12 Everyday American Customs That Are Seen as Offensive Abroad

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12 Everyday American Customs That Are Seen as Offensive Abroad

American customs can sometimes clash with norms in other countries, leading to misunderstandings or even offense. From social interactions to dining etiquette, what is considered polite or normal in the U.S. might be viewed differently abroad. Here are twelve common American behaviors that are often perceived as offensive in various parts of the world.

1. Tipping

In the U.S., tipping is a common practice to show appreciation for service. However, in countries like Japan and South Korea, tipping is seen as insulting. Workers there take pride in their job performance and view tipping as unnecessary and even degrading.

2. Sitting in the Back of a Cab

Americans typically sit in the back of a cab, but in places like Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Ireland and Scotland, it’s customary to sit in the front. Sitting in the back can be seen as creating an unnecessary social barrier and is considered impolite.

3. Throwing a Thumbs-Up

While a thumbs-up is a positive gesture in the U.S., it’s offensive in parts of the Middle East, Latin America, Western Africa, Russia, and Greece, where it’s equivalent to showing the middle finger.

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4. Laughing with Your Mouth Open

In Japan, openly laughing and showing your teeth is compared to the rude behavior of noisy eating in America. It’s seen as vulgar and unrefined.

5. Calling the USA “America”

Referring to the United States as “America” can be offensive in other parts of the Americas, where residents also consider themselves Americans. This usage can seem dismissive of other countries in the continents.

6. Being Fashionably Late

While arriving slightly late might be fashionable in the U.S., it’s seen as disrespectful in places like Germany, where punctuality is highly valued and being late is considered presumptuous.

7. Being On Time

Conversely, in many Latin American cultures, notably Argentina, arriving exactly on time, especially to social events, can be seen as overly eager or rude, similar to being an hour early in the U.S.

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8. Having One Hand in Your Pocket

In Turkey and some Asian countries like South Korea, keeping one hand in your pocket while interacting with others is perceived as arrogant and disrespectful.

9. Using Your Left Hand for Anything

In many parts of Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East, the left hand is traditionally used for hygiene purposes in the restroom, making its use in other contexts (like eating or greeting) highly offensive.

10. Opening a Present Immediately

In many Asian countries, particularly China and India, opening a gift immediately upon receiving it is considered greedy and impolite. It’s more respectful to wait and open it later.

11. Wearing Sweatpants and Flip Flops in Public

In many countries, particularly in Japan and Europe, wearing casual and unkempt clothing like sweatpants or flip flops in public is seen as sloppy and disrespectful.

12. Altering Your Meal

In culinary cultures like France, Italy, Spain, and Japan, modifying your meal with additional condiments can be frowned upon. It’s seen as insulting to the chef, implying that the food does not meet your standards as served.

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