesYou
16."Being prudish about nudity on TV, but tolerating intense violence."
—u/Electrical-Ad1288
17."Tipping culture."
—u/Blue-Sea2255
"It's spreading everywhere now, unfortunately."
—u/No_Perspective_242
18."Bars having 'last call' at 2 a.m. In parts of Europe, the party doesn't even start until about then. Some places don't stop serving alcohol at all, or not until 4 or 5 a.m. when they close."
—u/KarmaSilencesYou
19."Medical bankruptcy."
—u/WeirdcoolWilson
20."Prisons run by private companies."
"And people getting arrested on a whim."
—u/Lopsided-Weather6469
21."Ice in your water, and free water when you sit down at a restaurant."
—u/SL13377
22."The idea of individual states having a lot of legal control over everyday cultural laws, as well — what comes to mind here are alcohol laws and driving laws."
—u/CatOfGrey
23.And finally, "Not having a guaranteed right to vacation. Fun fact: Americans work 400 more hours on average than most other countries. Work-life balance is impossible here."
—u/Genial_Ginger_3981
Did any of these surprise you? Or do you have your own "wait, that's not normal?" moment from traveling or living abroad? Drop your experiences in the comments — we'd love to hear them!