Americans? (military, best, place)

[hurley89]

I've always wondered if people in countries outside the US can spot an American just by looking at them. So can ya?

[crisp444]

It's a generality and works a lot of the time, but certainly not always. It's mainly in the way people are dressed and how they carry themselves. When you hear American English (which many Europeans can identify), it's a dead give-away.

[TomDot]

When I was in Costa Rica, it was the Spanish who stood out like sore thumbs. They wore fanny packs and during a strenuous hike, they smoked Marlboro reds.

[Mr Floyd]

In Europe, the everyday people wore somewhat nondescript colors and didn't seem that fashion aware. Most of the Americans had shiny, new Nikes or some other fancy footwear, matching tops and such and appeared to be cleaner. They also lacked that musky, I haven't showered aroma.

[Audrey Ann]

While in Chile a Chilean friend of ours (wonderful people!) saw a gentleman outside a tour boat we were on asking something ... could not hear him ... but our friend swore he must be American by the way he was dressed, camera, etc. So when he walked by us my husband asked him ... he looked at us in a bit of shock and surprise .. I almost think insulted! LOL He was not. Gotta be careful.

[Neuling]

There are a couple of things that tend to give them away.
- adults wearing Nikes etc.
- adults wearing shorts, especially certain colors
- adults wearing a baseball cap
- the reddish face color (hardly met any black Americans outside the military bases)
- accent /dialect
- little waist bags
- certain brands

Usually it is a mix of all that and more that allows me to spot US-Americans from near and far.

[Mr Floyd]

We are the ones with the big target on our backs!

[Fnix]

Funny, I am american and americans ask me weekly if I am European because of the way I look and dress. I am quiet and they think I dont speak english.

[Eduardo983]

Originally Posted by hurley89

I've always wondered if people in countries outside the US can spot a U.S. American just by looking at them. So can ya?

U.S. Americans don`t have a standard physical image.... maybe is you are wearing an "Obama" campaign shirt, someone could know you are U.S. American.

[SaladoSam]

When you hear American English (which many Europeans can identify), it's a dead give-away.

I've learned that when in France I should try my best French. In short order the Frenchman will wrench his face and ask if I speak english to which I reply in very meek oddly accented english... 'Yes, just a little'. Allaying the Frenchman's fears of ridicule, he/she'll use his/her best english to converse with me.

The key to fitting in is to let the place be their country and just become a part of it.