1. The Over-the-Top Super Bowl Sunday
When it comes to the Super Bowl, it’s not just about the football game. Americans throw big parties with snacks, beers, and friends—all for a 3-hour event. Then there are the million-dollar commercials that people tune in just to watch. For outsiders, it’s mind-boggling that a sports event could feel like a national holiday.
Why it’s weird: To non-Americans, the hype surrounding this one game is like watching people go all-out for a wedding or New Year’s Eve. In most other countries, sports don’t have the same celebratory feel, especially if it’s just one match.
2. Trick-or-Treating on Halloween
Sure, dressing up is fun, but for many outside the U.S., it’s odd to see kids knocking on strangers’ doors for candy. Parents even encourage it! And don’t get started on the adults who go all out with elaborate costumes and themed parties.
Why it’s weird: In many countries, the idea of letting kids roam the streets at night feels strange, not to mention the sheer volume of sugar they collect. Plus, the idea of adults getting in on the fun? A bit bizarre to those who see Halloween as just for children.
3. Over-the-Top High School Proms
Prom is a classic coming-of-age event in the U.S. High schoolers rent limos, wear gowns, and even hire professional photographers to capture the night. For some, it’s almost as elaborate (and expensive) as a wedding.
Why it’s weird: In other parts of the world, high school students might have a casual end-of-year party, but the American prom is next level. It can be hard for outsiders to understand the importance placed on a single high school dance.
4. Black Friday Shopping Frenzy
Thanksgiving is about gratitude… and then, suddenly, it’s about scoring deals and fighting crowds at 4 a.m. the next day. The stark contrast between a day of thankfulness and the consumer frenzy that follows is a bit hard to grasp.
Why it’s weird: In countries where holidays focus more on spending time with family, the idea of camping outside stores for hours just to buy a TV at a discount is baffling.
5. Obsessing Over Pumpkin Spice in Fall
Once fall hits, Americans go crazy for all things pumpkin spice—lattes, muffins, even dog treats! The seasonal obsession is so intense that it’s become a cultural phenomenon.
Why it’s weird: Pumpkin isn’t exactly a staple ingredient in most parts of the world, let alone something to mix with coffee. To outsiders, it feels like Americans have turned fall into one big pumpkin-flavored event.
6. Drinking Iced Beverages, Even in Winter
Americans love their drinks cold. Even when it’s snowing outside, they’ll still grab an iced coffee. To outsiders, it can be puzzling why anyone would want to freeze their insides when it’s already freezing outside.
Why it’s weird: In countries where tea or coffee is served hot year-round, the idea of adding ice to your drinks—especially in winter—is seen as counterintuitive.
7. Celebrating Thanksgiving (Without the Religious Angle)
Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition where families gather, eat a big meal, and give thanks. While that sounds nice, foreigners often wonder why it’s celebrated so enthusiastically since it’s not tied to any religious or national independence event.
Why it’s weird: In most countries, holidays are rooted in religion or history. The idea of celebrating a harvest feast just for the sake of giving thanks (and eating turkey) is a bit mystifying.
8. Cheerleading as a Sport
Americans have elevated cheerleading to the level of competitive sports. There are national competitions, scholarships, and dedicated training camps. It’s not just waving pom-poms—it’s serious business.
Why it’s weird: In many countries, cheerleading is merely a sideline activity at sports games. The concept of it being a sport in its own right, complete with gymnastic flips and high-flying stunts, is something outsiders find hard to wrap their heads around.
9. Extreme Lawn Care
Americans put a lot of time, effort, and money into maintaining a perfect green lawn. Some even compete with neighbors for the best yard, and there are strict homeowner association rules about it in certain areas.
Why it’s weird: In places where space is limited, like Europe or Asia, the idea of investing so much in something purely aesthetic, like grass, seems like a waste of time and water.
10. Drive-Thru Everything
Americans love the convenience of drive-thrus—not just for fast food but also for pharmacies, coffee shops, and even wedding chapels in Las Vegas! The goal seems to be minimizing any need to get out of the car.
Why it’s weird: While drive-thru fast food has made its way to other countries, the extent to which Americans apply the concept is surprising. In most places, people would rather walk inside a café than sip coffee in their car.
11. Excessive Tipping Culture
The tipping culture in the U.S. can leave outsiders confused and stressed out. While tipping 15-20% at a restaurant is standard, there are expectations to tip for haircuts, taxi rides, hotel staff, and even takeout orders.
Why it’s weird: In many parts of the world, tipping is minimal or non-existent. Service workers are paid a fair wage, and customers aren’t expected to calculate an additional percentage every time they pay.
12. Tailgating Before Sporting Events
Before the big game, fans gather in stadium parking lots for hours of grilling, drinking, and partying—all before they even watch the game. It’s like having a barbecue, but in a parking lot surrounded by thousands of strangers.
Why it’s weird: In other countries, fans typically head straight to the event. The idea of spending half a day outside a stadium just to get in the spirit of things seems like a huge commitment—especially if you’re not even guaranteed to win!
