16+ American Norms That No One Else Gets

It can seem foreign when you imagine the other side of the pond. From how they do things to how they manage social interactions to even their baffling etiquette of tipping their servers so much, there are several things Americans do that don’t make any sense to anyone else. But don’t worry! That’s what we’re decoding for you today! We’re exploring the strange things Americans do that no one else does! 

1. Cheerleaders

America loves its cheerleaders! And their cheerleaders don’t just jump up and down cheering; they’re rigorously trained athletes who complete a mix of dance, stunts, gymnastics, and other rhythmic movements to get the audience excited and show support for their team. Cheerleaders are a pillar in the sporting community, fostering a sense of connection between the team and the community.

2. Drinking SO Much Coffee

Americans love their coffee, probably as much as the British love their tea, if not even more. They drink it in the morning as it offers a certain level of wakefulness, reduces fatigue, and gives a small boost of energy, but they also drink it throughout the day and on the go. 

3. Sugar in Bread

When you buy packaged bread from a supermarket in America, you’ll notice how sweet it is. This is because there is much more sugar added to the bread to preserve freshness, add a satisfying soft texture, and add a little hint of sweetness.

4. Prescription Commercials

In the mid-1980s, the FDA legalised pharmaceutical advertising on television. This means that you could be watching your favourite show and then see a commercial for a drug like Ozempic. The commercials offer limited information about the drug and are designed to get people talking about it, provoking interest. But some people question this, as it’s increased the number of people taking said drugs, and it’s hard to determine if that’s for the best or not.

5. Very Large Portion Sizes

If you’ve ever been in an American restaurant and ordered something simple like chicken strips and french fries, you were likely surprised at the mountain of food that appeared in front of you when you were served. Americans love their portion sizes, and compared to the rest of the world, they’re quite large!

6. Expensive Healthcare

America has a very expensive healthcare system, and many people have to put off seeing their doctor or starting treatment because of it. A large portion of Americans struggle to afford healthcare and medical-related costs.

7. Taxes are Not on the Price Tag

If you’re doing any shopping, then this is a good thing to keep in mind. If you see a price tag of $99.00, you must remember that it doesn’t include taxes. When you pay for the item, it will be more than just $99.00. There aren’t any taxes included in the price tags.

8. Calling the Sport Football When it’s Played with Hands

The sport that America calls football is different from that in the United Kingdom, which can be quite confusing. Especially when you consider that American football is actually mostly played with hands rather than feet.

9. Garbage Disposals

Venture into an American kitchen, and you’ll probably find an under-the-sink garbage disposal. It works with a light switch, and it’s a fast way to eliminate food waste. 

10. Window Screens

When you open an American window, you won’t be met with an easy path to the outside. In fact, you’ll be met with a somewhat meshy barrier. It’s called a window screen. It stops the bugs from getting inside the house while still allowing airflow and movement.

11. Having so Much Sugar at Breakfast

The rise of cold breakfast cereal started to take off in the mid-20th century, and it was a popular choice for many American families. It was convenient, affordable, packed with artificial sugars, dyes, and additives, and meticulously marketed towards children. Therefore, it became heavily embodied in a typical American breakfast.

12. Tipping

In America, it’s customary to add a monetary tip when paying your service bill. (For example, dining at a restaurant.) Typically, people add 15% if they received average service and 20% if it was good. So on top of the cost of the meals and drinks and additional taxes, you also pay an additional for receiving service. 

13. Drive Through Everything

With the rise of car culture and the evolving highway system across the nation, Americans really like their drive-thru restaurants, and they’re popping up all over. 

14. Love of Flags

Drive up and down any street in the United States, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a flag. Americans love their flag, and they display it in a ton of ways. You’ll spot garden decorations, pictures, clothing, and more with their flag on them. 

15. Deep-Fry Everything

Americans have a way of deep-frying nearly everything these days. From perfect golden French fries to chicken wings and much more, The combination of taste and texture is unmistakable and guarantees deliciousness every time.

16. Work Hustle Culture

In America, it’s common for a person to value their work more than even their own well-being. Work takes priority and should come before anything. There’s an unspoken hustle around work, with employees often making themselves available to it even outside their paid working hours.

A few more peculiar American norms that get questioned are:

• They love their guns.
• They’re obsessed with the Super Bowl. 
• They wear shoes inside their homes.
• You can find grape-flavoured skittles in America.
• It’s common for restaurants to be open 24/7.
• Pharmacies are also supermarkets and sell a lot more than prescription medications.
• When you’re paying your restaurant bill, it’s common for the waiter to take your credit card with them to use rather than bring the interact machine to the table. 
• Students recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of every school day.
• College tuition is exceptionally expensive, causing many Americans to go into major debt trying to get a good education and career.
• There’s a gap in toilet stalls that is large enough for a person to crawl under. 

In the End

As you can see, many American norms simply don’t make sense to anyone else. From their garbage disposals, tipping at restaurants, or how patriotic they are, these norms might confuse you. But these are what make the Americans unique and charming, and the country is a beautiful one to visit. Remember, we don’t have to understand everything to appreciate it. These American norms may seem strange to you, but they’re just a handful of oddities that add to the perplexities of their culture and way of life.