We asked non-Americans from the BuzzFeed Community to share the things they associate with American culture. Here are the fascinating results.
1. "Speaking at a higher volume. I have met many Americans, all very lovely people, but I've had to ask them to use their inside voice, which was still pretty loud. We can hear you just fine at a regular volume."
2. "Putting grated cheese on everything."
3. "How many events and activities there are at school, and how everyone gives 110% for them! Lots of dances, graduation ceremonies, proms, homecoming gatherings, recitals, competitions, pageants, science fairs, PTA meetings, etc. — it sounds exhausting!"
4. "Wearing shoes indoors, Tupperware, and putting lots of ice in drinks."
5. "High school 'culture,' like sporting events with cheerleaders and mascots, lockers in long hallways, hallway passes to be allowed to go to the bathroom, homecoming king and queen, prom, and yellow school buses."
6. "Fires, s'mores, belt buckles, pickup trucks, and country music."
7. "Calling university ‘college’ and using terms like 'sophomore.' In our country, we just have years 1 through 13. It's much more straightforward. Oh, and the excessive use of red Solo cups. And fraternities and sororities."
8. "Beer, burgers, National Lampoon's Vacation, and Dunkin' Donuts."
9. "Terrible chocolate bar options."
10. "Making everything BIGGER. The streets are bigger, the cars are bigger, and the houses are too. Also, you decorate a lot for the holidays and make a big deal out of every gathering event."
11. "Close family bonds. American families on TV always look out for each other and share their feelings and secrets. I wish my family was more open to talking about and accepting emotions."
12. "Going on holiday to countries like Mexico, then spending the whole time in 'safe places' like Señor Frog's instead of exploring local bars/culture."
13. "Coupons. Every store gives coupons, and people seem to collect them."
14. "American culture is saying, 'How are you?' as a greeting and not actually wanting a response to the question. Why ask if you don't want me to tell you?"
15. "Celebrating and getting hyped over Halloween is so American! I'm Australian, and it's only recently become 'a thing' here, and that's more with kids, because people my age don't do it because it's so 'American.'"
16. "The outspoken patriotism. There's nothing wrong with being proud of your country or emotionally attached to where you're from, and I actually find it endearing, but it's just that nobody else seems to shout about it as much as Americans do."
17. And this: "Fake cheese."
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.