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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wonder what American-isms people actually like?

196 replies

DragonWithAGirlTattoo · 02/07/2015 18:21

just been watching the forum, and noticed that a lot of people dont like 'prom' (even though i think its just a leavers disco with a different name)

or baby showers (totally agree here!)
or halloween ( Hmm )

what about gifts for teachers? is that an american import? i'm pretty sure when i was in school in the 70/80s we didnt do that....

OP posts:
MarchLikeAnAnt · 02/07/2015 18:22

Fast food Grin

chibi · 02/07/2015 18:23

Those kinds of threads 'ugh look at this American shite' are hilarious- poor deluded people who think they are somehow compelled to adopt American customs (usually ineptly)

Meanwhile Americans could not give a shit what Brits do or don't copy from them

WorraLiberty · 02/07/2015 18:25

I like Halloween

I like massive garish Christmas decorations/lights

I like fast food (especially with delivery option)

I don't like the lavishness of the 'proms', so preferred the old school leavers discos.

I hate baby showers with a passion because I think they're so indulgent and grabby.

NashvilleQueen · 02/07/2015 18:26

I really like those signs in shop windows which say

'Yes, we are open'

I always read them in my head in a passive aggressive voice

Aside from that I love a lot of their music, film, TV and literature. It's also an incredibly beautiful country and I would love to live there just for a little bit.

BoyScout · 02/07/2015 18:27

MacDonalds
Disney
Coke
Films
TV
Lots of things!

WorraLiberty · 02/07/2015 18:27

Oh and I hate the where there's blame there's a claim culture too.

I'm not sure if that came from America though.

DrankSangriaInThePark · 02/07/2015 18:30

I quite like the fact they liberated Europe from fascism a couple of decades back....Wink
And come the zombie apocalypse I want Hillary Clinton and Angela Merkel in charge of Sorting Things Out.

tabulahrasa · 02/07/2015 18:32

Halloween isn't American though, it's always happened in a pretty similar way in Scotland, Ireland and the north of England.

Just to be pedantic, lol.

PecanThief · 02/07/2015 18:32

Little kids saying 'Yes ma'am'. I think it sounds so great.

Service with a smile.

Manners in general. After skiing there we never wanted to go back to Europe. People shouted a warning they were overtaking rather than snowboarding over the back of your skis. lift operators chatted and asked how your holiday was, whilst getting everyone on in an orderly fashion, rather than everyone pushing and shoving and the operator treating you as though you were something disgusting on their shoe and you had a cheek to be anywhere near their lift. Yes, French Alps, I'm looking at you!

ZaZathecat · 02/07/2015 18:34

I like saying "Seriously???" a la Breaking Bad etc.

MamaLazarou · 02/07/2015 18:34

Blues. Thank you, America!

ZaZathecat · 02/07/2015 18:35

...I wish everyone would stop saying 'butt' though!

Original poster
DragonWithAGirlTattoo · 02/07/2015 18:36

re the Halloween inclusion, i know what you mean about it not being an import, i meant the over hyping of it like a 'holiday' type thing...

OP posts:
ZaZathecat · 02/07/2015 18:36

Nashville (the series)

AmberFool · 02/07/2015 18:39

I just wish that we could drive up to an ATM machine and get our cash out whilst in the car, as opposed to finding a car park space, paying for space and getting soaked just to get a bit of cash out.

plutonimum · 02/07/2015 18:41

"Cool" is admirable! No-one can argue with "coool"...

AmberFool · 02/07/2015 18:43

Friendliness - generally speaking obviously. You can strike up a conversation with anyone really in the States.

TyneTeas · 02/07/2015 18:43

Pumpkins are much easier to carve than turnips at Hallowe'en

helzapoppin2 · 02/07/2015 18:50

Service industries, like "DoodyCalls", which would nip round and clear up the dog doo in your backyard.
Power tools. Leaf blowers, snow blowers, and somebody to operate them.
My goodness I became lazy!

SquinkiesRule · 02/07/2015 18:53

Customer service they are so much better at it.
Drive though everything, so much easier when your baby has finally fallen asleep in the car and no way are you getting out to run into the bank, coffee shop to keep you awake driving chemist shop or Fast food restaurant.

Tuskerfull · 02/07/2015 18:54

I love over the top American customer service with the "ma'am" and strange phrasing that only somebody reading from a script would use. I just love responding in kind ("no, thank you, that is everything I needed from you today, I won't be requiring any further help Mr American Call Man") and getting the job done quickly.

SquinkiesRule · 02/07/2015 18:55

My older kids still say "Seriously?" Hella and Dude, they have been in UK for quite a long time now. I like hearing those.

nilbyname · 02/07/2015 18:58

The service you get and the manners. Americans on the whole I have found to be gregarious, friendly, articulate and well mannered. I loved living there!

Can do attitude
Outdoorsy
Ranch dressing
Fast food, especially in and out burger

Lots of good films/Pop culture

Red laces licorice

ratsintheattic · 02/07/2015 18:58

I wish we would import Thanksgiving. it sounds great.

Reignbeau · 02/07/2015 19:13

American chocolate. Hersheys and reeces peanut cups. Mmm.