From Solo Red Cups to Tipping Chaos – Welcome to the U.S. of A.
America: land of the free, home of the brave… and also home to some seriously confusing customs. If you’re American, these things probably feel as natural as breathing. But to outsiders? They’re utterly baffling, eyebrow-raising, and sometimes just plain hilarious.
So buckle up, patriots. Here are 15 Things Americans Do That Totally Confuse the Rest of the Planet – and honestly, even some of us are still scratching our heads.
1. Tipping Culture – Wait, We Have to Do Math After Dinner?
In most countries, tipping is optional or already included in the bill. But in the U.S.? It’s a high-stakes social obligation.
15-20% or you’re the devil. Servers depend on tips because employers legally pay them sub-minimum wages. To outsiders, it feels like the restaurant is guilt-tripping you into doing their job.
ICYMI: In Japan, tipping is considered rude. In America, not tipping is rude.
2. Solo Red Cups – The Official Drinkware of College Parties
To most foreigners, they’re just plastic cups. But to Americans, those iconic red Solo cups represent keg stands, frat basements, and questionable life choices.
Movies made them famous, and now they’re part of U.S. pop culture. No other country understands the hype — or why you need a special cup just to drink beer.
3. The Pledge of Allegiance – Before Math Class??
Standing, hand over heart, reciting a pledge to the flag in school every day?
To international folks, this feels straight-up dystopian. Imagine kicking off geometry class with a loyalty oath.
Creepy or patriotic? The debate continues.
4. Gargantuan Portion Sizes – That’s Not a Meal, That’s a Challenge
Why have one pancake when you can have a stack of seven the size of your face?
American portion sizes are legendary. Foreigners come for a quick bite and leave with leftovers that feed them for three days.
I’ve gotta say, as a foreigner, my first trip to America was wild. I ordered onion rings as a side—and they brought me a whole loaf of them!
5. Commercials for Prescription Drugs – “Ask Your Doctor If This Is Right for You”
Wait… you’re allowed to advertise medications like candy?
America is one of only two countries (hi, New Zealand!) where Big Pharma can market drugs directly to consumers.
And nothing screams fun like a montage of smiling seniors while a voice whispers side effects like “possible internal bleeding and death.”
6. Obsession With Iced Drinks – Even When It’s Freezing
Europeans are baffled. Why the ice fixation?
Americans will throw cubes into everything—water, soda, coffee—even in the middle of a snowstorm. To the rest of the world, it’s unnecessary dental trauma.
7. Bathroom Gaps – Who Designed This Nightmare?
The privacy gap between American bathroom stall doors is a universal mystery.
You might as well just wave to the person waiting.
In most countries, toilets are fully enclosed. In America, it’s peek-a-boo with a stranger.
I suppose there’s one advantage. Run out of loo roll and the person next door becomes your best friend!
8. Drive-Thrus for Everything – Even Pharmacies and Weddings
Need a burger? Use the drive-thru.
Need cold medicine? Drive-thru.
Need to get married? Oh yes — drive-thru weddings are a real thing (looking at you, Las Vegas).
To foreigners, it’s peak convenience… or peak laziness.
9. School Buses – The Yellow Chariots of Youth
That bright yellow bus is iconic to Americans, but totally foreign elsewhere.
In other countries, kids take public transit. In America? There’s a dedicated fleet of banana-colored buses with flashing lights, stop signs, and unspoken rules of hierarchy.
10. Taxes Not Included – Surprise! It Costs More Than You Thought
Shopping in America is like playing Price Is Right. That $19.99 shirt? Actually $21.87 after taxes, depending on your state.
Tourists are constantly thrown off by this. Just put the real price on the tag, Karen.
11. Laws Vary Wildly By State – It’s Basically 50 Mini Countries
In one state, weed is legal. In another, you’ll do jail time.
In one, you can marry at 16. In another, you need parental permission to get a tattoo.
It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure novel, but with jail time.
12. Unlimited Refills – You’re Telling Me I Can Drink Forever?
Bottomless soda? Blessed be.
In most countries, free refills are unheard of. But in America, you’ll find a new Sprite on your table before you even ask. It’s magical. And slightly dangerous.
13. High School Sports Culture – Friday Night Lights is Real
Outside the U.S., high school sports are… fine.
In America, they’re a whole ecosystem. Cheerleaders, pep rallies, marching bands, rivalries, televised games. Some schools have stadiums bigger than professional teams in other countries. Wild.
14. Super Strict Drinking Age – You Can Go to War, But Not Order a Beer
You can vote, get married, and be drafted at 18 — but you can’t legally sip a beer until 21?
To outsiders, this feels completely backward.
“Oh, you’re mature enough to operate a tank, but not a Coors Light? Cool cool cool.”
15. Saying “How Are You?” Without Actually Wanting to Know
In most of the world, if someone asks how you are, they genuinely want to hear.
In America? It’s a reflex greeting.
“Hey, how are you?” “Good, you?” “Good.”
End of interaction.
If you actually answer honestly, you’ve committed a social crime.
Let’s Wrap This Madness Up
America: where logic takes a backseat to vibes. From tipping chaos to solo red cups at parties, the U.S. keeps the world guessing—and sometimes, laughing.
Got a weird Americanism we missed? Hit the comments. We’re here for the confusion. Or for more of this crazy stuff, check this out: ‘Normal’ Things in the U.S. That Are Weird Abroad.