24 Things Americans Do That the Rest of the World Finds Weird

1. Wearing Shoes Inside the House

In the United States, it’s common to keep your shoes on when entering a home. Many visitors find this practice unusual since in places like Asia and Northern Europe, shoes come off at the door for cleanliness or as a sign of respect.

Next time you visit an American household, don’t be surprised if the host strolls around their living room still wearing the shoes they wore outside. It’s just one of those things that makes American culture unique.

2. Clapping When a Plane Lands

Have you ever been on a flight and noticed passengers burst into applause as the plane touches down? It’s a curious habit that Americans have that often baffles travelers from other parts of the world.

Clapping on landing can be seen as a sign of relief or a way to express gratitude to the flight crew for a safe journey. While some might think it’s quirky or unnecessary, it’s quite a heartfelt gesture when you consider how complex flying is.

3. Using Imperial Measurements

When you’re cooking, and a recipe calls for cups and teaspoons, ever wonder why it’s not in milliliters or grams? The United States sticks to its unique system: Imperial measurements.

While most of the world uses the metric system, making it super easy with multiples of ten, the U.S. prefers ounces, pounds, and miles.

4. Large Portion Sizes in Restaurants

When you’re dining out in the U.S., you might notice that the food served is on a whole other scale compared to other places. It’s common to see plates piled high with food, with serving sizes often large enough to feed more than one person.

While the U.K. or Japan offer more modest servings, the U.S. embraces the concept of getting your money’s worth, which means more food on your plate.

5. Refrigerating Eggs & Butter

In the US, you’ve probably noticed eggs and butter chilling in every fridge. Unlike many countries where eggs are kept at room temperature, US guidelines prefer them refrigerated. Here’s why: it’s all about keeping them safe.

As for butter, it’s often salted and refrigerated for longevity. While many can’t resist the convenience of spreadable butter at room temperature, the US errs on the side of caution, preferring to keep it cool to extend its freshness.

6. Tipping Culture in Service Industries

When you sit down for a meal at a restaurant in the United States, it’s common to leave a tip for your server—usually 15% to 20% of your total bill. This might seem unusual to visitors since in many countries, tipping isn’t expected or is much lower.

But why? In the U.S., workers in service industries often rely on tips because their base pay can be below minimum wage.

It’s important to know that tipping isn’t just for restaurants; it extends to services like hair salons, car rides, and hotel employees, making it a distinct aspect of American culture.

7. Sweetening Bread Products

You might have noticed how some sandwich breads lean on the sweeter side, and it’s not by accident. In the US, a touch of sugar in the dough is quite common, which may seem odd to visitors.

The sweet profile in an otherwise savory staple catches some off guard. In contrast, many countries prefer their bread less sweet, appreciating the natural taste of the grains.

8. Drinks With a Lot of Ice

Americans have a unique love for ice-cold drinks, a habit that often catches visitors by surprise. It’s more than just a way to cool down; this preference for chilled drinks has historical roots. Ice trade in the 19th century made it possible to enjoy cold beverages regularly.

Some find it excessive, others find it refreshing, but one thing is clear: for many Americans, a drink isn’t complete without a generous serving of ice. It’s a simple pleasure that has stood the test of time.

9. Frequency of Commercial Breaks

When you sit down to watch your favorite show, it might surprise you how many times it’s interrupted by commercials. In the U.S., a typical hour of television is peppered with about 15 to 20 minutes of advertisements.

It’s the norm here, but viewers in other parts of the world find the frequent interruptions quite bizarre!

10. Using Drive-Thru Services

You may notice when in America that drive-thrus aren’t just for grabbing a quick bite. Beyond fast food, you can complete bank transactions, drop off prescriptions, and even vote—all from your car! It saves time and you can stay comfortable, no matter the weather.

11. Amount of Water in the Toilet Bowl

When you visit the United States, you might notice that the toilets have a lot more water in the bowl compared to other countries. This can be surprising if you’re used to less water.

The high water level helps prevent clogs, making sure everything flushes down smoothly. However, this American habit is seen as unusual because it uses more water, which visitors from countries with water-saving toilets find quite different.

12. Baby Showers & Gender Reveal Parties

Wondering how Americans celebrate the anticipation of a new baby? Baby showers and gender reveal parties are unique traditions that often baffle folks from other parts of the globe.

At a baby shower, you can expect games, gifts, and lots of advice for the mom-to-be. It’s usually a woman-only affair, but sometimes men join in too.

Then there are gender reveal parties. These are events where everyone gathers just to see if a balloon pops out blue or pink confetti or if a cake has a blue or pink center. They’re a newer trend, often an event separate from the baby shower, where both mom’s and dad’s friends come to celebrate.

13. The Prominence of Air Conditioning

In America, air conditioning is almost as common as fridges. You’ll find it everywhere: from bustling malls to the comfy living rooms across the suburbs. While in many parts of the world, AC is a luxury, in the US, it’s just part of everyday life.

