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Things Americans Don't Understand About Us

June 18th 2009 08:40
US
I'm not one to throw stones too often - and I can sense the glass walls about to cave in on me - but there's so much that our cousins across the other side of the Pacific just don't seem to get about us.

OK - so we both supposedly speak the same language - but ask for a 'torch' or even something as mundane as 'cordial' in a convenience store or expect there to be beetroot on your hamburger and the sideways glances are akin to you speaking an entirely different dialect altogether.


Of course when it comes to the old chestnut about biscuits and scone vs scones and cookies debate - well that only gets confusing.

Try explaining Vegemite or Jelly Babies or that our footballers wear little more than a pair of shorts and a jersey and play basically without a break for 30-minute quaters or 40 minutes halves.

Or perhaps that cricket in its most pure form takes five days to complete and can simply end in a draw - yet we can still thill to those conclusions.

And while we do understand that a city the size of New York has a greater population than the entire continent we frequnet - that no - we don't know everyone that lives here - though being a fairly congenial bunch - there's a strong possibility that the degrees of separation are few.

That Melbourne isn't pronounced Mel -Born or Brisbane - Bris-Bane and that yes our money is colourful a little like Monopoly currency - but currency all the same.

We call ketchup - tomato sauce and chips are chips - not fries or crisps.


In fact - the more I think about - the longer this philobuster could go on.

Sure - it's probably reciprocal - and I invite debate from both sides - but for the moment at least I've gotta go and feed my pet roo . . .
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37 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Morgan Bell

June 18th 2009 08:52
that no - we don't know everyone that lives here

thats not true

i know everyone

Comment by Mountain Fog

June 18th 2009 09:25
Hi MNG,

(second try to post here....)

yes I agree, with you on the troublesome roo point, I put two and six in my roo's pouch this morning, sending it off to the butcher, and it still hasn't come back!!!


cheers

fog

Comment by Natalina

June 18th 2009 09:50
Ok...American here. I'm trying to make sense of this post

I'm going to try my best to understand all of this so that I can communicate with the locals.

A. So, if you're asking for a torch and a cordial, what are you asking for? Is a torch a lighter? I'm at an utter loss with beetroot.

B. I recently had Vegemite explained to me, so I'm good on that, but what the heck is a Jelly Baby? Would I like it?

C. I'm with you on the part about not knowing everyone. I get that too being from one of the least populated states in the U.S. No, we don't all know each other, and no, we don't ride in covered wagons pulled by bison.

D. If Melbourne isn't pronounced Mel -Born or Brisbane - Bris-Bane, then how are they pronounced? I'm just going on phonetics here, I need more assistance.

E. You call ketchup tomato sauce? Then what do you call tomato sauce? That's a completely different thing here!

I'll do my best, but I'm still trying to figure out if it's a good thing or a bad thing for someone to call me a "dag".

Comment by Elisabeth Fraser

June 18th 2009 10:11
America's English is still based on the English language brought over on the Mayflower, fer instance, they're still using the 1690s measure for a gallon! They export trouble, not goodies, they import our money, our brightest and most wonderful young people and corrupt them. They export greed, spreading it like butter on our bread and we eat the bread.

Australia, however, imported enterprising, innovative young people with imagination - okay, they 'borrowed' things in an imaginative way. Also not all States operated on the 'free' passage scheme which brought the first settlers to the East coast to Port Jackson via Botany Bay.

We got innovative, enterprising settlers, what did America get as their first settlers?

Whinging, psalm singing blinkered Puritans. They're still the same, mate.

I'm English and a ten pound Pom, I've been here 38 years and Oh GOD! Do I love this country! Please let me die here!


Comment by Wilson Pon

June 18th 2009 11:05
Mr. Nice Guy, isn't the differences make our world becoming even more interesting here?

Comment by Someone

June 18th 2009 11:13
So, if you're asking for a torch and a cordial, what are you asking for?

A torch is a flashlight, and cordial is concentrated flavored drink that you mix with water.

what the heck is a Jelly Baby

Try giving this a read.

If Melbourne isn't pronounced Mel -Born or Brisbane - Bris-Bane, then how are they pronounced?

