18 Things You Should Never Say to an American
The United States is a melting pot of cultures and home to over 345 million people, but some phrases will ruffle feathers or raise eyebrows. Traveling and interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds can be difficult, especially when navigating the cultural nuances available.
For everyone, it’s invaluable to know what can rub someone the wrong way. Here are 18 phrases you should try to avoid when talking to Americans.
“Why don’t you use the metric system?”
The rest of the world navigates in meters and liters while the Americans stick to miles and gallons. Even the most experienced world traveler is stumped by the complexities of measurement systems.
Questioning this often involves historical context and can feel like diminishing the importance of a longstanding cultural norm.
“You Don’t Look American”
This phrase is problematic because, to many people, the term ‘American’ conjures up different images. Therefore, it suggests that to belong to an American identity, there is a way someone should look.
Instead, celebrate diversity and accept that being American is different for everyone.
“You must love fast food!”
Many fast food chains operate along the U.S. It’s also famous for its various culinary scenes, including New York bagels or Southern barbecue.
This implies that all Americans drown themselves in fast food and lack a sense of their food culture. Rather, ask them what their favorite local restaurant is or what their favorite dish is.
“All Americans are loud”
You can typecast any group into stereotypes. A mix of personalities and regions makes the U.S. what it is.
Some are boisterous, while others love quiet. In some sense, it’s easier to focus on individual interactions to get a sense of their personality.
“Why do you call it ‘World Series’?”
The “World Series” is a baseball championship centered in the U.S. It was founded in 1903 and usually hosts championship teams from the American and National Leagues.
Poking fun at its global claim appears dismissive. Instead, appreciate the love for sports and the dedication and passion with which Americans and many others around the world participate.
“America doesn’t have any real history”
This may be surprising, considering the U.S. is relatively young—its founding occurred in 1776—but its history is full of events, people, and movements that influenced the contemporary world.
Use the features of their history they find most fascinating and impactful to engage with Americans.
“Football? You mean soccer right?”
This refers to a sport played with helmets and pads, which is called ‘American Football’ here. It’s a round ball game known as soccer globally. Many Americans consider it a very special game.
The distinction is important for sports enthusiasts. When discussing sports, clarify which sport you’re referring to.
“Your Education System is A Joke”
The U.S. has well-known universities, as well as educational inequalities and challenges. Education is a touchy issue because it decides what one can and cannot do.
Talking about the education system needs respect and learning from each other’s perspectives.
“All Americans Are Workaholics”
The U.S. has a strong work ethic; however, there’s more to it than that. Americans also care a lot about self-care and work-life balance.
It’s a fantastic mindset when you know someone can be passionate about work and have other interests and priorities.
“Why Do You Have So Many Holidays?”
The U.S. has fewer national holidays than many countries. Nevertheless, some states declare additional holidays, and some take leave to observe religious events.
Rather than interrogating the number of holidays, ask them which ones they value most and why.
“Your healthcare system is confusing”
The American healthcare system is complex for the average local. It differs from the context of many other countries, which have a single national system. It involves multiple healthcare systems.
In addition, healthcare in America is more expensive. Fronting it up can open a whole can of worms and provoke lengthy discussions or debates.
“You’re either a Democrat or Republican, right?”
These are the two big political parties, but not every American is a diehard party man. Many people have divergent views or advocate for outside or third-party affiliations.
Be careful regarding politics if you want to talk to your American friends, and be respectful and understanding.
“Americans don’t travel abroad much”
Many might think Americans don’t travel abroad much, but the data tells a different story. According to a 2019 report by Worldmetrics regarding U.S. travel statistics, 93 million Americans traveled abroad.
Only about 20% of Americans have never traveled abroad.
“I expected all Americans to be fit like in Hollywood movies”
Reality sometimes gets idealized by Hollywood. Just like most places, real-life Americans are every shape and size.
That’s not to say that celebrating diversity shouldn’t involve physical recognition, but encouraging commonalities outside physical traits is a valuable way to commemorate diversity.
“You must be a gun enthusiast”
The USA, in 2017, had the highest civilian gun ownership rate in the world: 100 civilians per 120.5 guns, while on average, in Russia, it is 1.5 civilians per gun. Firearms are a deeply polarizing topic in the U.S., and it isn’t easy to discuss them.
Not everyone in America is a gun owner or enthusiast, and not everyone is a part of American history when it comes to the Second Amendment.
“What’s Thanksgiving all about?”
For many, Thanksgiving is a tradition dear to their hearts. It represents gratitude, family, and—let’s not forget—feasting. It is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November every year.
Asking about it isn’t necessarily offensive, but approach it with genuine curiosity, not skepticism.
“Everyone in The U.S. is Rich”
While it is a wealthy country, the U.S. is also a land of economic inequality and poverty. Its demographics and socioeconomic statuses are so mixed that assuming everyone is well off would be inaccurate.
Don’t assume what someone’s financial status is because of their nationality.
“Why do you tip so much?”
Americans have come to expect tipping when eating out, with different expectations for different types of service. According to 2024 tipping statistics in the U.S., the average tip is 18%.
Tipping in the U.S. offers service workers, many of whom are not paid much above the stated minimum wage, a way to supplement their earnings. Consider the topic with sensitivity and attain a cultural understanding of it.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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