From quirky habits to cultural norms, America has its fair share of characteristics that might raise eyebrows elsewhere. Here’s a humorous exploration into 21 of those peculiarities, including some less typical ones.
1. Refusing the Metric System
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nuva Frames
America clings to inches, feet, and pounds with patriotic fervor, leaving the rest of the world calculating conversions.
2. The Great Ice Cube Obsession
Image Credit: Shutterstock /AN Photographer2463
Why have a drink when you can have a glass of ice with a splash of drink? The colder, the better, even in winter.
3. Super-Sized Everything
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ant DM
From cars to meals and even soft drinks, bigger always seems to be better.
4. Wearing Shoes Indoors
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Konstantin Aksenov
In many American homes, shoes that tread outdoor ground find their way onto indoor carpets, to the horror of many international visitors.
5. Sweet Breakfasts
Image Credit: Shutterstock / marco mayer
Pancakes, waffles, and cereals so sugary they could be desserts in other countries start the day in America.
6. Advertising Prescription Drugs
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hrendon
Where TV commercials regularly suggest asking your doctor if a specific drug is right for you, side effects listed hurriedly at the end.
7. Using Red Plastic Cups at Parties
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Africa Studio
A staple of every American party scene, recognized worldwide thanks to American movies, but still puzzling to many.
8. The Love for Peanut Butter
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Justyna Pankowska
Peanut butter on everything, from sandwiches to desserts. It’s a love affair that many outside the U.S. just can’t grasp.
9. Patriotic Everything
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Daniel Avram
Flags on houses, cars, and t-shirts. Patriotism is worn proudly, and often.
10. The Drive-Thru Culture
Image Credit: Shutterstock / InveStock
Banks, pharmacies, and even liquor stores with drive-thru services. Why leave your car if you don’t have to?
11. Talking to Strangers
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture
Striking up conversations with people in line, on the bus, or anywhere in public is common and often bewildering to visitors.
12. The Baby Gender Reveal Phenomenon
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Jacob Lund
Parties dedicated solely to revealing the gender of an unborn baby, sometimes with explosive results—literally.
13. Black Friday
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture
The day after Thanksgiving when Americans brave crowds and chaos for sales, turning shopping into a contact sport.
14. Squirting Lemon on Everything
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dawn Damico
Seafood, salads, water, and even beer aren’t safe from a lemon squeeze, a zesty American habit.
15. Clapping When the Plane Lands
Image Credit: Shutterstock / bdavid32
A round of applause for the pilot landing the plane, as if it wasn’t expected.
16. The Obsession With Pumpkin Spice
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rimma Bondarenko
Come fall, pumpkin spice flavors invade every possible food and drink item, a seasonal mania that puzzles many.
17. Sales Tax Surprise
Image Credit: Shutterstock / ViDI Studio
The price you see isn’t the price you pay. The added sales tax at the register continues to surprise and confuse.
18. Jumbo-Sized Beverages
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sampajano_Anizza
Where a ‘small’ drink elsewhere is a ‘large’ in America, and free refills abound.
19. The Homecoming Tradition
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Gorodenkoff
High school football, a dance, and the crowning of a king and queen—it’s a uniquely American teenage rite of passage.
20. 24/7 Shopping
Image Credit: Shutterstock / George Rudy
The concept of stores, especially grocery stores, being open 24 hours is a convenience that amazes international visitors.
21. Garage Sales
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dmytro Zinkevych
Turning one’s driveway into a temporary store, selling off used belongings to neighbors and strangers alike.
American Quirks
Image Credit: Shutterstock / Varavin88
Embracing the uniqueness of American habits adds color to the cultural tapestry. From striking up conversations with strangers to indulging in excess ice cubes, these quirks contribute to the charm of the land of the free. Diversity in customs and habits enriches our global exploration.
More Articles Like This…
Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs
2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities
Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand
The post What’s Up With That? 21 Unusual American Practices Explained republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pressmaster.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip
PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.
