If you’ve been following my rambling threads about a proposed holiday to the US, I’m afraid I’ve got another one.
See, being British i pride myself on being really rather polite, and knowing how to form an orderly queue of one.
But with the Warhammer Citadel coming in the near future, looks like I’m going to be visiting Texas. So what I want to explore is the social mores of that State, and indeed the general area.
We’ve previously covered Tipping in some depth, so please do take that particular art as read. Some that spring immediately to mind....
1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?
2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?
That sort of thing. It’s not so much I want to blend in seamlessly - I just want to ensure I’m being as polite as possible and don’t ruffle feathers that don’t need ruffling.
Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?
I can't recall meeting too many Texans in person, but far as I know they're really some of the more conservative Americans. So being polite is always going to be a good thing. No hugging strangers unless a woman decides to hug you!
No idea how well they police smoking, but when it comes to alcohol it's 21 to buy in most counties - a few don't allow sales. You also can't have open alcohol containers in a car if the driver or passengers could access them (easily), so they could be in the trunk but not on the back seat even if it's a big 'Murican car you'd have to stop to reach the can. Saying hello, or somehow acknowledging another person in a quiet area, is good so I guess some eye contact plus a tilted hat is fine as long as you don't stare. Whether that means you can strike up a conversation or not I can't say.
And yes, it might be a good idea to cut down on the swearing. For a nation producing such a large amount of all pr0n they're often surprisingly prudish, so yelling certain British profanities might result in a beating or possibly becoming a convicted sex offender. OK, maybe not that last one...
It might be worth getting an "International Drivers Permit" I think they're called.
Although I think it isn't strictly legally necessary, quite a few people I know going from the UK to the US have had quite a lot of problems with the American police, particularly if they're the small town police types, when it comes to drivers licenses.
mrhappyface wrote: Isn't the 'no eye contact in public' only a Southerner thing (English southerner, not American southerner)?
It is, in the south you really will be talked up at random at times especially in area's of congregated people. You do want to look people in the face as you talk with them as otherwise it looks like you are trying to avoid them which is rather rudel/
Americans are less socially tactile so no hugs or cheek kisses.
Also prepare to be mistaken for an Australian as by and large Americans are ignorant of the world outside their own borders.
Also also when they say “oh I’m Irish” what they mean is “I’m fairly sure my great great grandad was half Irish so I’m clinging to that culture because for some reason I don’t want to identify as American.” Americans only identify as American when presented with their flag, taking offense at a joke about Americans and when getting all patriotic about bombing Muslims.
P.S. Contrary to English people, Americans generally can’t take a joke at their own expense, so no traditional British country-knocking is advised.
I have worked a lot in the US (including Texas) and with Americans all over the world. I've found Texans are not particularly any different to any other Americans (tho they think they are ! Its the equivalent of Yorkshire)
There is no golden rule, but politeness always wins, a firm handshake and please and thank you etc. Some will be quite religious others not at all, its really no different to anyplace else. Work the English accent Yank ladies genuinely love it !
I would smoke pre rolled cigs (don't call them fags…) Most Yanks i know will quite happily drink for hours and then try to drive home, don't do that last bit.
Drinking in America is fun, you will need to get your Whiskey legs sorted, be prepared to deliver a 10 minute lecture on the similarities and differences on US / Scottish whiskey.
If you are being hosted take a bottle of good Scottish whiskey as a gift, as long as they aren't Mormon or something, it will be appreciated. You can buy Margaritas the size of Mars in most restaurants.
Have fun and let us know how you got on when you get back !
1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?
Depending on the jurisdiction, smoking may be illegal in certain public areas and most private establishments. I haven't paid much attention to the various smoking ordinances passed in the DFW area, so I can't really help you there. But a roll-your-own might raise some eyebrows.
2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
Basically, just find a beer you like. There are a lot of craft brews available in the area. Just don't overdrink to the point of losing self-control, and DO NOT DRIVE, even if you only had one drink. Trust me, the sober drivers in DFW are bad enough.
3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?
Most people keep to themselves, especially with cell phones everywhere now. You'll find the occasional person who likes to make small talk with anyone who'll stand still long enough to listen.
Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?
Depends on where you are. If you see kids or old people around, do your best to protect their virgin ears. For just language in general, you might have to repeat yourself sometimes, especially if your accent is a strong one.
Also, depending on when you'll come, shoot for April to May. The weather's not really hot yet, and you can check out the Scarborough RenFest.
Yeah the key with drinking in the states, is don't drink and drive. Also don't get belligerent. A lot of bars have regulars or folks who basically treat it as a home away from home. So don't mess with the locals.
1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?
Be mindful of where you smoke. Some places in Texas and throughout the states have restrictions on that kind of stuff. Almost universally you can't smoke indoors (unless it's a private place like a house or some hotel rooms). Generally not within some amount of distance of a hospital, school, or government building, and usually most public places will have a designated place where it's "allowed". Some bars will allow it, while others won't. Again, depending on where it is and it's usually not well spelled out. If you're at a bar, just ask the bartender. Far as your doobies, I don't think you'd get hassled too much. The difference in smell between tobacco and pot is immediate enough that if anyone's giving you any hassle, they either REALLY don't know better or they're just looking for something to hassle you about. I'd imagine the cops would not want to waste their time with you on it.
2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
Rounds with strangers are pretty unheard of here. I've bought people drinks before that I've been talking to for a while. They may or may not respond accordingly, and it's nothing personal. We're just strange like that here. Tipipng your bartender is a good idea (particularly if you're looking to come back), usually at the end of the night when you cash your tab out, though if it's a thing where you're paying cash as you go, leaving a dollar or so with each drink is reasonable. If I'm drinking while out anymore it's because I'm eating, so I'll just figure the alcohol into the total bill and do about 20% of that, and waitstaff that recognizes me usually seems to be pretty happy when they see me come in, so I assume it's a safe amount. Other people will probably tell you differently, and be just as right as I am. We're really weird about things here.
Drinking on the street is usually not a good thing to do unless you have the container disguised or you're in a place that specifically allows it. Drinking outside at a bar establishment (i.e. a "beer garden" or a bar patio type thing) is acceptable. Also, being "drunk in public" is a thing that can get you in trouble. Long as you're not lurching around like something out of Fear and Loathing, you'll probably not be hassled, but if you're outrageously drunk, you might get some negative attention. I don't think I've ever gotten drunk enough in a bar to get thrown out of a bar before, and I've spent some long hours there, but I'm a pretty mellow guy when I drink.
3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?
This one is tricker. Friendly conversation is fine. At the bar would be fine. On the bus? Maybe? I think it depends on where you are.
Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?
This one is hard to say. I know I go overboard with swearing, but in some regions of the states, that's just a normal thing. In others, it's going to get you looked at very funny. Be aware that things don't mean the same as they mean there. I don't know how it works in that neck of the woods, but avoid using the "n-word" or anything else can could be construed as a racial slur. Excepting pretty horrible places in the South, those are unacceptable basically anywhere, and if they're being used then it does a pretty good job to establish the character of the company you keep, and not in a good way.
As a general rule, do not smoke except in designated smoking areas and certainly not within any businesses unless it is explicitly allowed. Bars for example often do allow smoking, but most other places prohibit it. Don't smoke near entrances to businesses either.
Hand rolled tobacco might visually appear to be weed, but once you're lit its impossible to mistake it for weed. Weed and tobacco have very different scents, and the cops should be understanding. Just be completely honest if you are approached about it and you'll be fine.
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: If you’ve been following my rambling threads about a proposed holiday to the US, I’m afraid I’ve got another one.
See, being British i pride myself on being really rather polite, and knowing how to form an orderly queue of one.
But with the Warhammer Citadel coming in the near future, looks like I’m going to be visiting Texas. So what I want to explore is the social mores of that State, and indeed the general area.
We’ve previously covered Tipping in some depth, so please do take that particular art as read. Some that spring immediately to mind....
1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?
2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?
That sort of thing. It’s not so much I want to blend in seamlessly - I just want to ensure I’m being as polite as possible and don’t ruffle feathers that don’t need ruffling.
Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?
where are you visiting? Texas is the size of France, there are distinct regions.
Outside of Austin people will think you are smoking a joint in public. This is bad. Avoid official interaction with police. You might get fethed up.regular cigs. A pipe would be cool.
Beer. Texas beers suck. Shiner and ziegenbock were local but still horse piss. Wines are ok. Liquor is good. Texas is known for texmex and barbeque not beer. Deep Eddy vodka is an Austin thing.
.
People who do not look you in the eye are suspect, and maybe confused for used car salesmen or worse Californians.
Rein in profanity at work. It depends on work. Be careful around women or children if you cuss. It could be bad.