Mel-Burn and Bris-bun... or would it be Bris-ben? Somewhere in the middle.

I'm still trying to figure out if it's a good thing or a bad thing for someone to call me a "dag"

It doesn't really translate well.... dork? Something along those lines.

Comment by samaritan

June 18th 2009 11:20
And Canberra is not definitely not pronounced Can-Ber-Ra. And although all Australians do not have pet kangaroos, I saw heaps while I was driving around looking for my dog the other day. Not quite in the backyard, though, but very close to my home.

Natalina, it's funny you mention the dag thing. Because my son just got his hair cut. And he said that when his dad saw him, he would call him a dag, because that's what he always says. So in that context, dag is definitely a good thing - but in a weird way. It's like a negative thing, but said in a loving manner. Does that make sense?

But I think, in general, whether dag is a good thing or a bad thing depends on whether the person calling you a dag likes you or not - which probably isn't very useful at all.

Samaritan

Comment by Rob Brassell

June 18th 2009 13:33
I'm an American, and I have been to both Mel-bin and Bris-bin...and I am familiar with all the terms you claim an American doesn't understand....I do agree somewhat with your complaint. However, have you ever stopped to think how Australians may not fully understand America? I'm from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and people from out of the country (and Australia) always ask me if I'm a Quaker. I'm not. They have also asked me if everyone in America has a gun. We don't. I live an hour and a half's drive from New York City, and they don't even know what a Philly cheesesteak or a hoagie is, let alone an Australian.

So, just some food for thought. It goes both ways.

Comment by Mau-Medellin

June 18th 2009 14:13
Hey Rob,

I travelled through Killadelphia, ahem, Phily in 2006... of all the cities in the States that I saw, Philadelphia was by far the dirtiest.

We didn't even see the south side, just the main tourist haunts!

When it comes to Americans not understating us, I think it comes down to the American education system; it doesn't seem like the administration places much importance on teaching people about the world outside.

Here's an interesting snippet from Yale online:
As the world becomes accustomed to the American way of life, Americans are tuning out the rest of the world. US citizens have paid less and less attention to foreign affairs since the 1970s, writes journalist Alkman Granitsas. The number of university students studying foreign languages has declined, and fewer Americans travel overseas than their counterparts in other developed countries. News coverage of foreign affairs has also decreased. Why are Americans withdrawing from the global village? A continuing immigration boom may be one factor; with millions of foreigners trying to get in, Americans may think the rest of the world has little to offer. In addition, a rising income gap between the US and most of the world’s population makes some Americans hesitant to travel overseas. Finally, economic prosperity leads many to pay less attention to politics, especially international affairs. With an increasingly uninformed electorate, can the world’s superpower be trusted to shape a responsible foreign policy?

Comment by Rob Brassell

June 18th 2009 15:47
That's funny, because South Philly (little Italy) is actually a fairly nice area. The sports stadiums are down there as are great Italian restaurants (and cheesesteak places. Ceneter city is as clean as any American city. Maybe you spent your vacation solely in North Philadelphia near Temple University. I agree that area is dirty and full of crime, but you can't judge an entire city on one section. Go to the Bronx in New York, South Central Los Angeles, Cabrini Green in Chicago....ALL WORSE.

As for the Yale University blurb...there are many Americans who live their lives without gaining knowledge of other countries and their history/politics/etc. This may or may not be caused by their belief that knowledge of another country is a waste of time and won't bring them any reward in life. (I'm not going to learn Japanese and their history and political views) because it would be a waste of time in my line of work.
Americans are, however, very in tune with world events that have an effect on our country (the middle east, the E.U, North Korea, etc.). People can't just simply hate on Americans for not knowing something about their country's culture, when most Americans don't ever get the chance to even leave America. America isn't like a European country, which could be the size of an American state, surrounded on all sides by other "states" all with separate languages and governments. It isn't necessary for survival for everyone to know other languages and customs. (Although every state in America has its own form of language and customs...someone from New York can have a completely different view on words and values than someone from Georgia).
America is a country with over 300 million people, and yes, a lot of those people don't ever leave the country or know much or care to know much about other countries. It isn't necessary for them to. However, there are millions of Americans who do. Like me, from "killadelphia". If you ever visit again, check out the entire city, not just the bad part.

