What Anglospheric (US, UK, Aus, Canada) customs are considered weird/wrong in your country? (law, wealthy)

[Trimac20]

Yes, I know there are noticeable differences BETWEEN the countries I mentioned, but generally speaking, the social etiquette norms are similar.

Of course many are just nice things to do...some are just cultural e.g. tipping in the US, but not Australia.

For instance men kissing each other on the cheeks is not socially acceptable in these nations, but is in many parts of the world.

Can you think of things which are part of our culture, the 'Anglosphere' section of the Western culture, that you find odd/wouldn't go down well in your country?

For instance I heard making the 'okay' sound is very offensive in Greece or the Middle East, because it implies some is a homosexual.

In some countries shaking hands may not be part of the custom, or shaking hands between men and women (Muslim nations).

In most Asian countries shoes are left at the door of a person's house, and in some showing the soles of the feet is rude.

[DginnWonder]

Well, even though the US is still in the Anglosphere, I've found that there are differences within the Anglosphere.

One thing I've noticed is that even though Americans are known for being rather forward, we still have this overlying culture of being PC and trying not to offend someone. What I have found especially with Brits and Aussies is that they are also direct, but don't take PC into account. I feel like Americans have the most amount of tact.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by DginnWonder

Well, even though the US is still in the Anglosphere, I've found that there are differences within the Anglosphere.

One thing I've noticed is that even though Americans are known for being rather forward, we still have this overlying culture of being PC and trying not to offend someone. What I have found especially with Brits and Aussies is that they are also direct, but don't take PC into account. I feel like Americans have the most amount of tact.

I heard the UK was WORST for being PC.

We're still PC, but it's less 'policed' here.

[DginnWonder]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

I heard the UK was WORST for being PC.

We're still PC, but it's less 'policed' here.

You know, you're right the more I think about it. As you said, American pc is less enforced than just bred within us. Still, when speaking to Brits, I find the discourse to be more structured and formal, but oddly more warm.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by DginnWonder

You know, you're right the more I think about it. As you said, American pc is less enforced than just bred within us. Still, when speaking to Brits, I find the discourse to be more structured and formal, but oddly more warm.

Very interesting observation! Yes, um...yes Brits are more formal, polite, and civilised, while Americans are a bit too casual with their friendliness, but don't see to really care about you.

[annika08]

In Russia/parts of Eastern Europe, it's considered rude to smile at strangers. In the U.S., you're expected to have a big fake smile at all times.

Customer service workers (clerks, etc) are polite, but somber and serious and impersonal. From what I understand it's like this in many parts of the world. In the U.S., it's the exact opposite (expected to "be the customers best friend").

[Bideshi]

I find the UK law that a pregnant woman can urinate in a policeman's helmet a bit quaint.

[irish_bob]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

Very interesting observation! Yes, um...yes Brits are more formal, polite, and civilised, while Americans are a bit too casual with their friendliness, but don't see to really care about you.

in ireland , adressing someone as MR is rarely ever part of a friendly chat , formality is reserved for the courtroom

your right about the formal and polite part but i wouldnt nessceserily associate either of those with being civilised , the british have always been urbane gentlemen while at the same time ruthless cold blooded cnuts


ps , i like the english

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by irish_bob

in ireland , adressing someone as MR is rarely ever part of a friendly chat , formality is reserved for the courtroom

your right about the formal and polite part but i wouldnt nessceserily associate either of those with being civilised , the british have always been urbane gentlemen while at the same time ruthless cold blooded cnuts


ps , i like the english

An iron fist in a velvet glove. That's the impression one get's of the British and Anglo-Saxon society. A society hung up on law and order, punishment, judgement and responsibility, hierarchy, decorum, and 'manners', but only in the sense to keep society in order and everyone in their proper places.

[Trimac20]

Originally Posted by irish_bob

in ireland , adressing someone as MR is rarely ever part of a friendly chat , formality is reserved for the courtroom

your right about the formal and polite part but i wouldnt nessceserily associate either of those with being civilised , the british have always been urbane gentlemen while at the same time ruthless cold blooded cnuts


ps , i like the english

Same here, although 'Mr' is used in professional situations and often to address older people one is not familiar with. It's a generational thing.

Calling people of any age 'mate' is acceptable, and it cuts across social class.etc here. Still a bit strange to call an older lady 'mate', but not uncommon among the young.

Would this be unacceptable/frowned upon in England? Is 'sir' and 'mam' used a lot more there? Sir is occasionally used by service people, but seems to be dying out. The idea that wealthy people be addressed as 'sir' would be rightly met with revulsion here.