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 world's largest Barbie collection includes more than 15,000 dolls.
  • Only ¼ of the Sahara Desert is sandy.
  • In 1923, jockey Frank Hayes won a race at Belmont Park in New York despite being dead — he suffered a heart attack mid-race but his body stayed in the saddle until his horse crossed the line for a 20–1 outsider victory.
  • One in four Americans thinks that the Sun revolves around the Earth.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.