“Do you always wear a Viking helmet?”
My real name is not common.
Q: What kind of name is that?
A: It’s an American name. I am an American.
Q: No, but I mean before you were an American.
A: I have always been an American.
Q: But I mean where your people come from.
A: New Jersey?
Ah, but if you’re sitting at your computer smiling, people assume you’re Doing Something You Should Not!
Ain’t no winnin’, with some people.
Does anyone ever ask you if you are Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines?
When I tell people I’m 21 the most common reaction is something like “No, way, you can’t be 21 yet.” To which I respond: “You’re right, I’m lying for no good reason.”
There’s a pizza chain whose name is almost identical to my surname. People always ask if I’m related.
I knew a fellow whose lastname was Papajohn. He got the same thing all the time.
I used to get this occasionally, when I was younger, from customers when I was bagging groceries or waiting tables. I was always polite, but not the “big phony smile and friendly banter” kind of guy, and some people just aren’t happy with anything less and make it their mission to find out what’s “wrong” with you if you aren’t as ebullient as Ned Flanders.
I must’ve been a pretty dour kid, though, because I distinctly remember visiting my grandparents when I was seven or so, and having my grandmother say to my mom something like “Little Turnip is smiling today… what’s wrong?”
So you’re Flavor Flav, eh?
I get the “You’re quiet” thing too. It really, really bothers me - people act like it’s some kind of handicap or like there’s something wrong with me.
It has gotten to the point where I don’t socialize all that much anymore - unless it’s with people I already know.
Busted!
My last name is the same as that of an actor. People always ask if we are related and they all seem to think they are the first to ask the question. I’m used to it now.
Oh, cousin of yours? :dubious:
I know one actor with the last name Papajohn, but he’s more of a stunt double than an actor. I think his biggest role was doubling for Adam Sandler in The Waterboy.
The correct response to this is, “It’s Yossarian’s name, sir.” Then leave while they’re standing there figuring it out, or crack up with them if they get it.
I don’t think I’ve ever met someone whose eyes didn’t immediately widen upon hearing my first name, to be followed by “[Firstname]? Like the bird??” Sometimes, when feeling particularly prickly, I’ve said “No, like the person.” This rarely affects their goofy grins.
There are also numerous pop-culture references, one of which involves the theme song to an annoying television show. On discovering my name, strangers actually sing this occasionally. Insert forced laughter and stabbiness here.
My last name is pretty unusual as well. It also, unfortunately, has a corresponding pop-culture reference. “Hey, did you ever know there was a show called [BLAH]???”
Do people ever stop to think that maybe they AREN’T the first person to ever remark on something so RIDICULOUSLY obvious?
Tragically, I usually can’t say anything because I have horse-chestnuts in my cheeks.
Well, it’s okay - they match the flies in your eyes.
And, of course, for years I got;
“What are you smiling/so happy about?”
Because the world is never happy it seems.