Also do not pick a fight here. This is not a population that fistfights. You might get shot. Seriously.
Also stay away from south of San Antonio (unless you speak Spanish) and East Texas.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
War Drone wrote: Is it true that The sonuvabitch needed killin'... is still a legally valid defence for homicide in Texas?
Only for women. And it's "needed Killin your honor."
Only eat seafood near the coast. If you go to West Texas make sure they tell you that the size of the steak. It's a bit of a macho thing and they'll drop half a cow on your plate.
Dallas thinks it's new York
Austin thinks it's Berkeley.
Houston is Pittsburgh.
San Antonio is actually older than the US.
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: 2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
Well, it's American beer, so you'll need to drink twice as much to get the same effect.
But as you'll be in Texas, you'll need a big hat, boots with very noisy spurs, several holsters, and a belt of bullets to go around your shoulder/hips. Consider getting some horse-riding lessons. It'll make getting around town a little easier.
And have an extra glove, in case you find yourself needing satisfaction from someone who has offended you.
Los Angeles Herald, Volume 35, Number 305, 2 August 1908 wrote:
A POTATO DUEL
The habit of fighting duels is absurd, and the man who makes it contemptible does a sterling service to his generation. Experience has proven that duelists cannot be threatened or persuaded out of their barbarous beliefs, but they are senstive to ridicule and that is the best weapon to use against them. A story current in Kentucky tells how "Hill Bowman," a noted circuit preacher and "muscular Christian," used this effective weapon about fifty years ago. At one of his meetings a local desperado mated a disturbance, and, on being publicly rebuked by Bowman, sent him a challenge to fight, Bowman, as the challenged party, had the choice of weapons. He selected a half-bushel of Irish potatoes as big as his fists for each man, and stipulated that his opponent must stand fifteen paces distant and that only one potato at a time should be taken from the measure. The desperado was furious at being thus freshly insulted, and made an indignant protest but Bowman insisted that he was the challenged man and had a right to choose his own weapons, and threatened to denounce the desperado as a coward if he failed to come to time. As there was no way out of the box but to fight, the desperado consented. .... .
The fight took place on the outskirts of the town. Everybody was present to see the fun. The seconds arranged the two men in position, by the side of each being a half-bushel measure filled with large potatoes, as hard as bricks. Hill Bowman threw the first potato. It struck his opponent and flew into a hundred pieces. A yell of delight went up from the crowd, which disconcerted the desperado, and his potato flew wide of the mark. Bowman watched his chance, and every time his opponent stooped for a potato another hit him in the side, leaving a wet spot on his clothes. He hit the desperado about five times, and then the sixth potato struck him in the short ring, knocking the wind completely out of him and doubling him upon the grass. The people were almost crazy with laughter but Bill Bowman looked as sober as if he had just finished preaching a funeral sermon. The desperado was taken home and put to bed, and there he stayed for more than a week before he recovered from the effects of his Irish potato duel. That was the end of dueling in that region.
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: 2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
Well, it's American beer, so you'll need to drink twice as much to get the same effect.
That is a tragic misconception brought on because we don't export the good stuff because it's not made my large enough companies to have a worldwide reach. So the rest of the world sees the Coors and the Budweiser and all that garbage. It's like assuming that all Australian beer is Fosters. It's all we see, so we all assume that you drink that stuff because you're criminals or something and it's all you know how to make, and then we try it and find out it's worse than Coors!
So around here in the supermarkets of even unpretentious neighborhoods, you can still find stuff like Tank 7 (8.5% ABV) or Voodoo Ranger (9.0% ABV) and I assure you, it will do the job right quick. The bar faire is a little trickier, but as long as you're not going into a low-brow redneck bar, you can usually find something decent on the menu. Granted, I'm not in Texas, but everywhere I've been in the US has always had at least one or two viable options that's not the mainstream pisswater.
Generally Texans are some of the most friendly and laid back people that I've met, they are big on being friendly and polite so you'll get along just fine if you treat them in a similar manner. A lot of Americans have a stereotype that Texans are loud, hotheaded, good'o boys which I don't really find to be true. Cowboy and Country culture is a big thing in Texas but don't make the mistake of assuming thats the same as being ignorant rednecks or hillbilly. While country folks can be rough around the edges they're some incredibly hard working, independent, and smart people, if you group them in with the redneck stereotype they'll be insulted.
There certainly are country rednecks, but don't make assumptions because they have a Texans accent and drive a truck because that's almost everyone. You'll spot the trueblood rednecks by the open beer in their trucks, presence of lawn chairs and perhaps a makeshift hot tub in their truck bed and likely sporting "Murican flags or Southern Dixie. Their behavior makes them stand out pretty well. Like most anywhere in the US you can see the entire cross section of humanity gone horribly wrong on display at Walmart. It can be like going to modern day freak show exhibit. Go and be amazed but steel yourself; for what is witnessed at Walmart can never be unseen.
Open carry of firearms is a thing in the Southwest so get used to seeing people walking around armed, they'll have gun racks in their trucks stocked with rifles and shoguns for hunting. Shooting practice and hunting are a major way of life in Texas and they will not react well to discussing gun control and politics from a UK/European position so just politely avoid that conversation entirely and try not to let anyone goad or trap you into it because it'll get heated fast. Don't freak out about seeing all the guns but keep in mind that most people are probably carrying, if they aren't packing a pistol there's a damn good chance they have a knife and being largely a rural population they probably know how to use either option quite well. They're usually very laid back people so fighting probably won't be an issue unless you go looking for it but there are a couple things not to do, don't mess with peoples trucks and especially bikes. They don't mind people admiring from a distance but don't ever touch it without permission, doubly so with bikes as they tend to be a much rougher crowd and their bikes are valued more than their own kids. (not a joke)
If you deal with the police be as respectful as possible, despite all the horror stories in the news there's lot of good cops but you never know what you're dealing with at first. They expect you to follow orders so it's best to keep calm and comply without being hostile. In most cases you'll just get a polite warning unless you're doing something outright criminal. As mentioned earlier drinking and driving is big deal so don't do it, but you'll probably see it plenty. Same with texting and driving, causes a lot of accidents there and when you have all these huge trucks around they can be pretty bad so pay extra attention while driving and drive defensively.
And have an extra glove, in case you find yourself needing satisfaction from someone who has offended you.
While dueling occurred all over, the glove slap is traditionally dealt by distinguished white dressed gentlemen from the likes of Georgia and the Carolina's. Then it's met by pistols at dawn.
In the southwest the time honored tradition is to spit some chew on their boots and say "go ahead and draw boy" then you shoot each other without leaving the the bar, or you have a high noon face off in the street.
On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...
Indeed. Yanks quite explicitly only applies to people from New England.
Hmm, I reckon the Texicans I worked with loved it in a morning when I walked in the office and loudly proclaimed “morning Yanks “
To which they would all smile , call me a “ fetching Brit” and hand me coffee, whiskey and / or firearms.
Good times.
Smoking isn't very common there, and usually not seen in a good light. As has been suggested, always avoid smoking close to a business/house entrance (don't know about Texas specifically, but some states have laws that actually forbid smoking close to entrances). And sometimes big areas can be tobacco free: university campuses come to mind, but I've seen plazzas that were completely smoke-free. It's unusual for us, so check there's no sign (sometimes the no-smoking symbol is painted on the wall) before lighting one.
Cursing is very different there. A good portion of people consider cursing to be extremely rude, even small words like s**t are seen as very foul, and should never be heard by children. Of course it varies widely from a person to the other, but every time you're in a public place with a wide variety of people around (restaurants, supermarkets, tourists spots etc.), you should try your best not to swear at all. In bars it's a lot more accepted, mostly because there are no kids or puritans there.
Always have some kind of ID if you want to drink. They always ask for proof that you're over 21, even if you're 35 and look the part. You will get kicked out of bar if you don't have any ID.
Drinking outside is usually forbidden, unless you're in a beer-garten or something similar. Or in a private lawn enjoying a BBQ. You can't have a beer on a bench in a park with your lunch, especially if the beer can is not wrapped in a brown bag to hide the fact that it's alcohol.
Driving drunk is a very serious offense. If you run someone over with your car while sobber, you just have to say you didn't see them/mistook the brake for the gas, and you'll be fine (like in most countries sadly). But if you had a drink beforehand, you're going to jail for a while. Oh, and if you ever get pulled over by the cops, stay in your car and wait for the police officer to come see you (like you see in movies). Don't get out of your car to ask the policeman why he/she pulled you over, that could get you shot.
