43 Foreigners Share Traits That Instantly Reveal Someone Is American

Being on an international forum and assuming everyone understands local/regional references.

Not going to the hospital because you can't pay.
I'm aware that it happens in other countries but it does scream American.

Recommending a brand of medication.

I'm American, but there's a story here that would apply. I moved to Taiwan when I was in middle school. Since my parents were Taiwanese, I grew up speaking mandarin, and it didn't take a long time for me to shake off the American accent when speaking. Initially, people would be like "Oh, an AMERICAN!" when I said literally anything, but gradually, it turned into "Oh? You're American?" And eventually, people stopped even bringing it up.

Then one day, we went to a new doctors' office, to get updates on our vaccines. The doctor was very polite and professional, we chatted a bit, she stuck me with a needle, and started filling out some paperwork... and she asked, "Are you getting these shots because you're returning to America?" ... and i was SHOOK. Hadn't heard that question in years, not from a stranger!

I said, "Aw man, yeah, that's right, I'm getting ready to travel again. What gave me away?"

And she responded, "American's, when you prick them, they say "ow". Taiwanese locals say "ah". That always gives them away.".

Usually when someone says "y'all".

"Why didn't you leave a tip?".

Expecting to be able to pay American currency in another country. Getting mad when the currency given back in a foreign country is not American dollars (and therefore worth less).

Source: worked in city with a lot of cruise ship tourists. Happened all. the. time. we actually would accept american money (an extreme courtesy imo), but didn't have american change to give back.

Saying they went to Europe, know how things are there, when they were at London or Madrid. Or just simply claiming they know all of Europe and they can't even name a country in the east.

"It was 90 degrees outside." (I hope that is a reasonable number.).

“Speak to me in English” while they’re visiting another country.

As an American I go out of my way to put on my best clothes and a full beat every time I go out, just so I’m not immediately identified as a tourist rube.

Then I remember I’m fat and the jig is up.

A conversation about tipping...

A tip is appreciated in the rest of the world, but people in the hospitallity industry here (Europe and specifically The Netherlands) make a decent living while serving you a meal or coffee. Decent enough not to be dependent on tips.

“Hey this guy’s from London”

No, no I didn’t say that, I said I live in England.

Geography as a whole.

Americans would states, ‘Paris, France’. Anyone else would just say ‘Paris’.

Now I know America has many places named after European cities which does excuse but nonetheless it is a telltale sign of an American.

School spirit!! I work in an international school with lots of American colleagues. The expectation to be excited about everything is A LOT, but I see why it would be infectious if you were brought up in the states. I do like when the European teachers are all grouped together awkwardly not knowing what to do with the spirit and cheer….

"I've been employed for 90 days, so I can finally sign up for insurance.".

Whenever someone says “my civil liberties” I know immediately.

When someone claims they’re Irish cause one set of their great great grand parents came from Castlebar in Mayo. And asks if I know of them.

“Free *speech*”

“Right to bear arms”

“Amendment”.

Microwaving water for tea.

Using ma'am, miss and sir.

Non of my customers use it except Americans.