As for YALE, they can take their elitist liberal proclamation that Americans are dumb (Ivy League Universities tend to look down upon any other trains of thought outside of the Northeast of the USA), and spend sometime with, say, a Midwest potato farmer in Idaho, who never leaves his county let alone country.


Comment by Mau-Medellin

June 18th 2009 15:55
Actually, we just did the city centre - saw the normal tourists sights and such... and that area was filthy. NYC whilst certainly no shiny apple wasn't half as grimy as Phily.

I think you demonstrated Yales point.

Comment by Natalina

June 18th 2009 18:07
Wow. In my defense, as I've dealt with a lot of Australians since being on Orble, I've had quite a few occasions where I've had to explain my colloquialisms and slang terms. I never attributed it to Australians being stupid and not having a grasp of the English language. I've never questioned their level of eduction or their national history as being the reason behind the communication barrier.

I like to tease a little bit, but it was definitely tongue in cheek. I'm surprised by some of the comments here. I thought MNG was being light hearted with this post.

If it makes people feel better, I get teased constantly by my Australian counterparts who've heard me speak, because my accent is dreadfully midwestern, and a bit Fargo-ish (the movie). I take it in stride because as Wilson pointed out, our differences make life more interesting.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 22:40
Morgan

I don't quite know everyone - but now that I know someone who knows everyone - then I guess I do.

How's that pet echinda of your's going?

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 22:44
Fog - 'me old china plate . . .

That roo's had a Barry Crocker.

Wanta make sure it hasn't done a Harold Holt with your Bugs Bunny.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 22:50
Nat

There's no explaining some things.

The only way anyone can get a grip on us is to pay a visit some time - but shhhh - we keep telling people we're closed . . . don't want the place overrun with tourists now do we?




Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 22:52
Elisabeth

OMG! A Pom (best explain what a 10 pound version is to the Septics) that doesn't whinge - you can stay . . .

Onya

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 22:55
Wilson

I'm not sure what you're trying to say - but if it's what I think you're saying - then good on ya mate - yes - its the vagaries of our differences that make us all special - some more special than others of course

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 22:56
Someone

Ah - a social educator among the group.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 22:59
Samaritan

You raise an interesting point about Aussie humour. Sometimes it's not what you say but the way you say it.

You dag - can be taken as a term of endearment or the other way round. Much in the same way the less soically accepted term of you bastard is accepted depending on whether or not a practical joke has just been played on a mate or you've just been insulted.

Funny how we can decipher a whole range of what appear as insults - but know otherwise.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 23:02
Rob

I guess you've just proved one of my points - that while this post is entirely tongue in cheek - you have taken what appears to be a little offence.

Think most Aussies probably picked up on the flippant nature of the post . . . we're like that mate - we just don't take ourselves too seriously.

Good to know that you've spent a little time here though - hope you enjoyed yourself.

Cheers

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 23:04
Rob/Mau

You lost me in amongst all that somewhere . . .

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 18th 2009 23:09
Nat

I feel your pain . . . and yes - all tongue in cheek. Funny thing is - that the further north you go (ie: Canada) the more likely you are to get a grasp of Aussie humour.

Having spent some time in Canada - it's amazing how similar our collective outlooks are on some many things

Comment by James Rickard

June 19th 2009 00:30
Speaking of difference...there's a casual restaurant over here called Outback Steakhouse. They have an expression in the commercial playing right now "...happier than a koala up a gum tree..." Do you guys really say that or is it just some writers being creative??????

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 19th 2009 01:07
From memory - they also have bathrooms/restrooms (we're a little more blunt and call them toilets here) which say shiela's - which made a brief cultural cringe in the 70's and joey's (little kids) - which we don't use either.

In essence - nup - pure marketing - and not too much creativity involved either.

Aussies tend to cringe (no we do cringe) when we see stuff like that.

Comment by Natalina

June 19th 2009 01:59
I can see how the Outback Steakhouse would ruffle some feathers. However, I am a sucker for their Bloomin' Onions and Chocolate Thunder from Down Under dessert. Sorry! They're delicious!

