# Uniquely Distinct Americanisms **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 22, 2004, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676 "2004-01-22T22:56:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![aktep](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f0a364/32.png) [@aktep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aktep)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/301 "2004-01-30T15:08:51Z")
> [@MaxTheVool](#): > > then why don’t we call The Super Bowl, which is inarguably the world championship of American Football, the World Bowl? Because that name is reserved for the championship game of NFL Europe: [NFL.com | Official Site of the National Football League](http://www.nfleurope.com/news/2004_schedule/) ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/302 "2004-01-30T16:04:44Z")
> [@Merijeek](#): > > First of all, I’ve gotta ask…am I the only person in the USA (Midwestern all the way, baby, if it matters) who really doesn’t give a damn one way or another if someone calls me a yank? No. I’d think it kind of cool. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/303 "2004-01-30T16:27:39Z")
> [@](#): > > Food quantity is seen as more important than quality - from talking to other travellers and my experience in NYC. For most restaurants, it doesn’t pay to serve small quantities of food. Restaurant profit margins are razor thin, so they have to eke out as much income from each seating as they can. In order to justify charging more money for each item, most restaurants pile on tons of food, especially things like potatoes and soft drinks, which really doesn’t add much to their cost. > [@](#): > > I imagine someone who was raised that way might be weirded out by someone eating with their left. I think it would take an extraordinarily small-minded person to be “weirded out” by such a small variation in behaviour. ---
**Author:** ![everton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecb155/32.png) [@everton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/everton)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/304 "2004-01-30T16:55:38Z")
> [@toomuchtv](#): > > > [@boofy\_bloke](#): > > > > Is it true that Yanks only like to watch films about Yanks? (Art-house notwithstanding.) > > No. > > We like to watch movies about Brits a lot, even if they feature Americans or Canadians playing Brits, and especially in trilogies and series: Harry Potter, Austin Powers, Lara Croft, Dr. No Parts 1 through 22 (aka the James Bond films). We even made room in our hearts (and our VCRs) several times for some Aussie bloke named Mick Dundee. > > The Oscars are an imperfect measure of what’s popular in America, but not by much. In 19 of the last 50 years, the movies that won the most Oscars were not about Yanks. And most of them were voted Best Picture. You’ve made a strong case there. Part of the perception that Americans will only watch films about other Americans may be influenced by Hollywood producers’ tendency to want familiar stars playing lead roles whether they happen to be American or not. It can affect character choices too: for example, [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=237258) is discussing the extraneous appearance of Tom Sawyer in _The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen_, but several people there have said that the producers underestimate their audience. ---
**Author:** ![everton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecb155/32.png) [@everton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/everton)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2004, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/305 "2004-01-30T23:35:11Z")
Another distinction spotted by **Spectre of Pithecanthropus** : [English speaking Dopers: “Banknotes” or “Bills”?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=237342) ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/306 "2004-01-31T01:36:17Z")
> [@tadc](#): > > I live in a city that is frequently used as an example of one of the best public transportation systems in the US(Portland, OR). It is sad and pathetic compared to the transit system in pretty much any european city. I’m curious what you base this on because my experience is much different. I used to bitch about the Washington Metro until I lived in London and had to deal with the Tube. The Millenium Line would break down more often than the Red Line during a winter blizzard. And while I haven’t been in Paris for stretches longer than a week or so, I’d say that the NY Subway and the DC Metro are right there with it. Of course, that may be because I haven’t spent enough time in Paris to compare adequately. Same with NY, too. ---
**Author:** ![everton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecb155/32.png) [@everton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/everton)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/307 "2004-01-31T01:48:24Z")
> [@Neurotik](#): > > The Millenium Line… The what line? ---
**Author:** ![boofy\_bloke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@boofy\_bloke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boofy_bloke)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/308 "2004-01-31T02:02:10Z")
> [@](#): > > Yes, you’re agreeing in a manner of speaking, but you insist on nearly bursting a blood vessel because this playoff isn’t what you thought it was. Seriously, let it go. Dude, I’m on medication, I CAN’T burst a blood vessel! 🙂 > [@](#): > > You’re not much for business, either, it seems. I wonder how some people those jobs they keep wanting are actually created. I don’t understand these sentences. ---
**Author:** ![boofy\_bloke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/9e8a1a/32.png) [@boofy\_bloke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boofy_bloke)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/309 "2004-01-31T02:05:19Z")
C Thomas Howell I don’t think that anyone else initialises their first name if using their second. ---
**Author:** ![Cardinal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cardinal/32/4000_2.png) [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/310 "2004-01-31T03:28:39Z")
> [@](#): > > You’re not much for business, either, it seems. I wonder how some people those jobs they keep wanting are actually created. > I don’t understand these sentences. What, just because they’re unreadable, you’re complaining??? "I wonder how some people THINK those jobs they keep wanting are actually created (if not by the business community that they keep running down as greedy pig dogs of capitalist oppression) (exaggerations may occur) (contents may have settled during shipment) (void where prohibited). ---