Driving is insane over there (probably even more for someone used to driving on the left). You have huge highways, which often have like 4 or 5 lanes going each way. People use their turn signals like half the time (or more likely only half the people ever use them), and passing people on the right is legal (I think, at least it is in the states I lived in) and very common. That's something you might not be used to. And of course, big pick up trucks everywhere, blocking sight and blinding you at night (you'll finally get to use the "low reflection" mode on the rear mirror…).
About eye contact and general social interaction, it never felt like the US and Texas were very different than France. People are friendlier (especially in the South), and a bit more likely to start a conversation while you're waiting in line at the supermarket or something, but it always felt pretty normal. Small talks is very similar, and will probably very quickly turn into a conversation about where you're from/what you're doing here.
I don't stare random people in the eye for no reason, but short eye contact in public is just as normal as it is anywhere I've been to. Really, if you can navigate social interactions in the UK, you should be pretty okay in the US too. Just stay clear of some topics (mostly religion, gun control, and politics in general) unless you know the person pretty well. As someone earlier said, try to be mindful of people trying to bring these topics in the conversation. They might very well just want an outside opinion and are genuinely interested in an open debate, but most people do not talk about politics to have their mind changed. It's usually easy to say you don't have an opinion on gun control in the US because the situation is very different than in your own country, then quickly change the topic to something else. In my experience it's not very common, but if you go to local bar and try to talk to folks there, it might be.
H.B.M.C. wrote: and a belt of bullets to go around your shoulder/hips.
A bandolier?
Also, say howdy a lot. Tell everybody you are on vacation. Ask them if they knew Davy Crockett. Make sure to inform them that Texas BBQ isn't even real BBQ and it is also inferior to Kansas City BBQ. Ask them about the last time the Dallas Cowboys won the Superbowl.
General tips:
Americans say, "I'm Irish-German," not because they don't want to be American as the previously ill-informed poster commented, but because we are all rather recent immigrants (historically speaking) and the average American knows quite a lot about their ancestry as a result. It is also a way for people to connect to strangers. Despite the stereotypes, most Americans strive to be polite and are uncomfortable in situations of potential social awkwardness. We will strike up casual conversations most anywhere, although it is far less common in cities due to the usual reasons.
In regards to your specific questions:
1. Rolled cigs are fairly popular here too, although it varies from place to place. I can't say regarding Texas specifically.
2. Beer - you will be incredibly surprised. I have been all over the world, and the US is without a doubt one of the best countries to find great beer (despite the garbage mass-produced and sent around the globe). I don't know anyone who actually drinks Budweiser. There are literally tens of thousands of breweries throughout the country. In St. Louis, the local supermarket easily carries 3-4 dozen varieties of beer. Apart from a few puritan states (Texas isn't one of them), drinking your fair share of beer is perfectly fine and the norm.
3. Eye contact - do not avoid eye contact. It isn't rude, per se, but it would be perceived as suspicious.
I've been to England a few times, as well as Germany, Italy, and Croatia. The US and England are the most comparable, which shouldn't be surprising given the history. Moreover, most Americans have a fairly romanticized view of England, so they will be inclined to forgive you any social faux pas.
Edit*
Beware of discussing politics in Texas. There are liberal parts where it wouldn't be much of an issue (Austin in particular), but the very serious problem with the US (and it may be for the rest of the world if it continues to spiral out of control) is that political affiliation has become dangerously connected to identity. I dare say the majority of my compatriots now hold the view - "I would never vote for a Republican/Democrat regardless of the faults of my own party's candidate." Polite political discourse is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, unfortunately.
Grumblewartz wrote: General tips:
Americans say, "I'm Irish-German," not because they don't want to be American as the previously ill-informed poster commented, but because we are all rather recent immigrants (historically speaking) and the average American knows quite a lot about their ancestry as a result. It is also a way for people to connect to strangers.
It's still a bit weird for people from other countries. Mostly because most Americans say "I'm Irish" instead of "My grandfather was from Ireland" or "I have Irish ancestors".
I vividly remember meeting a girl soon after I arrived in the US who told me "I'm Italian", like 3 minutes after I met her. So I assumed she meant she was from Italy (despite her perfect English, but some people are very good with languages), and I then started speaking Italian. Turns out some of her grandparents were Italians who moved to the US, but her parents and herself were born and raised in the US. She didn't speak any Italian, didn't know much about Italy, had never been there, and considered American-Italian food to be genuine Italian food. While there's absolutely nothing wrong with embracing your heritage, or creating a new sub-culture (Italian-American in this case), it was still very confusing to me, and is indeed a different social norm between the US and France (and I assume the UK), so it relates to the OP.
I agree it has nothing to do with not wanting to be American, as pretty much every American person who says "I'm Irish/Italian/German/whatever" will also gladly consider themselves true Americans, and can be very patriotic as most Americans are.
But yeah, you should be prepared to hear people reply to "I'm English" with something like "Oh nice, I myself am Irish", even though they might not know much about Ireland or Irish culture. That should explain their lack of accent.
I have worked with a lot of Texans and like others have said there is no one kind of Texan, I had the good (mis)fortune of working with some of the craziest foul mouthed self mocking people of my entire life, miss those dumb cowboys.
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: 1.I’m a smoker (tobacco only. I’m not daft!), but prefer my roll ups to straights. Upside is they’re far cheaper. Downside is to the untrained eye I may appear to be smoking a Doobyspliffjoint. Seeing as I not only enjoy my civil liberties, but also don’t want to waste Police time from a simple misunderstanding, is it better if just for the trip I buy regular ciggies?
You're fine. A good deal of adults and certainly police will know what burning pot smells like. Doubly so if you're in the sticks (countryside) or in a city.
2. I do like a drink. Beer is my preferred tipple, and I can’t half stick it away. But again, I don’t want to cause or encounter trouble. What’s the done thing when it comes to enjoying a beverage or eight?
You must try the craft brewing scene. Certain breweries have extensive open space + bar top for people to hang around their brewery to drink beer, socialize and play traditional tailgate games (corn hole, giant jenga, hook and ring). Good time to pass the afternoon then pop over to get tacos, pho, bbq whatever.
I'm sure you have food trucks in the UK, in the US there's a style of bar where space/utilities are provided to food trucks to park around the drinking area (always patio seating) to cater to the drunks directly at their watering hole. The food truck prices are usually highway robbery tho.
In sub/urban Texas you'll find a lot of 'patio' bars designed around patio seating, warm weather and cheap land. Usually half or over half of the bar will be open air and uncovered with a small fence around it. Norms for the patio are generally an extension of its distant ancestor: backyard drinking. Bring your dogs, pet other people's dogs, drink+smoke in the sun and watch sports.
3. Eye contact in public. In London, it’s generally a no-no. One certainly doesn’t strike up conversation at the bus stop or in general. But in Texas? Is the person chatting the odd’un, or it is me for not?
That sort of thing. It’s not so much I want to blend in seamlessly - I just want to ensure I’m being as polite as possible and don’t ruffle feathers that don’t need ruffling.
People are more likely to be friendly/talkative to obvious tourists. You may run into people who pride themselves on 'southern friendliness'. If someone goes into American politics in your first meeting, it's a bit like a new acquaintance who brings up way too personal topics in convo. They're weirdos.
Oh, and swearing. I’m normally quite sweary. Is this something I’d need to rein in as I do at work?
@MadDoc: Just a thought ... How about switching the baccy for a decent vape for your trip? Some of the best vaping stuff (mods & juices) is made in the USA anyway ... Kill a couple of birds?
Also when are you coming? Texas can be extremely hot like 105-110 in Central and West Texas. The coast is less hot but the the humidity is strong enough that fish breath freely in the sir.
Frazzled wrote: Also when are you coming? Texas can be extremely hot like 105-110 in Central and West Texas. The coast is less hot but the the humidity is strong enough that fish breath freely in the sir.
It was 91 here Saturday.
I don't understand how people can live in that climate, everyone basically strips and collapses if it reaches 20C here.
Some people are fine with swearing but you may find that you get some angry looks from more uptight conservative types. Around construction workers, military guys, or "manly" types it'll be pretty much every other word. Two thing to avoid, the first is n****r, negro, or any variant of it, while it's constantly thrown around in movies and pop culture it's still considered extremely racial in the states and especially if it's being said by a white guy. (referring to somebody as black is usually ok as long as it's not in a negative manner (African-America is the PC version but not used as much) Don't use it trying to be edgy even with close friends, it's never a good idea.
