Things The Rest Of The World Does That Confuse Americans!

 

There are tons of things Americans do that other countries just don’t understand; but, this bewilderment goes both ways.

 From armed dancing to chasing cheddar, here are some things the rest of the world does that confuse Americans: 11.

 Stranger Danger

 In the United States, most people say “hello,” “good morning,” or many other greetings to total strangers we run into during our daily errands.

 We could be at the grocery store and spark up a conversation about Captain Crunch in the cereal aisle… the possibilities are endless.

 In fact, having polite and friendly chats with various people is common in most areas of America.

 However, if you try this in England, especially larger cities, like London, then you’re in for a surprise.

 People in England hardly make eye contact with strangers, much less have a full-on discussion.

 This might be perceived as rude to many American tourists walking around London; but, if you’re one of these people, don’t take it negatively.

 It is common practice to keep to yourself.

 There is one exception, however; English people are always open to talk about the weather.

 That’s right, the boring topic we generally try and avoid in the United States is something that Brits find pleasure in discussing.

 Why is this so common?

 Most people say it’s due to the unpredictable weather of this island nation; but, whatever the reason, talking about dreary days is a way to start a lighthearted conversation.

 10.

 Morris Dancing

 Although there are many strange traditions Americans partake in during holidays...like eating insane amounts of hot dogs (a food of German origin) on Independence Day...we, nevertheless, tend to think of other country’s customs as somewhat strange.

 Another English tradition that might confuse a lot of Americans is the Morris dance.

 It is an old folk dance that people have been performing in the country for centuries.

 It includes rhythmic steps, choreography, and usually goes along with music.

 It is also common for the dancers to be wearing bells and carrying swords, sticks, or handkerchiefs.

 Surprisingly, there happen to be a total of around 150 Morris sides, or teams, in the United States; but, its history lies in Western Europe, largely in England.

 The original purpose of the dance is unknown and still debated today, but records indicate it was used as a form of entertainment for upper-class people.

 Nowadays, the sides dance during holidays, festivals, and various other special events.

 9.

 Cheese Rolling

 One more English tradition that might confuse Americans is Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake.

 No, you didn’t hear wrong, cheese-rolling is an annual event in the country.

 Cooper’s Hill is located near Gloucester (Gloss-ter).

 Officials originally ran the event, but now it occurs spontaneously and doesn’t have any management.

 It is a competition and is exactly what it sounds like: cheese rolling down a hill.

 The competitors stand at the top of the slope, and a nine-pound Double Gloucester cheese wheel is sent down the hill.

 Then, after the cheese has gotten a head start of about one second, the people start chasing after in an attempt to catch it.

 It’s more difficult than it may seem, however.

 As it rolls down the hill, it can hit speeds of 70 miles per hour.

 There have been numerous injuries to competitors and some onlookers over the years; so, ambulances are always on standby.

 This speedy cheese puts Babybel to shame.

 8.

 WeChat

 This is a Chinese application that some Americans might be confused by.

 WeChat was made by Tencent Holdings Limited and has expanded far beyond its initial messaging services.

 It lets users register subscription accounts that allow their followers to receive content and notifications.

 The service also lets businesses register for service accounts, which enable them to create applications through WeChat’s Application Programming Interfaces and use the app’s payment service.

 For example, restaurants have used the app to conserve paper, while keeping menus easily accessible and payments convenient; a blogger on an Australian news site wrote about being able to scan a barcode to bring up a restaurant’s menu in WeChat and being able to pay for his food via the app as well.

 It is so widely used in China, that many people don’t feel the need to carry around cards or cash.

 This might confuse Americans because we’re so used to carrying large wallets and purses, making sure we have all of our credit cards with us, and using hard copies of things, like restaurant menus.

 Although many people use Apple Pay, most Americans are stuck in the past.

 But, maybe we could learn a thing or two from China’s technological advancements.

 7.

 Spitting

 This is something Americans probably won’t ever adopt from China.

 It’s seen as gross in the United States unless athletes are doing it during a game.

 However, Chinese people spit often and in public.

 Some people believe it is because the cities are very polluted; so they want to spit out any impurities they take in.

 It could also be due to how many people smoke in China; since smoking leaves a bad taste in your mouth, they could just want to spit as much of it out as they can.

 Others say it comes from an old tradition and helps balance the body.

 The reasoning could be more simple, however.

 When people have a build up of phlegm or other fluids in their mouths, they want to get rid of it.

 They have no shame in spitting because it is viewed as a common bodily function, and they do it everywhere!

 On trains, in restaurants, and in bathrooms… anywhere duty calls.

 However, Chinese people are very opposed to blowing one’s nose in public, which Americans don’t view as being as disgusting.

 6.

 Avoid #4

 In America, we tend to avoid the number 13, and you’ll most likely find people staying inside their homes on Fridays that fall on the 13th day of the month.

 However, Americans might find it odd that in Japan they avoid the number 4.

