I have heard the “Ugly American” phrase my entire life, and I thought I knew what it meant.
I was completely mistaken. It is one of the greatest stories. Maybe you already know what it really means, the origin of the phrase.
Actually, I LOVE that you brought this up! I said the phrase to these kids because I (wrongly) assumed it was a common cultural idiom of Americans in other countries - AND because I was actually goofy and different looking. Now, the first assumption on my part was really dumb, because I already knew - going in - that they were a very sheltered culture/town.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your knowledge of story about that phrase! My only guess is that it's WW1 or WW2 related?