The second is c**t referring to female genitals, in the UK it's pretty common place as a general purpose swear word but in the states for some reason it's one of the nastiest things you can say especially directed at a woman. If you tell a woman "Don't be a c**t" it's going to get heated real fast and if she doesn't claw your eyes out herself she'll get her boyfriend/husband/friends involved. Saying someone is a b*tch is still considered fairly rude but for some reason it's less insulting here. Using any of those in public can provoke a serious fight as they are seen as especially vulgar, yet you could call somebody an a-hole, m-fether or use combination of feth excessively and typically most people will get annoyed but some people might not bat an eye. So try and take measure of the type of person and situation you're dealing with before you pull out the sailors index of colorful expressions.
In general try not to swear around the supervisors at a job or when dealing with the public while working, if a friend or co-worker leads with the foul language then fire away, just pay attention to when they suddenly stop like when a boss or particular co-worker comes around as that's usually an indicator that it's unwelcome. Also never swear around kids because even if the parents swear constantly they still don't want it around their kids.
I don't understand how people can live in that climate, everyone basically strips and collapses if it reaches 20C here.
It's not natural, whatever it is. I'm states further north, and we'll still see it top out at 100-110 for about a week or so during the summer, with 90+ (and a good 70% humidity) being the norm through about the hottest 6 weeks or so. I'll STILL see lunatics out there wearing long sleeved shirts.
paulson games wrote: Some people are fine with swearing but you may find that you get some angry looks from more uptight conservative types. Around construction workers, military guys, or manly types it'll be pretty much every other word. Two thing to avoid, the first is n****r, negro, or any variant of it, while it's constantly thrown around in movies and pop culture it's still considered extremely racial in the states and especially if it's being said by a white guy. (referring to somebody as black is usually ok as long as it's not in a negative manner (African-America is the PC version but not used as much) Don't use it trying to be edgy even with close friends, it's never a good idea.
The second is c**t referring to female genitals, in the UK it's pretty common place as a general purpose swear word but in the states for some reason it's one of the nastiest things you can say especially directed at a woman. If you tell a woman "Don't be a c**t" it's going to get heated real fast and if she doesn't claw your eyes out herself she'll get her boyfriend/husband/friends involved. Saying someone is a b*tch is still considered fairly rude but for some reason it's less insulting here. Using any of those in public can provoke a serious fight as they are seen as especially vulgar, yet you could call somebody an a-hole, m-fether or use combination of feth excessively and typically most people will get annoyed but some people might not bat an eye. So try and take measure of the type of person and situation you're dealing with before you pull out the sailors index of colorful expressions.
In general try not to swear around the supervisors at a job or when dealing with the public while working, if a friend or co-worker leads with the foul language then fire away, just pay attention to when they suddenly stop like when a boss or particular co-worker comes around as that's usually an indicator that it's unwelcome. Also never swear around kids because even if the parents swear constantly they still don't want it around their kids.
Also, we don't have soft drinks here. We have cokes. If someone asks you if you want a coke, they may not specifically mean Coca Cola.
It's not natural, whatever it is. I'm states further north, and we'll still see it top out at 100-110 for about a week or so during the summer, with 90+ (and a good 70% humidity) being the norm through about the hottest 6 weeks or so. I'll STILL see lunatics out there wearing long sleeved shirts.
Sometimes the long sleeves are about keeping the sun off you and not the heat. I've seen lots of Mexican lawn care guys and field workers all sweating away in long sleeve shirts and pants when it's 100-110 that way they don't get burned. Cowboys also follow this lead and are usually wearing jeans, long shirt and wide brim hat. Meanwhile the dumb white guys are stripped down to a wife beater or are shirtless while glowing cherry red with sunburn.
Frazzled wrote: Also, we don't have soft drinks here. We have cokes. If someone asks you if you want a coke, they may not specifically mean Coca Cola.
This is true, particularly in the South where every pop or soda can be referred to as Coke. The first time I was exposed to that was in Atlanta and I heard somebody ask for a "Pepsi-Coke", if you ask for a Coke you might get a reply like do you want a Coke- Coke? or a Dr Pepper- Coke? Simple way to side step that is just ask for the brand, it's a regional thing that's a bit odd to hear the first couple of times.
In Eastern Texas which is close to Louisiana *everything* gets hot sauce added to it, even plain white bread gets a dab of heat so you'll see it on every table.
It's not natural, whatever it is. I'm states further north, and we'll still see it top out at 100-110 for about a week or so during the summer, with 90+ (and a good 70% humidity) being the norm through about the hottest 6 weeks or so. I'll STILL see lunatics out there wearing long sleeved shirts.
Sometimes the long sleeves are about keeping the sun off you and not the heat. I've seen lots of Mexican lawn care guys and field workers all sweating away in long sleeve shirts and pants when it's 100-110 that way they don't get burned. Meanwhile the white guys are stripped down to a wife beater or are shirtless while glowing cherry red with sunburn.
Yeah, that makes sense. My hangup is when it's the people in my already uncomfortably-too-hot office.
Frazzled wrote: Also when are you coming? Texas can be extremely hot like 105-110 in Central and West Texas. The coast is less hot but the the humidity is strong enough that fish breath freely in the sir.
It was 91 here Saturday.
I don't understand how people can live in that climate, everyone basically strips and collapses if it reaches 20C here.
He's just being Texan and bragging about the heat. It was 70 and pleasant up here in Dallas; it's spring in Texas so weather's weird.
We've had mild summers for the last few years, only hits 100+ F (38+C) for a week or two mostly just hovers in the high 80s and 90s F (around 30 C). Everyone just wears light clothing and avoids doing anything outdoors that's labor intensive in the afternoon. Like roofing houses as early as possible. The trade off is except for the winter, high waist shorts are always in fashion.
Well, predictably for an unashamed fanboy, I’ll be visiting the neck of the woods the Warhammer Citadel is being opened.
Fighting? I’m a wuss. No chance of fisticuffs or othe assorted pugilism. And if does come to that, I do a mean toe punt to the delicate flobbily-dobblies. So hopefully that’ll serve to give me legging it time.
Accent! Better than English, I’m Scottish.
I’m thinking of visiting around September time. UK school hols are over by then, as is LARPing season. So I’ll save money and not miss out on lapidating gribblies with a latex weapon.
And yes, I will be gorging on Barbecue and TexMex. Would be silly not to, no?
Politics etc I’m sensible enough to keep to myself in polite conversation.
Gun Ranges....is that a touristable thing? Might as well give it some dakka when the opportunity presents!
Oh, football season. If you have the time, you should stop by a college tailgate.
Gun Ranges....is that a touristable thing? Might as well give it some dakka when the opportunity presents!
Yes, very much so. In fact it's nearly considered a state wide morale failing if someone doesn't take you shooting in Texas. Since you're stopping by Citadel Cafe, I can PM you a gun range that will rent you a full auto machine gun if you'd like.
Frazzled wrote: Also when are you coming? Texas can be extremely hot like 105-110 in Central and West Texas. The coast is less hot but the the humidity is strong enough that fish breath freely in the sir.
It was 91 here Saturday.
I don't understand how people can live in that climate, everyone basically strips and collapses if it reaches 20C here.
He's just being Texan and bragging about the heat. It was 70 and pleasant up here in Dallas; it's spring in Texas so weather's weird.
We've had mild summers for the last few years, only hits 100+ F (38+C) for a week or two mostly just hovers in the high 80s and 90s F (around 30 C). Everyone just wears light clothing and avoids doing anything outdoors that's labor intensive in the afternoon. Like roofing houses as early as possible. The trade off is except for the winter, high waist shorts are always in fashion.
It was literally 91 here. Austin typically breaks 100 for about a month. South Texas and West Texas are hotter.
September is better. Hurricanes typically past and the heat is lightening up. Usually more rain too which is good.
Just as a side, what is it about the British accent that other countries seem to love so much? And is it just the middle class southerner accent or do you guys love Cockney, Northerner, Welsh, Scottish, etc.?
I honestly don't know. My boss is a Brit and he's a total bastard, so it's not just the accent. I think the turn of phrase has a lot to do with it. Maybe it's the "dark sarcasm in the classroom"!
Could be some cultural thing? I mean, I was probably just past the tail end of it generationally speaking, but I grew up listening to a lot of the British invasion bands and watching Flying Circus and Are You Being Served and a lot of classic comedy from your general direction.
mrhappyface wrote: Just as a side, what is it about the British accent that other countries seem to love so much? And is it just the middle class southerner accent or do you guys love Cockney, Northerner, Welsh, Scottish, etc.?
We pretty much love all of them. It is a novelty thing honestly. Also, the more slang you use, the better. Call something a bonnet and everybody around you is going to come over and be like "I'm sorry, did you just call that car hood a bonnet? Can I get a picture with you?" Then the next thing you know you will be the hot trending topic on somebodies social media account with the tag line "I met a real life Aussie today!"
