Weird Things Americans Do, According to Europeans
Ok, I have to start by telling you that I am European, I love living in the USA, but I also love listening to other Europeans talk about ”those weird things Americans do”.
I came to California a few years ago, to visit a friend in San Diego and to see what life is like in the USA. I loved it so much that I stayed for several years. But, I have to admit there was more of a culture shock than I expected!
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Californian lifestyle. But for a culture I thought would be so similar to the Northern European one, there are definitely some interesting and often funny differences!
I still don’t know what to answer when a cashier at the local supermarket asks me ‘hi, how are you?’ (does she care? should I tell her about my busy day?). Or where that nice restaurant is when they tell me ‘it’s just 2 miles away’ (how far was a mile again??).
This article offers the perfect list of things Europeans find just a little bit strange about life in America…
It made me laugh because I can relate to almost all of it and I hope it gives you an idea of how Europeans see America.
Things Europeans Find Strange About America
No matter how many times a European visits the States, there are some Americanisms that Europeans simply cannot get used to.
1. ‘How are you’ as a greeting, not a question
When a sales clerk in the States says “how are you” it’s not a question, but a way of saying “hello.”
No matter how often this happens to a European, they will launch into a monologue about their health and well being and ask it right back — and expect an answer.
2. Ice Cubes
Just like Americans are flummoxed by the lukewarm water presented to them in Europe, Europeans can’t wrap their heads around how drinks in the US are full of ice.
Plus, the average soda-to-ice ratio is approximately 30:70, leaving any cup empty after a few sips.
3. Free refills
Is this because of all the ice? Europeans will never understand why they are presented with a second cup of soda while the first one is still half full in front of them.
What’s even stranger though, is the fact that one can (and does) order a large soda — despite the refills.
How Europeans See Americans and Their Quirks
Living in the U.S. as a European is such a wild mix of “this is amazing” and “wait, seriously?”
Like, the portion sizes—why is one plate here the size of three meals back home? Or the fact that tax isn’t included in the price tags. Every time I shop, it feels like I’m playing a guessing game at checkout.
And don’t even get me started on the sheer amount of American flags everywhere. I love the pride, but wow, it’s a lot.
These “weird things about America” are all part of the charm though, right? It’s the little cultural quirks that make exploring a new country so fascinating—and give us endless stories to tell when we talk to friends and family back home.
Do you agree with this list, or have you noticed other weird things about America? Let me know!
Also Read:
- 10 Things an American Should Know Before Traveling to Europe for the First Time
- The Best Weekend Getaways in the US
- How to Travel Cheaply in the USA
- 3 States to Visit Beyond the Obvious Ones
- The Most Beautiful Cities in the US