Two people draped in American flag colors. Representative cover image source: Pexels | Photo by Kaboompics.com
People from different places might have certain habits that are markers of their culture or signs of growing up in specific surroundings. Although many of these habits might be stereotypical, others may reflect people's beliefs and actions in reality. A person on Reddit asked users for signs to identify whether someone was American. The user, u/Ermland2, took to the platform and asked, "What’s an obvious sign someone’s American?" Many people went to the comments section to point out various aspects that Americans have, which could help identify them.
A personnel looking at the American flag and saluting as the audience follows suit. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Brett Sayles
Several comments pointed out how Americans walk and behave in a certain way on the street. Other people noted a unique way Americans like their water, and someone else mentioned how they behave differently at a doctor's office. Another person stated that Americans can be friendlier than the tourists from other countries, and some felt that they have a specific style of greeting that makes them easy to recognize. They might also carry a particular kind of smile when seeing strangers, as noted in one of the comments. Someone else made a remark about the personal space an American would prefer while in a public space, and so on. Here are 25 things people think are the tell-tale signs that someone is an American.
1. Walking confidently in the wrong direction
An Italian told me that Americans walk confidently in the wrong direction. -u/MagazineOk6401
2. Looking worried
Been taught to walk fast and look worried... People think you know what you're doing. -u/icanbeafreak
It's really funny at a doctor's office. Doctor comes out 'How ya doing?' 'Oh, can't complain.' Walks back to the exam room. 'So how are you feeling?' Proceeds to spend the next 30 min complaining. Unironically one of my favorite parts of America. -u/un7n0wn
A woman talking to a doctor during her appointment. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Mart Production
5. Friendly people
I worked as a cashier in a touristic place in Paris. I always recognized Americans because they were kinda friendly to me and they always left tips. -u/Aterakel
6. 'How are you doing?'
Retail worker here, not living in the US. I can generally spot an American because they greet me with 'Hey, how are you?'... and since I usually have the standard 'tired from life' retail worker expression at first I thought they were mocking me so I didn't know how to react. Took me a while to realize they weren't really expecting an answer. -u/8Eriade8
7. The way they calculate distance
If someone asks how far away something is, an American will tell how you long it takes to get there as opposed to a physical distance. -u/Hour-Average8401
8. Gentle grins
The gentle grins you give to strangers if you make eye contact with them as you pass by, at least in the Midwest. Was not well received in Germany. -u/Vkazioa
Woman smiling while walking down the street. Representative Image Source: Pexels | Andrea Piacquadio
9. Personal space
How much personal space they give themselves. Americans like at LEAST an arm's length. -u/Zonderdrone
10. Leaning onto something
I am American and if there’s something to lean on, I’m leaning! And if there’s nothing to lean on, I’ll lean into one side of my body if that makes sense. -u/itssnotaboutthepasta
11. Lack of an indoor voice
From what I've been told by European friends and travelers, our complete and utter lack of an indoor voice. -u/KevMenc1998
12. Cake for breakfast
In my homestay in London, I was told that I was 'so American' for enjoying a piece of cake for breakfast. -u/Signy_Frances
While visiting Turkey I was told that I looked American because I was sitting with one leg across the other and the bottom of my shoe was exposed. Apparently it’s rude. -u/__Sage
Very amenable to socializing with strangers in settings like bars. Assertive, fair, curious, will get your back without knowing you too well. I’ve had positive experiences. -u/ContemplativePotato
18. Loads of small talk
An inordinate amount of small talk (unprompted). -u/muppetpastiche
19. Walking while eating
When I lived in Europe, people said only Americans eat while walking. I’d be eating a bagel or something on the way to work or class and multiple people asked if I was American. -u/anon
20. Their definition of Europe
When they say 'Europe' and it could mean anything from Venice to Doncaster. -u/neevel-knievel
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