Edit: Is Welsh really an accent? I thought it was some unintelligible language spoken by people whose vocal cords had not fully evolved.
I think peeing on historical landmarks, especially ones where a lot of people died is generally frowned on, though. Plus that's in San Antonio, not even close to Dallas.
September in the DFW is still probably going to be pretty warm. Indoor gun ranges are air-conditioned, but usually limited (handguns, no rifles).September 13-16 is also Grapefest in Grapevine, so if you are in the area for that, even better!
And don't knock the Welsh- Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luke Evans, Rhys Ifans, etc. are all Welsh. Even Christian Bale was born there (though he prefers "British").
IIRC, chromedog is talking about the thing the Alamo is most famous for in the UK - Ozzy Osbourne getting arrested for peeing on it.
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Dreadwinter wrote: We pretty much love all of them. It is a novelty thing honestly. Also, the more slang you use, the better. Call something a bonnet and everybody around you is going to come over and be like "I'm sorry, did you just call that car hood a bonnet? Can I get a picture with you?" Then the next thing you know you will be the hot trending topic on somebodies social media account with the tag line "I met a real life Aussie today!"
From one of those "hints for ignorant Americans" emails that occasionally does the rounds; "if you meet someone who sounds British but acts like a Texan, he's Australian".
mrhappyface wrote: Just as a side, what is it about the British accent that other countries seem to love so much? And is it just the middle class southerner accent or do you guys love Cockney, Northerner, Welsh, Scottish, etc.?
We pretty much love all of them. It is a novelty thing honestly. Also, the more slang you use, the better. Call something a bonnet and everybody around you is going to come over and be like "I'm sorry, did you just call that car hood a bonnet? Can I get a picture with you?" Then the next thing you know you will be the hot trending topic on somebodies social media account with the tag line "I met a real life Aussie today!"
Edit: Is Welsh really an accent? I thought it was some unintelligible language spoken by people whose vocal cords had not fully evolved.
I'm Welsh and yep it's a proper accent, except the gogs who live in north Wales, if you ain't from the valleys, you ain't Welsh!
mrhappyface wrote: Just as a side, what is it about the British accent that other countries seem to love so much? And is it just the middle class southerner accent or do you guys love Cockney, Northerner, Welsh, Scottish, etc.?
We pretty much love all of them. It is a novelty thing honestly. Also, the more slang you use, the better. Call something a bonnet and everybody around you is going to come over and be like "I'm sorry, did you just call that car hood a bonnet? Can I get a picture with you?" Then the next thing you know you will be the hot trending topic on somebodies social media account with the tag line "I met a real life Aussie today!"
Edit: Is Welsh really an accent? I thought it was some unintelligible language spoken by people whose vocal cords had not fully evolved.
I'm Welsh and yep it's a proper accent, except the gogs who live in north Wales, if you ain't from the valleys, you ain't Welsh!
Aye, those Anglesey posers don't have nearly enough canals to call themselves Welsh.
AndrewGPaul wrote: IIRC, chromedog is talking about the thing the Alamo is most famous for in the UK - Ozzy Osbourne getting arrested for peeing on it.
Here's a culture question that might apply to all of the USA not just Texas - traffic jams. Do Americans really sit in long lines of traffic beeping the car horn the whole time even when nothing is moving?
I mean I see it all the time in films and whilst I'm aware a lot of things happen in films just because its a film not because of reality, but its made me curious to wonder if its really like that!
Overread wrote: Here's a culture question that might apply to all of the USA not just Texas - traffic jams. Do Americans really sit in long lines of traffic beeping the car horn the whole time even when nothing is moving?
I mean I see it all the time in films and whilst I'm aware a lot of things happen in films just because its a film not because of reality, but its made me curious to wonder if its really like that!
For the most part, no. Now, often people get frustrated/angry when stuck in traffic, so sometimes if the guy ahead of you isn’t paying attention when things move, might hit their horn. But I’ve never seen that constant beeping thing.
There is an old joke related to that though. “The definition of ‘instantaneous’ is the time between when the light turns green and the NY cabbie behind you hits his horn.”
It’s a big country though, it might be normal in other areas though.
Overread wrote: Here's a culture question that might apply to all of the USA not just Texas - traffic jams. Do Americans really sit in long lines of traffic beeping the car horn the whole time even when nothing is moving?
I mean I see it all the time in films and whilst I'm aware a lot of things happen in films just because its a film not because of reality, but its made me curious to wonder if its really like that!
I’ve had that experience many a time stuck on the M25 and A12, it’s far from a USA-only issue
Overread wrote: Here's a culture question that might apply to all of the USA not just Texas - traffic jams. Do Americans really sit in long lines of traffic beeping the car horn the whole time even when nothing is moving?
I mean I see it all the time in films and whilst I'm aware a lot of things happen in films just because its a film not because of reality, but its made me curious to wonder if its really like that!
Major American cities tend to have bad traffic issues due to a lack of public transportation, aging highways, and residential sprawl. In most major metro areas it tends to be worse around "rush hour" from about 7-9 am and 4-6 pm as people rush to get to, and away from, work. This tends to overload the infrastructure and it is very common for tired/distracted/impatient drivers to get into wrecks that cause further delay. Los Angeles and NYC tend to consistently top lists for top traffic with cities like Atlanta, Washington D.C., Miami, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, etc. filling out the top 10. Which is pretty consistent with their size and being huge centers of activity. As to honking, that varies by region but is generally considered rude if traffic isn't moving- no one can do anything about it and it just increases tension. If someone is sitting at a light with traffic backed behind them messing with their phone, trying to make an illegal turn etc., it is probably to be expected!
Overread wrote: Here's a culture question that might apply to all of the USA not just Texas - traffic jams. Do Americans really sit in long lines of traffic beeping the car horn the whole time even when nothing is moving?
I mean I see it all the time in films and whilst I'm aware a lot of things happen in films just because its a film not because of reality, but its made me curious to wonder if its really like that!
Consider I live around a huge Amish community honking at horse and buggy would probably not help.
Overread wrote: Here's a culture question that might apply to all of the USA not just Texas - traffic jams. Do Americans really sit in long lines of traffic beeping the car horn the whole time even when nothing is moving?
I mean I see it all the time in films and whilst I'm aware a lot of things happen in films just because its a film not because of reality, but its made me curious to wonder if its really like that!
Yes and no. The vast majority of areas that doesn't really happen barring a wreck or other unusual incident. That said, downtown New York is totally like it is in movies. And Los Angeles traffic is so legendary people on the east coast have heard about it (and yes, it's really that bad). What isn't really true is the beeping, that doesn't happen like in film. However there is so much background noise in such cases that the effect of constant intrusive sound isn't entirely dissimilar.
I don't understand how people can live in that climate, everyone basically strips and collapses if it reaches 20C here.
It's not natural, whatever it is. I'm states further north, and we'll still see it top out at 100-110 for about a week or so during the summer, with 90+ (and a good 70% humidity) being the norm through about the hottest 6 weeks or so. I'll STILL see lunatics out there wearing long sleeved shirts.
I wear long sleeve shirts when it is over 100. It's to keep the skin and mozzies off my pastey British skin.
T shirt and shorts are for spring, when the weather is cool, but not cold.
I don't understand how people can live in that climate, everyone basically strips and collapses if it reaches 20C here.
It's not natural, whatever it is. I'm states further north, and we'll still see it top out at 100-110 for about a week or so during the summer, with 90+ (and a good 70% humidity) being the norm through about the hottest 6 weeks or so. I'll STILL see lunatics out there wearing long sleeved shirts.
I wear long sleeve shirts when it is over 100. It's to keep the skin and mozzies off my pastey British skin.
T shirt and shorts are for spring, when the weather is cool, but not cold.
As for the beeping in cinematic depictions of car alarms, I imagine that's a device to add some sort of interest or "action" to the shot - it demonstrates the frustration of being stuck there, even with nothing really going on. Or it makes the context more obvious if you've only got an in-car shot.
On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...
Especially in the south. Southerners will absolutely react negatively to being called a Yank or a Yankee. Only northerners are Yankees.
To Southerners, the civil war was "The war of Northern aggression". They do not like northerners especially much, but will react agressively to being confused with one.
As a northener who used to live in Corpus Christi, I have quite a bit of experience with that.
On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...
Especially in the south. Southerners will absolutely react negatively to being called a Yank or a Yankee. Only northerners are Yankees.
To Southerners, the civil war was "The war of Northern aggression". They do not like northerners especially much, but will react agressively to being confused with one.
As a northener who used to live in Corpus Christi, I have quite a bit of experience with that.
To note, there is also a very fuzzy line of where "the South" transitions to "the North" in the US. You can't really follow the mason-dixon line anymore. We have asshats in the North now, as well.
