# Pissed-off tourists beating up pickpockets in Europe **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 25, 2026, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546 "2026-04-25T13:47:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/61 "2026-04-27T01:46:45Z")
“Didn’t cotton to” means “didn’t like/didn’t agree with/approve of.” ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/62 "2026-04-27T03:49:49Z")
Maybe add in “tolerate” or “can’t abide by”? As in “didn’t like/didn’t agree with/approve of/tolerate/abide by.” I’ve been around “cotton” my whole life. The most common usage is along the lines o “we don’t cotton that shit here.” ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2026, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/63 "2026-04-27T03:52:07Z")
Yup, all of those too. **Griffin** added the word “on” to the phrase (which _wasn’t_ how it was used by the OP) to totally change the meaning. ---
**Author:** ![TekirKedi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tekirkedi/32/19028_2.png) [@TekirKedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TekirKedi)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/64 "2026-04-29T20:19:39Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > Also, pick-pocketing isn’t [robbery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbery). …but in the Turkish metro in Istanbul it’s a “larceny”. There were signs in English at some stations that were “top-side” (as opposed to underground) telling tourists to “beware of larcenies”. The DH and I thought the wording was rather cute… ---
**Author:** ![pullin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c57346/32.png) [@pullin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pullin)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/65 "2026-04-30T11:28:07Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > > [@pkbites](#): > > > > Do it enough and you get used to it. > > Ok, I’m sure. But that is the problem. I don’t want to get used to it. “Here be dragons” Is the concern about accidentally carrying where you shouldn’t? I understand this, as mine has become so comfortable that I frequently forget it’s there. I’ve twice found myself in a place\* where the gun was forbidden. As private citizens, we don’t have the “default legality” that I assume @pkbites will have. I don’t know what laws apply elsewhere or at the federal level, but in Texas current and former LEOs are legal to carry almost everywhere. \*Both were private businesses, neither had the “[30.06](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/penal-code/penal-sect-30-06/)” signage displayed legally, so I was probably OK. But it was still a wake-up call to be more careful. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/66 "2026-04-30T11:44:39Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > As private citizens, we don’t have the “default legality” that I assume @pkbites will have. Meh. I went to the Waukesha County courthouse once to pick up some property records. When I got to the security checkpoint I showed my badge and ID. I was asked if I was on official business which I was not. I was informed that I was not allowed to enter armed then. Only on duty law enforcement. That was the first time I’ve run into that. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/67 "2026-04-30T12:11:24Z")
> [@pullin](#): > > Is the concern about accidentally carrying where you shouldn’t? That’s one of them. I know me. I’ve handled firearms since I was 11yo. You must ALWAYS devote some of your attention the the fact that you are carrying. It’s a bit exhausting, and distracting to what you are doing. If the activity is target shooting, that’s fine of course. I bought an in-waist band, zero carry holster to just try it out. Jesus was that uncomfortable. So, to conceal carry I would always have to have a long tailed shirt on or coat or something. I carry my phone on my right hip. I’m not gonna change that. So I guess I would need a shoulder holster, or just cross draw. I’ve tried them both and they print like crazy. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/68 "2026-04-30T12:55:50Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > So I guess I would need a shoulder holster I’ve found them to be miserable. What would you be carrying? ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/69 "2026-04-30T13:15:35Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > What would you be carrying? Probably a Walther PD .380. I’ve also got a 1911 Colt MK IV Officers model. It’s a bit shorter and less long than the standard 1911. But that thing is still a hunk of iron. We live in what I perceive to be a very safe neighborhood. I think mostly moderate/liberal people. Only been here for a year though. We have three biometric handgun safes. Two are ready to go. I need to show my wife the operation on the .45 and three will be ready to go. I know we sound paranoid, but my wife insists that all guns will be in a safe/s. Fine with me. We are getting more company than we used to, and the guns will be safe. But sheeesss, I think I’ve hi-jacked this thread enough. I’m interested in this thread because my wife and I are going to Europe in August, and we might as well have ‘Tourist’ tatooed on our foreheads. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/70 "2026-04-30T13:34:05Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > Seriously, one dude didn’t cotton to some wannabe thug gangsta pickpocket reaching for his knife after being caught, and he straight cold-clocked him with a haymaker, then followed it up by a Chuck Norris kick to the head, leaving him semi-conscious and on the ground, likely rethinking his choices for the day.\* Forgive me, Lord, but I totally love this! 🤣 > [@HeyHomie](#): > > In the US, beating someone up out in public in broad daylight is kind of … frowned upon, even in a situation like this. One of the many reasons that crime actually pays in this society. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2026, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/71 "2026-04-30T23:22:29Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Guns are heavy. Even my .380. My Barretta 85 FS single stack .380 is quite manageable. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/72 "2026-05-01T11:05:15Z")
> [@Lucas\_Jackson](#): > > My Barretta 85 FS single stack .380 is quite manageable. Yeah, weight isn’t really an issue with the .380. It’s just that I have yet to find a comfortable way to carry it. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/73 "2026-05-01T20:19:48Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I’m interested in this thread because my wife and I are going to Europe in August, and we might as well have ‘Tourist’ tatooed on our foreheads. Most of Europe, especially the parts you will want to go to, are safe. Pickpockets are a problem, and American tourists, with their perceived attachment to cash, are a favourite target in crowded tourist areas. There are many places offering sound advice on avoiding losses, and you need to pick what suits you. A wallet in a back pocket is an open invitation. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/74 "2026-05-01T20:53:57Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > A wallet in a back pocket is an open invitation. We both have fanny packs (I know fanny is a… vulgar term in most of the British Isles. But anyway, we wear them on the front. They zip and lock. And there is a cable through the belt. Can’t cut them off. Yes we will look like nerds and tourists, but we do anyway. What concerns me is the derersion we will get by being from the US. And, frankly, I am not surprised. We deserve it. I feel like getting a tee shirt saying. “I DIDN’T VOTE FOR THE ORANGE IDIOT” Or something similar. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/75 "2026-05-01T21:55:23Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > What concerns me is the derersion we will get by being from the US. And, frankly, I am not surprised. We deserve it. Just say you’re Canadian. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2026, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/76 "2026-05-01T23:00:25Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > What concerns me is the derersion we will get by being from the US. Not going to happen. Your money spends just as good regardless. ---
**Author:** ![Filbert](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/filbert/32/3433_2.png) [@Filbert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Filbert)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2026, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/77 "2026-05-02T10:10:59Z")
Unless you try and pay in dollars… ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [May 2, 2026, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/78 "2026-05-02T23:18:18Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > What concerns me is the derersion we will get by being from the US. And, frankly, I am not surprised. We deserve it. Contrast this with an experience I had in France as a teen with my family. We met two young women, and they temporarily invited us to their house. Their father greeted us _very_ enthusiastically {“Americans!”), and I am sure he was either in the Free French legions (or the Resistance) and was cheering when Paris was liberated in 1944. ---
**Author:** ![Mk\_VII](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Mk\_VII](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mk_VII)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2026, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/79 "2026-05-03T18:03:22Z")
American tourists are usually discernible from their wholly-unsuitable-for-the-weather clothing. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2026, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546/80 "2026-05-03T18:20:02Z")
Speaking from experience: when they say “don’t wear shorts while visiting Europe in the summer unless you want to look like an American tourist,” they mean “wear long pants made of a breathable lightweight fabric,” not “wear jeans.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pissed-off-tourists-beating-up-pickpockets-in-europe/1029546.md?page=5)