Sucks to be stereotyped, though. The other night on the Tonight Show, there was a sketch about the budget surplus in North Dakota, as we're the only state in the Union that is not nearing bankruptcy. They did an "interview" with someone from North Dakota, and he was presented as a total hick with bad grammar and missing teeth. The punchline was that we're better off than other states because when outsiders visit, we kill them and steal their money. Mildly amusing but not great PR for my home state!

Comment by Elisabeth Fraser

June 19th 2009 02:05
MNG, thanks for letting me stay. I traded in the whinging Pom of the family and found a terrific Aussie from the Bush!

10 Pound Pom!

10 English Pounds-Sterling for each adult and you got to bring the Rug-Rats free! Compulsory minimum 2 year stay.
Cheap Immigration and we got a Qantas Champagne flight via NYC, Hawaii and the rest!

What's not to like about Australia? Okay, maybe Sydney could do with a few less toll roads but it doesn't worry me, I live in the Far West of NSW.

Its even better now Sol's gone home. Be nice to have a Phone system that works one day, and the next, and...

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 19th 2009 02:12
Nat

Couldn't be any worse than this guy . . .




Comment by Moonfair

June 19th 2009 03:44
Every country has their quirks. I enjoy it. I am an American, from the mountain west.

I use to live in Berlin, Germany and I use to work in a bowling alley, and when a group of Brits asked me if I had a fag, I was confused to say the least, but they told me what it was. I was fascinated.

The Berliners have a different dialect from the German's that live in other parts of Germany.

We all have our own slang with whatever region we are from. When I moved from the mountain west to the south east in the U.S., their dialect and accent was different from what I was use too.

When I finally moved to Texas, their dialect and accent was different from what I was use too.

I love to learn the different ways people talk. I have cousins who live in Australia, Canada, Holland, and New Zealand, and also here in the U.S.

One thing you have to know about America. We don't really have to live in another country to find out what they are like, because they move here.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 19th 2009 03:58
. . . personally we like to discourage visitors to Oz - no point in sharing the gold

Comment by Natalina

June 19th 2009 05:02
"Raght der...I look raght der?"

Oh my GOD MNG, that video made me feel so patriotic! LOL That is just awful! Crap from heaven?? WHAT?!?!

Comment by Kristin Wolgemuth

June 19th 2009 09:41
I think the cultural differences are a lot of fun and are great to be exposed to! This is a great post. I had no idea what most of it said, and I thought that was pretty funny. I wonder what Australians think of American slang- I'm guessing it's much the same way. And I wouldn't want a kangaroo for a pet. That's ridiculous! One thing I like about this site is that it's international, and we can all learn a lot from each other.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 20th 2009 01:38
Nat

Hi, I'm Clem, this is my brother Clem, my cousin Clem and my sister Clem . . .

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 20th 2009 01:41
Kristin Wolgemuth

The fact we can laugh at each other, shake hands and not take it all too seriously is great.

I agree with not having a kangaroo as a pet - besides what would you feed the dog

Cheers

Comment by Anonymous

June 21st 2009 01:56
Yeah but beetroot on burgers is just plain weird and unnecessary. That's all I have to sayabout that.

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

June 21st 2009 07:41
Bit like putting peanut butter and jelly together I guess?

Comment by Kristin Wolgemuth

June 21st 2009 23:00
I thought peanut butter and jelly was a universal thing. Ha! What an eye-opener!

Comment by Journeywoman

June 22nd 2009 04:53
Great post MNG! I've had some fun experiences with the cultural differences - try asking for a serviette or a capsicum in Cali and see how far you get! Gotta love those Pop Tarts though...... and salted sunflower seeds.... actually just about every kind of food you can think of, all available in those giant supermarkets with three or more aisles of liquor.

As an Aussie I also found the squirrels to be the cutest things ever, whereas the Americans pretty much just look past them. My bf from Cali thought our birds were really loud, he said it was like being on safari just being out in my Sydney backyard and hearing the kookaburras, lorrikeets and cockatoos. Apparently our possums are adorable compared to theirs.... I could go on forever mate.......

As for PB and J? DISGUSTING!!!

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