The United States has its own way of doing things, and let’s be honest, some of it is just plain weird to people from other countries. Whether it’s our oversized food portions or the fact that we talk to strangers like they’re old friends, there are plenty of things about American life that outsiders find totally baffling. Here are 15 fun facts about the US that people from other places will probably never fully understand.
1. Peanut Butter: Our One True Love
Americans treat peanut butter like it’s gold. We slather it on toast, sandwiches, desserts, and even eat it straight from the jar with a spoon—no shame. For people from other countries, where peanut butter is more of a “meh” ingredient, the sheer devotion we have to this creamy (or crunchy) spread is totally baffling.
2. Tipping Isn’t Just Nice, It’s Mandatory
Welcome to America, where leaving a tip isn’t just a suggestion—it’s practically the law. Service workers depend on tips to make a decent wage, so if you leave the table without adding 20%, you might get some seriously raised eyebrows. For visitors from places where tipping is just an optional add-on, this whole routine feels like navigating an awkward math quiz at every meal.
3. We Believe Bigger Is Always Better
Everything’s bigger in America—especially our food portions. Our “medium” soda could double as a goldfish bowl, and the large fries could feed a small country. People from other parts of the world look at our portion sizes and think, “Wait, is this supposed to be a meal for two?” Nope, just for one. And yes, we will still order dessert.
4. Red Solo Cups Are Basically Celebrities
If you’ve ever watched an American movie, you know that red Solo cups are the star of the show at every party scene. These humble plastic cups are so iconic that they’ve practically become a symbol of good times and a party to remember. To everyone else, they’re just cups, but to us, they’re a rite of passage at every BBQ, college bash, and tailgate.
5. Drive-Thrus: Because Who Wants to Get Out of the Car?
We’re not just talking about drive-thru burgers here. In the US, you can do almost anything from the comfort of your car—grab a latte, pick up your meds, even cash a check. For people from countries where “drive-thru pharmacy” sounds ridiculous, our obsession with not leaving the driver’s seat is kind of hilarious.
6. Small Talk Is an Art Form
Americans can strike up a conversation with just about anyone, anywhere. Waiting in line at the grocery store? Perfect time to chat about the weather. Sitting next to someone on a flight? Let’s talk life stories. For people from places where you only talk to strangers if you need directions, this level of friendliness can feel a little too… friendly.
7. Ice, Ice, Baby—In Everything
It doesn’t matter if it’s below freezing outside; Americans want their drinks ice-cold. We fill our cups to the brim with ice without a second thought. Visitors from other countries, where ice cubes are used sparingly (if at all), can’t quite understand why we’re obsessed with turning every drink into a glacier.
8. Shoes? In the House? Really?
Americans have this weird thing about walking around their homes with their shoes still on, like we’re ready to sprint out the door at any second. People from cultures where you wouldn’t dare step into the living room without taking your shoes off first are left wondering why we’re tracking all that dirt inside.
9. Halloween: The Month-Long Party
Halloween in the US isn’t just a one-night event; it’s practically a season. We go all out with haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and costumes that would put Hollywood to shame. For folks from countries where Halloween is a low-key affair (or doesn’t exist at all), our enthusiasm for all things spooky is probably a bit over the top.
10. Bottomless Coffee Refills
Ah, the American diner: a magical place where your coffee cup is never empty. You order a coffee, and before you know it, the waitress is back, pouring another round like you’re at an all-you-can-drink coffee buffet. People from other countries, where every cup of coffee costs extra, are probably delighted and confused by this never-ending caffeine flow.
11. College Sports Are a Whole Lifestyle
In the US, we take college sports very seriously—like, pack-the-stadium-and-go-nuts serious. We tailgate, we paint our faces, and we treat these games like they’re the Super Bowl. To people from other places, the thought of student athletes getting this level of hype is probably a real head-scratcher.
12. Bacon Is The Food That Goes on Everything
Americans put bacon on things that bacon was never meant to go on—burgers, salads, donuts, you name it. We’ve even figured out how to wrap it around other foods to create an extra layer of salty goodness. For tourists and outsiders, the idea of bacon-topped anything might be enough to turn their stomach, but to us, it’s normal.
13. Thanksgiving and the Giant Turkey Showdown
Thanksgiving is basically the Olympics of eating in the US. We gather around a table to devour turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and all the sides our stomachs can handle. For people from other countries, this idea of a massive feast dedicated to gratitude and food might be a little overwhelming, but it’s definitely an experience they won’t forget.
14. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Schools
Imagine starting your school day by standing up, putting your hand on your heart, and reciting a pledge to the flag. That’s exactly what millions of American kids do every morning. When visitors learn about this, they usually say it’s a little intense, but to us, it’s normal.
15. Public Bathroom Stall Gaps—What’s the Deal?
If you’ve ever visited an American public restroom, you know how weird those awkward gaps in the stall doors are. For people used to bathroom stalls that offer total privacy, these peek-a-boo gaps are both confusing and, let’s be honest, a little uncomfortable if you’re not used to them. But seriously, who decided we needed to make eye contact while washing our hands?