 In fact, they go to extreme lengths to keep this number away from themselves.

 Some buildings don’t label level 4 in elevators.

 They won’t label hotel rooms with the number 4, and hospitals will keep from using the number as well.

 Their fear of this numeral comes from its pronunciation, which sounds very similar to the word meaning “death.” In hospitals, they’ll often stay away from the number 43 because it can mean “stillbirth.” This goes for pretty much any double-digit number with a 4 in it.

 42 sounds similar to “to death,” 49’s pronunciation sounds like “to run over,” and the list goes on.

 This practice of evasion even has a name: Tetraphobia.

 Whatever the case, if it superstitiously saves a life, why not go ahead and avoid it altogether?

 5.

 Insulting Tips

 In the United States, people are expected to tip at nearly every establishment where food or drink service is provided.

 Even quick chain restaurants like Subway often have a tip jar near the register.

 We tip for just about everything, and an acceptable tip is usually 15 to 20 percent of the total paid for food.

 It’s only in rare cases that Americans don’t tip their servers.

 However, in other countries, a tip isn’t expected and can even be seen as an insult, namely in Japan.

 Giving somebody a tip in this country is rarely seen and, more often than not, gratuity is included as a service charge.

 Although Americans see tipping as an acknowledgment for someone’s good work, Japanese people sometimes view it as rude.

 They take it this way because it can imply that they aren’t being paid well enough by the business they work for and are in need of more money.

 Another reason this confuses Americans is that many servers, bartenders, etc. rely on tips for the majority of their income since minimum wage for workers in this field is only $2.13 per hour.

 Just keep in mind that in other countries, the business often pays their employees enough so that tips are not expected or even necessarily wanted.

 4.

 Slurping Noodles

 Being noisy when you eat is something Americans usually frown upon, but in Japan, it’s commonplace for people to slurp down one of the nation’s favorite meals: noodles.

 Japanese cuisine includes all types of noodle dishes, many of which happen to be American favorites as well.

 However, the way each nation’s people enjoy the food differs tremendously.

 Japanese people slurp the noodles loudly instead of biting them apart quietly like people in the United States.

 They believe the sound of eating them this way conveys to everyone else that the meal is delicious.

 The slurping is a satisfying sound and a compliment to the chef.

 Plus, it’s noted that eating them in this manner actually makes the noodles taste better and is similar to the strange way people taste wine.

 3.

 Sleeping Capsules

 In the United States, people often go by the motto “bigger is better.” However, in other countries, this just isn’t the case.

 So, Americans might be confused by another thing commonly seen in Japan: sleeping pods.

 They’re exactly what they sound like: small capsules for people to sleep in.

 They’re the cheaper versions of the typical hotel experience.

 Each pod is about the size of a single bed; so, you have to like tight spaces to enjoy a stay in one.

 They offer some amenities, like outlets for your electronics and sometimes a small television and locker.

 Plus, they have communal bathrooms and showers that make morning routines convenient and easy.

 They can charge less for a night in one of these because upkeep costs less for the business.

 This might confuse Americans because we’re so used to spacious rooms when we’re on vacation, but these pods provide everything a guest needs for a decent night’s rest.

 2.

 Kiss Kiss

 Although Americans might do this with family members they know very well, like their parents, it is a standard French greeting that might just confuse them.

 It is common in Southern France, where sometimes even men who are unrelated will kiss on both cheeks to sell “hello” or “goodbye.” It also takes place in the northern area of the country but mostly between good friends, and men will sometimes avoid greeting each other that way.

 The tradition happens in other countries as well but mostly remains a European custom.

 People in the United States tend to go for a handshake when meeting someone new or a hug if the person is a friend.

 However, kissing is generally seen as a romantic gesture, unless it’s a family member as we discussed before.

 In America, if somebody goes in for a smooch on the cheek with someone they don’t know very well, then they might get pushed away.

 But, the greeting is harmless and not intended to make others uncomfortable.

 1.

 Fish Face

 Although the double-kiss greeting might confuse Americans, this next French tradition takes the cake.

 The Dunkirk Carnival takes place every year from January to March.

 The city is full of bright colors, and thousands of people go there to take part in its many festivities.

 The celebration isn’t what’s odd about this annual event, however.

 Its tradition stems back to the 17th century when fishermen would eat as much as they could during the festival before they sailed out to sea.

 Nowadays, they still try to eat as much as possible during the party.

 But, the thing that would confuse Americans is their tradition of throwing about 1,000 pounds of smoked herring into the hungry crowd.

 One, who likes being hit in the face with fish?

 And two, is that really sanitary?

 Probably not.

 Nevertheless, people in Dunkirk get riled up for the festival and enjoy chowing down on the heaps of fish that get thrown their way.

 Some people pass up the smoked fish and just eat it raw.

 It’s true that Americans enjoy their sushi, but biting into a whole raw herring?

 Um…

 no thanks.

 What is the oddest tradition you’ve heard about?