Traveling often exposes us to different interpretations of our home cultures. It’s fascinating to see how familiar things are perceived and portrayed in other countries, sometimes in ways that make us chuckle. One Redditor, u/slade45, sparked a lively discussion by asking, “What’s something ‘from your country’ you see in other countries that cracks you up?” The responses revealed a delightful collection of cultural misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
For instance, u/micheal_pices observed the prevalence of “American sauce” abroad, which basically amounts to mayonnaise and ketchup – a simplified, perhaps even stereotypical, representation of American cuisine. Similarly, u/neterod12 found it amusing that “Spanish coffee” existed in other countries, despite there being no such thing in Spain. They explained that a true Spanish coffee, or “cafe con leche,” is simply coffee with milk.
The misunderstandings extend beyond food. u/TeenyZoeTeenyZoe shared a story about the New Zealand clothing brand, Glassons, which licenses American university logos for their apparel. People in New Zealand wear these shirts without knowing the university affiliations, turning these logos into mere fashion items rather than symbols of academic pride.
The culinary world continued to provide laughs. u/cannibalpeas recounted their experience in the South of France, where they encountered the “sandwich Americain” – a baguette filled with a hamburger patty, french fries, and a sauce resembling ketchup and mayonnaise. This bizarre combination sparked a humorous comparison to a standard American burger meal.
The discussion also revealed some geographically-specific misinterpretations. For example, u/ermaidonmars found it hilarious to stumble upon a Big Lebowski-themed restaurant in Reykjavik, Iceland. The unexpected presence of this American pop culture reference in a seemingly unlikely setting added a touch of absurdity to their travel experience.
Adding another layer of cultural confusion, u/BranFlakes_ shared their observation that “Mexican restaurants” in the UK often include dishes from other Spanish-speaking countries, blending Cuban sandwiches with random Spanish dishes. Their experience highlighted the tendency to conflate different Latin American cultures under the umbrella of “Mexican.”
The thread also brought to light some more general observations about international perceptions. u/themermaidag, for instance, expressed their distaste for the jarred hot dogs found in the “American” section of German and Dutch grocery stores. And u/SteakAndIron playfully addressed the German misconception that salsa is simply ketchup with corn, highlighting a common misinterpretation of Latin American flavors.
The Reddit thread provides a glimpse into the humorous side of cultural misunderstandings, reminding us that our own cultural references and icons are often viewed through a different lens elsewhere. It also sparks curiosity about how other cultures interpret and represent our own.
