Posted on 08/05/2015 9:27:56 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
There are a number of customs and gestures that Americans use without thinking twice. But when traveling abroad, they will not only out you as a tourist, but could get you in hot water in other countries.
Inspired by this Quora thread, we've rounded up some of the most common American customs that are seen as offensive elsewhere.
1. Tipping
A contentious issue even here, both over- and under-tipping can quickly make you the least popular person at the table. But in Japan and South Korea tipping is seen as an insult. In those countries, workers feel they are getting paid to do their job, and take pride in doing it well; they don't need an added incentive.
2. Sitting in the back of a cab
While it's customary for Americans to hop into the back of a cab, in Australia, New Zealand, parts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands, it's considered rude not to ride shotgun. Whereas cabbies in the US will sigh and reluctantly move their newspapers and lunches from the front seat, in other countries it's a matter of egality.
3. Throwing a thumbs up
In a lot of countries, especially in the Middle East, Latin America, Western Africa, Russia and Greece, a thumbs up basically has the same meaning as holding up a middle finger does for Americans.
4. Laughing with your mouth open
In Japan, laughter that exposes your pearly whites is considered horse-like and impolite — sort of like noisy, open-mouthed eating is considered rude to Americans.
5. Calling the USA "America"
In South America, claiming you're from America, rather than the United States, is seen as being politically incorrect, as it implies that only the US should be considered America, and that South America is unworthy of the title.
(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...
#26: Laughing at this list.
“Not beheading those who slander the prophet of Islam” is a biggie, too...
2 effing bad.
I don’t give a rat’s behind.
Are they offended by all the foreign cemeteries filled with the bodies of American HEROES who fought to keep them free?
Funny. Putting on deodorant isn’t on the list.
Too bad! Sux to be yunz guys in other countries!
Sorry, they're just going to have to get used to Americans being efficient.
8. Having one hand in your pocket
Sorry, but that's how we know where our wallets are, nonstop. Especially when we travel.
Yeah
“...leaving people waiting is taken as you thinking your time more valuable than everyone else’s.”
Since Obama is not American, this is obviously what he’s trying to communicate when he’s always late.
I was ridiculed constantly for saying ‘ma’am’ when I lived in the UK. How I was raised. Never stopped using it.
+1
Ordering fried bacon with eggs
Of course that’s just how culture works. Every place has their own and others get confused by it.
When South America moves out of their huts, and stops raping kids or selling drugs as a primary component of their economies, then maybe they can complain.
When I travel abroad, I always say I'm from Texas.
This is apparently true. Their laughter is quite subdued. Probably from having no oranges.
I've met several Brazilians, Colombians, Argentinians... not many "South Americans." And South America is unworthy of the title.
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