On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...
Especially in the south. Southerners will absolutely react negatively to being called a Yank or a Yankee. Only northerners are Yankees.
To Southerners, the civil war was "The war of Northern aggression". They do not like northerners especially much, but will react agressively to being confused with one.
As a northener who used to live in Corpus Christi, I have quite a bit of experience with that.
I mean, maybe if you get out in the country, but I've never really seen this as anymore than a joke in the Urban areas of Texas.
On a side note, Americans may be confused and/or offended if you refer to them as 'Yanks' to their face...
Especially in the south. Southerners will absolutely react negatively to being called a Yank or a Yankee. Only northerners are Yankees.
To Southerners, the civil war was "The war of Northern aggression". They do not like northerners especially much, but will react agressively to being confused with one.
As a northener who used to live in Corpus Christi, I have quite a bit of experience with that.
To note, there is also a very fuzzy line of where "the South" transitions to "the North" in the US. You can't really follow the mason-dixon line anymore. We have asshats in the North now, as well.
Thats true, theres a TON. of "southern boys" here in Michigan and my state definitely cant be confused with a southern state. I think anymore its of an ideal or something rather than a physical line.
Though on the Yank comment I dont think most Northerners would really be offended by it. You might get a lot of "Im not a New York fan" with that comment though
Frazzled wrote: In my day if you called a Texan a Yankee you would get hurt...bad.
This is my experience as well.
Which brings me to my next point, there is never a valid reason to go to Texas unless:
* You have a cousin you want to marry.
* You're sick of success and need a rathole to die in.
Just avoid Texas, Grotsnik.
#1 They already don't want you there because: "Lookit dat *insert pejorative here* with the funny axscent. Hur Hur! What a *insert pejorative here*!"
#2 Nothing good can come from it. It will only end in tears.
#3 They don't want you there. You're not blood related to anyone who has lived there for at least 80 years, so you're not eligible for matrimony.
Frazzled wrote: In my day if you called a Texan a Yankee you would get hurt...bad.
This is my experience as well.
Which brings me to my next point, there is never a valid reason to go to Texas unless:
* You have a cousin you want to marry.
* You're sick of success and need a rathole to die in.
Just avoid Texas, Grotsnik.
#1 They already don't want you there because: "Lookit dat *insert pejorative here* with the funny axscent. Hur Hur! What a *insert pejorative here*!"
#2 Nothing good can come from it. It will only end in tears.
#3 They don't want you there. You're not blood related to anyone who has lived there for at least 80 years, so you're not eligible for matrimony.
What the hell are you on about? You are just making up offensive crap for no reason now. It's clear you have a grudge, as this is the furthest thing from reality. I'm sorry you may have had a negative experience at some point, but this is uncalled for, it's not true, and it is quite offensive.
So after all this ( all the above) I went and asked my 210lbs, tattoo covered broken nosed Texan friend what he thought about me calling him a "yank feth"
He replied he'd buy me a JD and call me a "Brit feth"
We are now eating steak and gak faced.
Big H wrote: So after all this ( all the above) I went and asked my 210lbs, tattoo covered broken nosed Texan friend what he thought about me calling him a "yank feth"
He replied he'd buy me a JD and call me a "Brit feth"
We are now eating steak and gak faced.
Seems fair.
Well you are already friends, so that is probably within acceptable limits. I wouldn't pick a random stranger and say it to them though.
Big H wrote: So after all this ( all the above) I went and asked my 210lbs, tattoo covered broken nosed Texan friend what he thought about me calling him a "yank feth"
He replied he'd buy me a JD and call me a "Brit feth"
We are now eating steak and gak faced.
Seems fair.
Well you are already friends, so that is probably within acceptable limits. I wouldn't pick a random stranger and say it to them though.
I can kinda see where you are coming from Grey Templar , and the others, but perhaps it would be more interesting to know what citizens of the United States of America are comfortable being called ?
My Guatemalan friends dislike with a passion the fact "Gringos" stole the name of the entire continent of the Americas, there words, not mine.
Also, citizens of North America have no problems coming up to me when they hear my accent and calling me a Brit, why is no offence assumed ?
The fact is, it doesn't offend me. There are nicknames for just about every country, some worse than others,
what would Yanks find least objectionable ?
Big H wrote: Also, citizens of North America have no problems coming up to me when they hear my accent and calling me a Brit, why is no offence assumed ?
How sheltered does one have to be to mistake an Austrian accent for an English one?
The fact is, it doesn't offend me. There are nicknames for just about every country, some worse than others,
what would Yanks find least objectionable ?
Many Americans like being called "Canadian" when travelling abroad
Grey Templar wrote:American is a safe word to use. It’s generalist and doesn’t apply to a specific region, unlike Yanky.
South American, Central American or North American ? It's a massive continent , I was meaning a nick name !
feeder wrote:
Big H wrote: Also, citizens of North America have no problems coming up to me when they hear my accent and calling me a Brit, why is no offence assumed ?
How sheltered does one have to be to mistake an Austrian accent for an English one?
The fact is, it doesn't offend me. There are nicknames for just about every country, some worse than others,
what would Yanks find least objectionable ?
Many Americans like being called "Canadian" when travelling abroad
Sorry dude, I'm a rancid Brit , just working in Austria ! I have been mistaken for Canadian by North Americans before !
Frazzled wrote: Also when are you coming? Texas can be extremely hot like 105-110 in Central and West Texas. The coast is less hot but the the humidity is strong enough that fish breath freely in the sir.
It was 91 here Saturday.
Texas is so hot the snakes grew legs to raise their tummies from the sand.
KingCracker wrote: Wow. Im pretty sure those facts are a bit exaggerated.
Houston is the most diverse city in the US.it was the first city to have a lesbian mayor.
Unemployment here is almost comically low.
It contains several of the fastest growing areas in the nation. We even let Yankees come in.
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Big H wrote: So after all this ( all the above) I went and asked my 210lbs, tattoo covered broken nosed Texan friend what he thought about me calling him a "yank feth"
He replied he'd buy me a JD and call me a "Brit feth"
We are now eating steak and gak faced.
Seems fair.
steak good.
Understand when I was young was a long time ago.things are different.
Grey Templar wrote:American is a safe word to use. It’s generalist and doesn’t apply to a specific region, unlike Yanky.
South American, Central American or North American ? It's a massive continent , I was meaning a nick name !
Grey Templar is being serious. Most folks from the USA fully expect you to refer to them as Americans. Or as from whichever specific U.S. state they were born in or have chosen to identify with. But they have to tell you what that is first, but if they're the type that cares about that, they will.
Hellfury wrote: It's actually meant as a joke. I already had my say up thread about Yankees and I stick by that remark.
But naturally somebody who lists "Texas the best state" as their location would have an even bigger bias than me and choose to become offended.
Thus proving my point.
Nothing is small in Texas. It always has to be a big deal even if it's a misunderstanding.
No, You were being rude for no reason about the states inhabitants in a thread someone wanting to visit the state. It's completely uncalled for, no one likes to be painted with these stereotypes. You may try to pass it off as a joke, but from your posts you seem to really believe that this is how the 28 million people in Texas are. All I ask is that you be polite. If you don't like the state, that's fine, just keep your offensive comments to yourself.
Big H wrote: So after all this ( all the above) I went and asked my 210lbs, tattoo covered broken nosed Texan friend what he thought about me calling him a "yank feth"
He replied he'd buy me a JD and call me a "Brit feth"
We are now eating steak and gak faced.
Seems fair.
steak good.
Understand when I was young was a long time ago.things are different.
Dude me and my Yank friend are both the wrong side of 45 ! I hope you aren’t much older than us !
Grey Templar wrote:American is a safe word to use. It’s generalist and doesn’t apply to a specific region, unlike Yanky.
South American, Central American or North American ? It's a massive continent , I was meaning a nick name !
Grey Templar is being serious. Most folks from the USA fully expect you to refer to them as Americans. Or as from whichever specific U.S. state they were born in or have chosen to identify with. But they have to tell you what that is first, but if they're the type that cares about that, they will.
I know what you mean mate, I have both worked in the United States and worked abroad with Americans for many many years and I have to say the citizens of the USA are usually the politest people around. Much more so than frosty Europeans for example.
My point is this, there doesn’t seem to be a socially accepted nick name for a citizen of the United States of America that doesn’t “offend” somebody. To say you want to be called “American” is disenfranchising the remainder of the great continent you live on, and perhaps the equivalent of me saying my country is “European”......(please let’s not derail the thread into the merits or not of Europe...)
Automatically Appended Next Post: Anyhow, I hope Grotsnik has a great time, and delivers a blow by blow battle report of his shenanigans in Texas !