**Author:** ![porkchop\_d\_clown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@porkchop\_d\_clown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porkchop_d_clown)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/311 "2004-01-31T03:55:14Z")
> [@acsenray](#): > > (…on the subject of eating with the left hand…) > I think it would take an extraordinarily small-minded person to be “weirded out” by such a small variation in behaviour. From that remark I assume you are young enough not to remember kids having their hands smacked for preferring the left hand over the right. As I mentioned before - it didn’t happen to me, but it happened to friends only a few years older than I am. It drove my mother-in-law to become completely ambidexterous. ---
**Author:** ![Neurotik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/91b2a8/32.png) [@Neurotik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neurotik)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/312 "2004-01-31T03:58:51Z")
> [@everton](#): > > The what line? Ack. The Jubilee line. I knew it had something to do with the millenium. I’m so embarassed. ---
**Author:** ![porkchop\_d\_clown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@porkchop\_d\_clown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porkchop_d_clown)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/313 "2004-01-31T04:01:11Z")
> [@Jervoise](#): > > … Your pretense that “God Bless America” is a rare occurence is getting beyond ridiculous… Jervoise, the only one being ridiculous here is you. I have nothing to gain or lose by pretending in this. The honest to God truth is that, as I’ve said repeatedly, I cannot recall anyone ever saying “God Bless America” in my presence; outside of singing or referring to the song of that name. ---
**Author:** ![porkchop\_d\_clown](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@porkchop\_d\_clown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porkchop_d_clown)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/314 "2004-01-31T04:03:06Z")
> [@boofy\_bloke](#): > > C Thomas Howell > I don’t think that anyone else initialises their first name if using their second. You’re saying that’s an American thing? I suppose so. I wonder if it’s a defense against that other American trait - calling everyone by their first name whether you know them or not. ---
**Author:** ![LolaCocaCola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/315 "2004-01-31T04:46:17Z")
My opinion: Insults are the sincerset form of flattery… The way I see it, usually the same supects jump on the shit on America (or evolved to such) threads. I can’t imagine anyone with such a disdain for a nation, hanging around a message board from that nation, populated by mostly Americans, but y’all do…A LOT! Every foreigner I see on these boards I consider either a closted (or out) Americaphile… I detest the policies of Iraq - yet, I don’t spend a good amount of my waking hours on an Iraqi (or pick yer nation of detest) message board bitching about their idiosyncracies (Sp?), policies, or what have you. Face it, foreigners…yer OBSSESSED with us! Truth hurts sometimes. America (and Australia) really are the greatest natiions, IMHO! ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/316 "2004-01-31T05:19:04Z")
> [@porkchop\_d\_clown](#): > > The honest to God truth is that, as I’ve said repeatedly, I cannot recall anyone ever saying “God Bless America” in my presence; outside of singing or referring to the song of that name. This _is_ getting tiring. Nobody is claiming that Americans spontaneously say “God bless America” in casual conversation. The claim is that the phrase is acceptable in political speeches, ads and certain other non-religious context. It may not carry the full religious overtone, but nevertheless it’s not unusual to read hear on TV when you live in the US. It’s quite noticeable if you’re a secular foreigner living in the US. ---
**Author:** ![LolaCocaCola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/317 "2004-01-31T05:26:11Z")
> [@scr4](#): > > This _is_ getting tiring. Nobody is claiming that Americans spontaneously say “God bless America” in casual conversation. The claim is that the phrase is acceptable in political speeches, ads and certain other non-religious context. It may not carry the full religious overtone, but nevertheless it’s not unusual to read hear on TV when you live in the US. It’s quite noticeable if you’re a secular foreigner living in the US. Yah, cool, whatever, deal with it - or whatever. Sooooo not upsetting from where I sit. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/318 "2004-01-31T05:49:36Z")
> [@LolaCocaCola](#): > > Sooooo not upsetting from where I sit. I’m glad to hear that, since my statement was meant as fact (this is GQ after all) and not an insult. ---
**Author:** ![ruadh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@ruadh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruadh)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/319 "2004-01-31T07:46:51Z")
> [@Neurotik](#): > > I’m curious what you base this on because my experience is much different. I used to bitch about the Washington Metro until I lived in London and had to deal with the Tube. I’ve lived in both cities too and I would remind you that the Tube covers about a zillion more miles than the Metro does. **Boofy Bloke** , as for “C. Thomas Howell”, I wouldn’t consider Hollywood names to be typical of American names in any respect. An actor has to have a unique name (i.e. one that no Screen Actor’s Guild member has ever used) so of course you’re going to see a few odd configurations. I’d imagine IRL he just goes by Thomas. ---
**Author:** ![TeaElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8491ac/32.png) [@TeaElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TeaElle)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2004, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676/320 "2004-01-31T08:01:29Z")
> [@ruadh](#): > > **Boofy Bloke** , as for “C. Thomas Howell”, I wouldn’t consider Hollywood names to be typical of American names in any respect. Such constructions are also seen in business, law and medicine, fields where people need to represent their full legal names but wish to be known by their middle names rather than a first name or a nickname. See, as examples, F. Lee Bailey (lawyer, best known for defending O.J. Simpson), C. Everett Koop (former Surgeon General) and F. Lee Ermey (Retired Marine/actor). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uniquely-distinct-americanisms/225676.md?page=17)