“Its subtle when youre American, but it’s super obvious to locals.”
Here’s everything they shared:
1.
“I was in Paris in the supermarket trying to pick out a bottle of wine.
A very stately French man came and offered assistance in choosing a wine.
He spoke to me in broken English.
He asked where I was from in America.
I immediately asked why he assumed I was American.
He looked down and stated…‘Your shoes.’
I was wearing white tennis sneakers.”
She always says no one should smile that much to strangers, lol!"
Anonymous
4.
“Because I tipped well.
I travel to the Caribbean often and have been ID’d as an American many times after tipping.”
I think how I do my makeup and hair is distinctly different.
“We had many American friends and acquaintances come see us inFrancealll the time.
Walking up to people and straight away speaking English, assuming the others would just understand and adapt.
Being super surprised and embarrassed about semi-nudity in pharmacy and perfume ads.”
rohonhonhon
7.
“I was only ever spotted when I was with other Americans because the others were LOUD.
“We drink coffee or eat a snack on the go!
and they would immediately respond in English.”
numbaonestunna
10.
“When I was 16, I went on a school-organized trip to Europe in high school.
While waiting, I saw this small breakfast kiosk that seemed to be really popular with travelers.
“I have a serious valley girl Californian accent complete with vocal fry.
The moment I open my mouth, they know lol.”
taylora4e62a0521
12.
“This was recently: as soon as we touched down.
Talking with my husband at baggage claim, I was asked if we were fromFargo.
Theyd seen the movie.
Were from Twin Cities, Minnesota. "
“Not myself, but my ex, who is American.
We lived in Germany and just started dating at the time.
We were meeting at a festival, and my brother was waiting for him with me.
My brother had not met my ex before and asked me for a description.
All I said was, ‘he’ll be the one looking like an American.’
A few minutes later, he pointed into the crowd and said, ‘That’s him, right?’
My ex was wearing sneakers, cargo shorts, a polo shirt, and a baseball cap.
He really stood out, hahaha!”
When my boyfriend approached, the man immediately switched to English.
What do you call someone who speaks only one language?
This is also true in my experience as an American abroad.
“I was in Germany, where I was served a rock-hard bread roll.
Ok.”
18.
“My wife and I went to Holland in 1985 for my aunt’s wedding anniversary.
Coming from a Dutch family, I speak good Dutch.
In Amsterdam, I asked someone on the street for directions to the Rijksmuseum in Dutch.
He answered me in English.
I asked him why he spoke to me in English.
He laughed and said, ‘Only Americans have Mickey Mouse shown on their camera strap.'”
“My accent and overall appearance.
Then I told them I was from Texas, and they got really excited.
I’m pretty sure they thought I had traveled there on horseback.”
CalliopeM
20.
“I was visiting London in the late 1990s.
The look of horror and disgust on my face was a dead giveaway!
Luckily, we had a good laugh about it afterward.”
“We entered restaurants and asked if we could have for a table for two.
Apparently, Its seat yourself in the UK unless otherwise stated.
Employees are totally baffled why we were ‘asking for tables.'”
“My husband wears flip-flops and shorts everywhere.
However, they instantly knew I was American.
They only walked on the left side in the US Virgin Islands.
“The phrase ‘How are you?’
It is generally seen as normal friendliness in the US.
Luckily most people find it charming, rather than creepy.”
Its like Americans are yelling in comparison always.
Its subtle when youre American, but it’s super obvious to locals.
Just behave with respect and kindness, and youll be a welcome visitor.”
