American Traditions That Confuse The Rest of the World

Saying "Ma'am"

It used to be a common courtesy to refer to olden women, like teachers, mothers, or grandmothers as "ma'am," but now that seems antiquated and unnecessary. It was a common phrase in the South, but in countries like Europe, "ma'am" hasn't been used in decades. You'll only catch Oliver Twist saying it in the old movies.

Blasting The AC

Americans love their air conditioner. But if you've ever summered in Europe, you know that Europeans really don't. A fan or two in one room is really all they need, while over in the States we're content to rack up the electrical bills and sit in an ice box all summer.

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The More You Know

  • The unicorn is the national animal of Scotland.
  • North Korea and Cuba are the only places you can't buy Coca-Cola.
  • All the Professors in Pokemon have been named after trees.
  • The 442nd Infantry Regiment, a largely Japanese American unit that served during WWII, did so while their families were held in internment camps. Their motto was "Go for Broke" and they were the most decorated unit in U.S. military history.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.