In contrast, when you visit places like Europe, it’s quite the opposite; AC units are not that common.

14. The 21-Year-Old Drinking Age

In the United States, you’re considered an adult at 18, but you can’t legally enjoy a beer until you’re 21. This is a quirk that often baffles people from other countries, where the legal drinking age is typically lower.

Rules on when you can have your first legal drink vary worldwide, but in the U.S., the 21-year-old minimum has been in place since the ’80s. So, while you can vote and serve in the military at 18, you’ll have to wait a bit longer for that champagne toast.

15. Obsession With College Sports

You might find it curious just how much Americans treasure their college sports. It’s not just a game here, but a tradition woven into the very fabric of American culture. Think vibrant history and heated rivalries that bring communities together in a celebration of athleticism and school spirit.

Each match is more than competitors vying for points; it’s the heart of a college’s identity. Every touchdown and three-pointer scored echoes the collective hopes of the students and alumni.

16. Date Format in MM/DD/YYYY

When you jot down dates, you might write May 9th as 5/9, right? But have you noticed most of the world uses a different format? They flip it around, making it 9/5.

But across the globe, people find our system a bit puzzling. They’re more likely to go day first, then month. To them, the way you place your month first in your date is as unusual as having dessert before dinner.

Curious why this format sticks in the States? It’s a tale of tradition trumping change. Americans started with this system and it’s become second nature.

17. Fascination With Pumpkin Flavors During Fall

You might have noticed every fall the wave of pumpkin-flavored items hitting stores. It’s not just your neighborhood coffee shop with its pumpkin lattes; it’s everywhere, from breakfast cereals to ice cream!

It turns out Americans spend a hefty sum on these seasonal treats—think hundreds of millions. This love for pumpkin-flavored products signals the excitement for sweater weather and the holiday spirit that’s just around the corner.

18. Stores That Are Open 24/7

You may find it surprising, but in America, many stores never close. Picture running out for a late-night snack or needing emergency diapers at 3 AM. In the States, that’s no problem.

These 24/7 stores are a part of daily life, from giant supermarkets to tiny pharmacies. While you tuck in for the night, these establishments buzz with activity, stocked with everything from groceries to gadgets.

19. The Use Of ‘How Are You?’ as a Greeting

When Americans ask “How are you?” in passing, they’re not always looking for an in-depth update. This phrase often serves more as a casual hello than a real question about your well-being.

It’s like a quick nod to acknowledge someone without expecting a lengthy conversation. For visitors, this can be puzzling; they might feel the need to stop and share how they’re actually doing.

However, in the U.S., a simple “I’m fine, thanks!” with a smile is a perfectly good response.

20. The Use of the Term ‘Bathroom’

When you’re in the U.S., you might notice people asking for the ‘bathroom’ even when they’re not planning to take a bath. It’s a quirky word choice because, in many places outside the States, folks would ask for the ‘toilet’ or the ‘loo’ instead.

In America, ‘bathroom’ is a polite term for any room with a toilet. This American lingo can cause a bit of a mix-up for travelers who are expecting a place to bathe, not just a space to use the loo!

21. Black Friday & Cyber Monday Frenzies

If you’ve seen crowds rushing into stores after Thanksgiving, you’re witnessing Black Friday. It’s a day when your favorite items might be at jaw-dropping prices. It’s not just a busy day; it’s a huge deal for Americans who love good bargains.

Then there’s Cyber Monday. It’s like Black Friday but online. You can snag deals from the comfort of your home. No need for elbowing through crowds!

Both shopping events mark the start of holiday gift-buying. It’s a splashy way for stores to draw you in and kick off the festive season spending. It may seem odd to others, but saving big on those wish-list items can feel pretty great.

22. Clapping at the End of a Movie

Have you ever been in a movie theater and, as the credits roll, a round of applause breaks out? It’s a common sight in American cinemas. When a film really impresses, people express their enjoyment by clapping, as if they were at a live show.

Outside the US, this may seem a bit odd, since the filmmakers can’t hear it. But it’s less about congratulating the director, who’s not present, and more about sharing the moment with fellow moviegoers!

23. The Custom of Wearing School Rings & Jackets

In the United States, high school and college students often celebrate their achievements with unique keepsakes. You might have heard of school rings and letterman jackets, both of which are quite the tradition.

These pieces not only embody school spirit but also mark personal milestones. While these traditions might seem peculiar in some places, they carry deep meanings for those who wear them proudly!

24. Having a Separate Hot & Cold Water Tap

In many American homes, you’ll find a curious setup at the sink – separate taps for hot and cold water. While it seems quirky to some, this method actually dates back to a time when having indoor plumbing was a new concept.

Back then, hot water systems were not always safe to drink from due to the materials used in heaters. So by keeping the taps separate, the cooler, often safer water for consumption was easily accessible.

However, most modern American bathrooms and kitchens have moved towards the more widely recognized single mixer tap, which blends hot and cold water together for convenient and adjustable temperature control.