Being American comes with its own set of unwritten guidelines—quirky, yet quintessential to the fabric of society. From BBQ etiquette to remote control diplomacy, here are 21 unspoken rules that every true American knows and abides by.
1. Thou Shalt Never Pass up a Free Sample
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Free food? Count us in! Whether it’s at the grocery store or a food court, Americans have an innate talent for sniffing out complimentary nibbles.
2. Thou Shalt Wave When Someone Lets You Merge in Traffic
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A small gesture with big impact: a wave of appreciation for that driver who let you squeeze into their lane can go a long way.
3. Thou Shalt Hold the Door Open for Strangers
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A simple act of courtesy that transcends social barriers—holding the door open for the person behind you is just good manners.
4. Thou Shalt Have a Favorite Local Sports Team
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From Little League to the big leagues, Americans take hometown pride seriously. Rooting for the local team is practically a civic duty.
5. Thou Shalt Respect the Sanctity of a BBQ
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Barbecue isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, Americans know that good BBQ is worth its weight in gold.
6. Thou Shalt Tip Generously
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In America, tipping isn’t just a suggestion—it’s an expectation. Whether it’s at a restaurant or a hair salon, tipping generously is a sign of appreciation for good service.
7. Thou Shalt Stand for the National Anthem
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Whether you’re at a ball game or a school assembly, standing for the national anthem is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes unity and patriotism.
8. Thou Shalt Never Skip Dessert
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Life is short—eat dessert first! Whether it’s pie, cake, or ice cream, Americans know that no meal is complete without a sweet treat.
9. Thou Shalt Have Strong Opinions About Pizza Toppings
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Pineapple on pizza: yay or nay? Americans aren’t afraid to take a stand on this divisive issue—and defend their pizza preferences with gusto.
10. Thou Shalt Never Discuss Politics at the Dinner Table
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In polite company, it’s best to avoid hot-button topics like politics. Save the debates for another time and place.
11. Thou Shalt Hold Your Liquor
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Whether it’s at a party or a barbeque, Americans take pride in their ability to hold their liquor. Just remember to drink responsibly!
12. Thou Shalt Embrace the Power of Small Talk
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From the weather to weekend plans, Americans know that small talk is the key to forging connections with strangers.
13. Thou Shalt Never Turn down a Challenge
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From eating contests to game nights, Americans love a good challenge. After all, where’s the fun in playing it safe?
14. Thou Shalt Respect the Sacred Bond Between Man and Grill
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Grilling isn’t just a cooking method—it’s a way of life. Whether it’s charcoal or gas, Americans know that everything tastes better when it’s cooked over an open flame.
15. Thou Shalt Stand Up for What You Believe In
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From civil rights marches to environmental activism, Americans aren’t afraid to fight for what they believe in.
16. Thou Shalt Never Drink Instant Coffee
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In a nation obsessed with caffeine, instant coffee is a cardinal sin. Americans know that good coffee takes time—and a little extra effort.
17. Thou Shalt Respect the Oxford Comma
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In the world of grammar, the Oxford comma is king. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying its power to clarify.
18. Thou Shalt Never Arrive Empty-Handed to a Potluck
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In the world of American social gatherings, the potluck is king. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a holiday party, always bring something to share.
19. Thou Shalt Respect the Power of the Remote Control
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In the battle for control of the TV remote, there can only be one winner. Choose wisely, my friends.
20. Thou Shalt Never Underestimate the Healing Power of Comfort Food
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Whether you’re sad, stressed, or just plain hungry, comfort food is always there to save the day.
21. Thou Shalt Always Root for the Underdog
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From sports to movies, Americans love a good underdog story. After all, who doesn’t love to see the little guy come out on top?
Follow the Guide
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So there you have it, 21 unspoken rules that every true American knows and lives by. So the next time you find yourself at a potluck or a tailgate party, remember these rules and embrace what it truly means to be American.
Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
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Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs
Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
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Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
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American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
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Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept
22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
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Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns
The post American Etiquette: 21 Unwritten Rules Every Visitor Should Know was republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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