Big H wrote: To say you want to be called “American” is disenfranchising the remainder of the great continent you live on, and perhaps the equivalent of me saying my country is “European”
lol whut?
I'm sorry, but no. Its not disenfranchising anybody. No other country on earth has "America" in its name and out country's name does have America in it. So we have every right to call and be called Americans, because we live in the United States of America.
Big H wrote: To say you want to be called “American” is disenfranchising the remainder of the great continent you live on, and perhaps the equivalent of me saying my country is “European”
lol whut?
I'm sorry, but no. Its not disenfranchising anybody. No other country on earth has "America" in its name and out country's name does have America in it. So we have every right to call and be called Americans, because we live in the United States of America.
I confess, I’d not thought about this matter before i was talking to my Guatemalan and Columbian friends.
Your country may very well be called the United States of America but you live on a continent split between South America ( Brazil, Argentina etc ) Central America ( Guatemala , Mexico etc) and North America ( you and Canada)
Now, how would you differentiate people from the continent of the Americas from people from the United States of America if you only call yourselves “American “
This is a genuine question that genuinely aggrieved my friends. I am not trolling you in any way, shape or form.
You have every right to call yourselves what ever you feel appropriate.
I was simply wondering what a descent nick name for the people south of Canada and north of Mexico would be, bearing in mind non of said people have the slightest hesitation in calling me an Aussie or a Brit 30 seconds after I open my mouth.
Big H wrote: To say you want to be called “American” is disenfranchising the remainder of the great continent you live on, and perhaps the equivalent of me saying my country is “European”
lol whut?
I'm sorry, but no. Its not disenfranchising anybody. No other country on earth has "America" in its name and out country's name does have America in it. So we have every right to call and be called Americans, because we live in the United States of America.
I confess, I’d not thought about this matter before i was talking to my Guatemalan and Columbian friends.
Your country may very well be called the United States of America but you live on a continent split between South America ( Brazil, Argentina etc ) Central America ( Guatemala , Mexico etc) and North America ( you and Canada)
Now, how would you differentiate people from the continent of the Americas from people from the United States of America if you only call yourselves “American “
This is a genuine question that genuinely aggrieved my friends. I am not trolling you in any way, shape or form.
You have every right to call yourselves what ever you feel appropriate.
I was simply wondering what a descent nick name for the people south of Canada and north of Mexico would be, bearing in mind non of said people have the slightest hesitation in calling me an Aussie or a Brit 30 seconds after I open my mouth.
Oh I don't know, maybe call your friend from Guatemala a Guatemalan or your friend from Brazil a Brazilian? IE: Call them by their country's name and not the continent it happens to be on. If you're from Mexico, you are Mexican. If you are from Colombia, you are Colombian. If you are from Panama, you are Panamanian. etc...
Its the same reason Americans are called Americans. Thats the country's name.
You say you aren't trolling, but I'm not convinced. This is freaking obvious.
As for you being called an Aussie or a Brit, thats simply a misunderstanding on the part of the observer. I personally would probably think you were German because I know what a German accent sounds like. But mistaken accents is really a different issue from "What do I call someone who comes from either North or South America?". Because thats a massively broad question without a specific answer. It depends on which exact country they are from.
You call someone from one of the many Central American countries a "Central American" and he'll probably not have a clue what you are talking about.
Perhaps I didn’t explain myself very well, my orginional point was my Guatemalan and Columbian friends were annoyed because they felt they and all the people of the “America’s” were by definition Americans, this is their thoughts, not mine, I am simply trying to articulate it.
However I am pretty certain this is derailing Grotsniks thread, I wish him Luck and as much fun as I had when I worked there.
Big H wrote: Perhaps I didn’t explain myself very well, my orginional point was my Guatemalan and Columbian friends were annoyed because they felt they and all the people of the “America’s” were by definition Americans, this is their thoughts, not mine, I am simply trying to articulate it.
However I am pretty certain this is derailing Grotsniks thread, I wish him Luck and as much fun as I had when I worked there.
Why would they ever refer to themselves that way? At that point, why not just refer to themselves as "human" if "Brazilian" or "South American" is too granular for their purposes?
Big H wrote: To say you want to be called “American” is disenfranchising the remainder of the great continent you live on, and perhaps the equivalent of me saying my country is “European”
lol whut?
I'm sorry, but no. Its not disenfranchising anybody. No other country on earth has "America" in its name and out country's name does have America in it. So we have every right to call and be called Americans, because we live in the United States of America.
I confess, I’d not thought about this matter before i was talking to my Guatemalan and Columbian friends.
Your country may very well be called the United States of America but you live on a continent split between South America ( Brazil, Argentina etc ) Central America ( Guatemala , Mexico etc) and North America ( you and Canada)
Now, how would you differentiate people from the continent of the Americas from people from the United States of America if you only call yourselves “American “
This is a genuine question that genuinely aggrieved my friends. I am not trolling you in any way, shape or form.
You have every right to call yourselves what ever you feel appropriate.
I was simply wondering what a descent nick name for the people south of Canada and north of Mexico would be, bearing in mind non of said people have the slightest hesitation in calling me an Aussie or a Brit 30 seconds after I open my mouth.
Oh I don't know, maybe call your friend from Guatemala a Guatemalan or your friend from Brazil a Brazilian? IE: Call them by their country's name and not the continent it happens to be on. If you're from Mexico, you are Mexican. If you are from Colombia, you are Colombian. If you are from Panama, you are Panamanian. etc...
Its the same reason Americans are called Americans. Thats the country's name.
You say you aren't trolling, but I'm not convinced. This is freaking obvious.
As for you being called an Aussie or a Brit, thats simply a misunderstanding on the part of the observer. I personally would probably think you were German because I know what a German accent sounds like. But mistaken accents is really a different issue from "What do I call someone who comes from either North or South America?". Because thats a massively broad question without a specific answer. It depends on which exact country they are from.
You call someone from one of the many Central American countries a "Central American" and he'll probably not have a clue what you are talking about.
I don't think you understand the name of the US very well if this is your argument. We are the United States OF America. By your logic we would be not be Americans, as that is the continent we live on. That is even referenced in the name, United States OF America.
Big H wrote: Perhaps I didn’t explain myself very well, my orginional point was my Guatemalan and Columbian friends were annoyed because they felt they and all the people of the “America’s” were by definition Americans, this is their thoughts, not mine, I am simply trying to articulate it.
However I am pretty certain this is derailing Grotsniks thread, I wish him Luck and as much fun as I had when I worked there.
Why would they ever refer to themselves that way? At that point, why not just refer to themselves as "human" if "Brazilian" or "South American" is too granular for their purposes?
Hellfury wrote: It's actually meant as a joke. I already had my say up thread about Yankees and I stick by that remark.
But naturally somebody who lists "Texas the best state" as their location would have an even bigger bias than me and choose to become offended.
Thus proving my point.
Nothing is small in Texas. It always has to be a big deal even if it's a misunderstanding.
No, You were being rude for no reason about the states inhabitants in a thread someone wanting to visit the state. It's completely uncalled for, no one likes to be painted with these stereotypes. You may try to pass it off as a joke, but from your posts you seem to really believe that this is how the 28 million people in Texas are. All I ask is that you be polite. If you don't like the state, that's fine, just keep your offensive comments to yourself.
I'll say what I want, when I want. I've lived there long enough to speak my own opinions and you can't invalidate my experiences.
Don't put words in my mouth. It's your choice to be offended. If that's your choice, so be it.
Sorry, not but not sorry that you can't handle someone being critical of "the best state" *eyeroll* even if that criticism is so painfully hyperbolic that it's as obvious as the bias in your tender sensibilities.
Hellfury wrote: It's actually meant as a joke. I already had my say up thread about Yankees and I stick by that remark.
But naturally somebody who lists "Texas the best state" as their location would have an even bigger bias than me and choose to become offended.
Thus proving my point.
Nothing is small in Texas. It always has to be a big deal even if it's a misunderstanding.
No, You were being rude for no reason about the states inhabitants in a thread someone wanting to visit the state. It's completely uncalled for, no one likes to be painted with these stereotypes. You may try to pass it off as a joke, but from your posts you seem to really believe that this is how the 28 million people in Texas are. All I ask is that you be polite. If you don't like the state, that's fine, just keep your offensive comments to yourself.
I'll say what I want, when I want. I've lived there long enough to speak my own opinions and you can't invalidate my experiences.
Don't put words in my mouth. It's your choice to be offended. If that's your choice, so be it.
Sorry, not but not sorry that you can't handle someone being critical of "the best state" *eyeroll* even if that criticism is so painfully hyperbolic that it's as obvious as the bias in your tender sensibilities.
