1. Hold a High School Prom
Prom is a big deal for American teenagers—a night of glitzy dresses, tuxedos, limos, and dances that’s more like a rite of passage. While other countries have graduation events, few have a prom night quite like the American version. It’s a quintessential teenage experience and often marks the end of an era.
2. Obsess Over College Sports
Elsewhere, professional sports are a huge deal, but in the U.S., college sports are just as popular, sometimes even bigger. Entire communities rally around their local college teams with fierce pride and tailgating galore. Why? Because nothing says community spirit quite like rooting for future pros on your home turf.
3. Serve “Breakfast for Dinner”
Pancakes, bacon, eggs—Americans don’t mind bending meal conventions. “Breakfast for dinner” is actually pretty common, and breakfast foods like eggs or waffles can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s a quirky twist on mealtime that’s both nostalgic and convenient, satisfying cravings in a uniquely American way.
4. Celebrate the Big Three Holidays with Intensity
Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Fourth of July get the royal treatment in the U.S. Sure, other countries celebrate some form of Halloween and New Year’s, but Americans take these festivities to a whole new level. Costume parties, over-the-top fireworks, and family feasts—these events aren’t just holidays; they’re national experiences.
5. Add Ice to Everything
Whether it’s soda or water, Americans love their drinks ice-cold. While people in Europe or Asia may prefer their beverages at room temperature, Americans don’t feel it’s refreshing unless there’s a mountain of ice cubes in the glass. And when it’s hot out? There’s no such thing as too much ice.
6. Fly the Flag Everywhere
From front porches to pickup trucks, the American flag is a staple in the U.S. People here are exceptionally patriotic, so it’s common to see Old Glory displayed proudly in homes, schools, and even clothes. In many countries, this level of national pride might be considered unusual, but for Americans, it’s just showing a little love for the homeland.
7. Tip for Just About Everything
While tipping exists around the world, it’s often optional or included in the bill. Not in the U.S.! Here, tipping is standard practice for everything from restaurant service to haircuts to food delivery. It’s a big part of the service industry culture, and Americans are happy to leave a little extra to show appreciation.
8. Use Imperial Measurements
Americans stick with inches, feet, and pounds, while almost everyone else uses the metric system. Even though metric is the international standard, U.S. residents have a unique attachment to their system. It’s a bit baffling to others, but for Americans, it’s how things have always been measured.
9. Smile at Strangers
Americans have a reputation for being friendly, and part of that involves smiling at strangers. Whether it’s a quick “hello” on a hiking trail or a smile in the grocery line, this small act of friendliness feels perfectly normal to Americans. Some foreigners might find it odd or overly friendly, but it’s just a part of American charm.
10. Go All Out for Customer Service
The U.S. has a customer-first mentality, meaning people expect top-notch service at restaurants, stores, and even over the phone. Anything less is usually met with dissatisfaction. Other cultures are sometimes surprised by the high expectations, but in the U.S., treating customers well is part of the package.
11. Turn Left on Red
Here’s a driving quirk: in most states, it’s legal to turn right at a red light after stopping. In some places, drivers can even turn left on a red light if it’s a one-way street. This flexibility in driving rules takes many foreigners by surprise, but Americans see it as a way to keep things moving.
12. Drive Absolutely Everywhere
In the U.S., car culture is a way of life, whether it’s a short two-minute trip to the corner store or a cross-country adventure. With vast distances and cities that aren’t always walkable, driving is more convenient (and often necessary). Other countries with stronger public transportation may find this a bit excessive, but hey, for Americans, it’s freedom on four wheels!
13. Dress Casually, Anywhere
Americans have mastered the art of casual wear, with jeans and sneakers making appearances in all sorts of places—from restaurants to airports. For many, this relaxed dress code is refreshing, while others might see it as informal. But for Americans, comfort is king, and casual is cool.
14. Super-Size Their Meals
One thing’s for sure: when Americans say “large,” they mean large. Burgers, fries, sodas—you name it, you can likely find it in “mega” size in the U.S. What might be a meal for two elsewhere is often a single serving in the States. Hey, they didn’t coin the term “go big or go home” for nothing!
15. Create Drive-Thrus for Almost Everything
Americans have perfected the drive-thru, offering it for everything from burgers to banking. If there’s a service, it’s likely there’s a drive-thru option. The convenience factor is unbeatable, especially when you’re on the go, and while it may seem odd elsewhere, in the U.S., it’s just good customer service.
