15 Weird Things Americans Do Without Even Realizing It

The United States, a melting pot of cultures and customs, often surprises visitors with its unique practices.

From tipping culture to portion sizes, many aspects of American life can seem peculiar to those from other parts of the world. Did you know that 72% of Americans say tipping is expected in more places now?¹

There are plenty of things Americans do that seem totally normal to them but are actually pretty bizarre to everyone else. Here are 15 weird things Americans do without even thinking twice about it.

1. Drinking Iced Beverages Year-Round

Americans love their drinks ice-cold, no matter the weather outside. Drinking cold drinks even in the dead of winter! Europeans, on the other hand, tend to prefer room-temperature or hot drinks, especially in colder months.

While there’s no definitive answer as to why Americans are so obsessed with iced drinks, some theories suggest it’s a holdover from the days before refrigeration when ice was a luxury. Others point to the fact that many American homes and businesses blast the AC, making a cold drink more refreshing.

2. Smiling at Strangers

In many parts of the world, smiling at a stranger on the street would be considered odd or even suspicious. But in America, it’s not uncommon to flash a friendly grin at someone you’ve never met before, whether you’re passing them on the sidewalk or standing in line at the grocery store.

This custom is so ingrained in American culture that many foreigners are taken aback by it at first. It’s believed that it’s due to the high value Americans place on friendliness and positivity.

3. Tipping for Everything

Tipping is a way of life in America, with consumers expected to leave a gratuity for everything from restaurant meals to haircuts to taxi rides. In fact, tips make up a significant portion of many service workers’ incomes, with waitstaff earning as little as $2.13 per hour before tips in some states.

However, in many other countries, tipping is either not customary or reserved for exceptional service. Visitors to the US are often confused by the practice and may not realize that leaving a small tip or no tip at all is considered rude. Some even view it as a form of bribery.

4. Eating on the Go

Americans are always on the move, and that extends to our eating habits. It’s not uncommon to see people scarfing down a breakfast sandwich on the subway or eating a burger while walking down the street.

This grab-and-go dining is a foreign concept in many cultures, where meals are meant to be savored and enjoyed in the company of others. In countries like France and Italy, it’s not unusual for lunch breaks to last an hour or more, with multiple courses and plenty of conversation.

5. Wearing Shoes Indoors

In many Asian and Middle Eastern countries, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home as a sign of respect. But in America, it’s not uncommon for guests to keep their shoes on, even if they’re staying for an extended period of time.

This habit is so ingrained that many Americans don’t even think to ask if they should take their shoes off when visiting someone else’s house. Some experts believe this custom may have originated with the early settlers, who often had dirt or mud floors and needed to keep their shoes on for protection.

6. Pumpkin Spice Everything

Come fall, it seems like pumpkin spice flavoring is everywhere in America, from lattes to candles to dog treats. This seasonal obsession is so widespread that it’s become a running joke, with people eagerly awaiting the arrival of pumpkin spice products each year.

But to the rest of the world, the idea of putting a vegetable flavor in coffee or baked goods is just plain weird.

7. Saying “How Are You?” as a Greeting

In America, it’s common to greet someone by asking “How are you?” or “How’s it going?” But here’s the thing: we don’t actually want to know the answer.

These phrases are used more as a polite greeting than an actual inquiry into someone’s well-being.

This can be confusing for foreigners, who may launch into a detailed account of their day before realizing the person who asked isn’t really listening. In many other cultures, asking about someone’s welfare is reserved for close friends and family, not casual acquaintances.

8. Overusing Air Conditioning

Americans love their air conditioning. We blast it in our cars, homes, and offices all summer long, often setting the temperature so low that people need to wear sweaters indoors.

But in many parts of the world, air conditioning is seen as a luxury, not a necessity. In Europe, for example, less than 5% of households have AC, with most people relying on fans, open windows, and thick stone walls to keep cool.^(ref)

9. Drinking from Red Solo Cups

Those red plastic cups are a staple of American parties and barbecues, but to the rest of the world, they’re just plain weird. Foreigners often wonder why Americans don’t just use regular glasses or mugs like everyone else.

The answer lies in the cups’ durability and affordability. They’re cheap enough to buy in bulk for large gatherings and sturdy enough to withstand being dropped or crushed.

Plus, their opaque color means you can’t see how much someone is drinking, which some people find appealing.

10. Saying “I’m Good” Instead of “No, Thank You”

When offered something they don’t want, many Americans will respond with “I’m good” instead of a simple “No, thank you.” This phrase, which is short for “I’m good without that,” can be confusing to non-native English speakers.

Some foreigners may interpret “I’m good” as meaning the person is doing well, not that they’re declining an offer. This usage is so widespread in the US that it’s even sparked debate among language experts about whether it’s grammatically correct.

11. Obsessing over College Sports

In America, college sports are a big deal, with fans packing stadiums and tuning in to watch their favorite teams play. But to the rest of the world, the idea of getting so invested in amateur athletics is a bit baffling.

Part of the reason for this obsession is the strong sense of loyalty and community that college sports foster. Many Americans feel a deep connection to their alma mater and view supporting the team as a way to show school pride.

College sports are also a big business in the US, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year.

12. Wearing Workout Clothes Everywhere

Americans love their athleisure wear, with many people sporting leggings, yoga pants, and sneakers even when they’re not working out. But in many other parts of the world, wearing gym clothes outside of the gym is considered sloppy or inappropriate.

In France, for example, it’s not uncommon to see people dressed up in suits and dresses even for casual occasions.

13. Calling Football “Soccer”

In America, the sport known as “football” to the rest of the world is called “soccer.” This quirk of language dates back to the early 1900s, when the term “soccer” was used to distinguish the sport from American football.

But to non-Americans, calling the world’s most popular sport by a different name is just plain confusing. In fact, the US is one of the only countries in the world that doesn’t use the term “football” to refer to the sport.

14. Eating Huge Portion Sizes

America is known for its supersized meals, with restaurant portions often being large enough to feed two or more people. In fact, the average American consumes nearly 2,500 calories per day, about 25% more than in the 1970s.^(ref)

But in many other countries, portion sizes are much smaller, and people are often shocked by the amount of food on their plate when dining out in the US. This difference in portion sizes may be one reason why obesity rates are higher in America than in many other developed nations.

15. Celebrating Groundhog Day

Every February 2nd, Americans gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to watch a groundhog named Phil emerge from his burrow and predict the weather. If Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, spring is on the way.

This quirky tradition, which dates back to the 1800s, is often met with bewilderment by foreigners. After all, the idea of basing the forecast on a rodent’s behavior seems pretty absurd.

But for Americans, Groundhog Day is a beloved cultural event that’s been celebrated for generations.

These 15 uniquely American habits make it clear that what seems normal to Americans can be downright perplexing to others. From iced drink obsession to peculiar Groundhog Day tradition, these quirks are an integral part of American cultural identity.

While they may raise eyebrows elsewhere, they also make America the diverse and fascinating place it is.

Source:

1. Pew Research Center