You're from Minneapolis. We can only reply to your harangues with "bless your heart!"
No, You were being rude for no reason about the states inhabitants in a thread someone wanting to visit the state. It's completely uncalled for, no one likes to be painted with these stereotypes. You may try to pass it off as a joke, but from your posts you seem to really believe that this is how the 28 million people in Texas are. All I ask is that you be polite. If you don't like the state, that's fine, just keep your offensive comments to yourself.
On a serious note though: Fajitas.
Avoid "Tripas", especially the authentic ones.
Well, the smell itself is pretty distinct. They cook it on a large flat disc that resembles a shallow work over an open flame that does nothing to eradicate the overwhelming fecal odor.
I've eaten haggis in Kearvaig on a side stop on my way to Reykjavik. They don't resemble each other. But I'd love to hear a Scotsman's take on the delight of a south Texas Tripas. XD
Hellfury wrote: It's actually meant as a joke. I already had my say up thread about Yankees and I stick by that remark.
But naturally somebody who lists "Texas the best state" as their location would have an even bigger bias than me and choose to become offended.
Thus proving my point.
Nothing is small in Texas. It always has to be a big deal even if it's a misunderstanding.
No, You were being rude for no reason about the states inhabitants in a thread someone wanting to visit the state. It's completely uncalled for, no one likes to be painted with these stereotypes. You may try to pass it off as a joke, but from your posts you seem to really believe that this is how the 28 million people in Texas are. All I ask is that you be polite. If you don't like the state, that's fine, just keep your offensive comments to yourself.
I'll say what I want, when I want. I've lived there long enough to speak my own opinions and you can't invalidate my experiences.
Don't put words in my mouth. It's your choice to be offended. If that's your choice, so be it.
Sorry, not but not sorry that you can't handle someone being critical of "the best state" *eyeroll* even if that criticism is so painfully hyperbolic that it's as obvious as the bias in your tender sensibilities.
You're from Minneapolis. We can only reply to your harangues with "bless your heart!"
Considering your constant yakking at California, your glass house looks really fragile.
Hellfury wrote: It's actually meant as a joke. I already had my say up thread about Yankees and I stick by that remark.
But naturally somebody who lists "Texas the best state" as their location would have an even bigger bias than me and choose to become offended.
Thus proving my point.
Nothing is small in Texas. It always has to be a big deal even if it's a misunderstanding.
No, You were being rude for no reason about the states inhabitants in a thread someone wanting to visit the state. It's completely uncalled for, no one likes to be painted with these stereotypes. You may try to pass it off as a joke, but from your posts you seem to really believe that this is how the 28 million people in Texas are. All I ask is that you be polite. If you don't like the state, that's fine, just keep your offensive comments to yourself.
I'll say what I want, when I want. I've lived there long enough to speak my own opinions and you can't invalidate my experiences.
Don't put words in my mouth. It's your choice to be offended. If that's your choice, so be it.
Sorry, not but not sorry that you can't handle someone being critical of "the best state" *eyeroll* even if that criticism is so painfully hyperbolic that it's as obvious as the bias in your tender sensibilities.
You're from Minneapolis. We can only reply to your harangues with "bless your heart!"
Considering your constant yakking at California, your glass house looks really fragile.
Tearing into barbecue and Texas Red is of course a given. And compulsory. But what other Texan dishes are out there?
If you are going to be around Grapevine for the Cafe, it's around a 20 to 30 minute drive to Addison, which at one point had the most restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. While there are a lot of chain restaurants there, there are plenty of excellent mom and pop shops, and one off restaurants that are really good. You can find just about anything you like in the area.
Hellfury wrote: It's actually meant as a joke. I already had my say up thread about Yankees and I stick by that remark.
But naturally somebody who lists "Texas the best state" as their location would have an even bigger bias than me and choose to become offended.
Thus proving my point.
Nothing is small in Texas. It always has to be a big deal even if it's a misunderstanding.
No, You were being rude for no reason about the states inhabitants in a thread someone wanting to visit the state. It's completely uncalled for, no one likes to be painted with these stereotypes. You may try to pass it off as a joke, but from your posts you seem to really believe that this is how the 28 million people in Texas are. All I ask is that you be polite. If you don't like the state, that's fine, just keep your offensive comments to yourself.
I'll say what I want, when I want. I've lived there long enough to speak my own opinions and you can't invalidate my experiences.
Don't put words in my mouth. It's your choice to be offended. If that's your choice, so be it.
Sorry, not but not sorry that you can't handle someone being critical of "the best state" *eyeroll* even if that criticism is so painfully hyperbolic that it's as obvious as the bias in your tender sensibilities.
You're from Minneapolis. We can only reply to your harangues with "bless your heart!"
Considering your constant yakking at California, your glass house looks really fragile.
Tearing into barbecue and Texas Red is of course a given. And compulsory. But what other Texan dishes are out there?
Tex Mex offers a wide and deep field of choice worth exploring.
You are just jealous because Texas is the gateway to New Mexico!
Certainly more jealous of Texas than of New Mexico's backdoor on the other side...
Automatically Appended Next Post: Apparently there is a world famous popcorn shop in the DFW airport that I am compelled to suggest to you all. My SIL insists.
Apparently there is a world famous popcorn shop in the DFW airport that I am compelled to suggest to you all. My SIL insists.
If you're thinking of the one I'm thinking of, it's one of the Chicago popcorn places, either Garrett's or Nuts on Clark. I can't remember which one it was when I was in the airport a year ago. Probably Garrett's. Really amazingly good cheese popcorn.
Tex Mex offers a wide and deep field of choice worth exploring.
Yep, with the deepest choice being do you want chicken fajitas or beef fajitas? Personally, I prefer chicken fajitas. It's hard to get really good beef fajitas unless you're at an expensive restaurant. Getting that perfect combination of a good cut of steak, cooked just right, and sliced just right, isn't easy to find. And even when you do find it, it won't be as good the next time you go there. But, I may be just really picky about my beef fajitas.
Frazzled wrote: If you are in Dallas do not go to Dickeys. That's generic barbeque. Ask locals there for good barbeque.
While Dickey's isn't bad, the problem is when you're in Texas there's almost always a better BBQ place within five minutes. I would personally recommend Hard Eight, which is near Grapevine. It's a pit-style place, where you just order what you want from the pitmaster and pay by the pound. Which means it's very easy for your eyes to be bigger than your stomach (and wallet!).
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: Dickey’s......would it not be an idea to go there first, so I have a better reference point for what isn’t good barbecue?
Logic there is if it’s a chain, it clearly exists for a reason - so it won’t be absolutely awful.
So with a genuine point of reference, I can better appreciate proper barbecue?
Hell no. Life is short. Fill it with Good barbeque and TexMax.*
* Get some good Mexican too. This is a different animal than TexMex. Tex is basically peasant good with more beef and a lot of cheese. Mexican can come in multiple varieties and has less cheese. It offers more sauces and has less beef and more fish platters.
Automatically Appended Next Post: I amost forgot. If you can, go to a rodeo. That's a very different experience for a Brit and it's rodeo season .
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: Dickey’s......would it not be an idea to go there first, so I have a better reference point for what isn’t good barbecue?
Logic there is if it’s a chain, it clearly exists for a reason - so it won’t be absolutely awful.
So with a genuine point of reference, I can better appreciate proper barbecue?
Nah, honestly that isn't really how it works with BBQ. There is good BBQ, which you will know when you first have it. It is an experience, honestly. Then there is bad BBQ, where you may be full and satisfied, but your soul seeks more.
There is a new show on Netflix called Ugly Delicious. Watch the episode about BBQ. A lot of it takes place in different areas and the focus is on Murphrysboro IL, about 10 mins from where I lived and life was good, but there is a nice segment on Texas BBQ and it goes to the #1 BBQ joint in Texas.
Also a really good show in general. The pizza episode was great.
Texmex and mexican food is a must-try in the US in general (and I guess more specifically in Texas).
Even Chipotle is better than 90% of the stuff I find in France.
Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote: Dickey’s......would it not be an idea to go there first, so I have a better reference point for what isn’t good barbecue?
Logic there is if it’s a chain, it clearly exists for a reason - so it won’t be absolutely awful.
So with a genuine point of reference, I can better appreciate proper barbecue?
Agreed with Fraz. If I went over to the UK, would you tell me to try some average fish and chips before telling me where the good ones are?
Well, I'd take you to an English chippy, then an Edinburgh Chippy so you might see the light having been suitably endarkened first
Now, I know there's fierce competition when it comes to styles of barbecue - is there much the same for Tex-Mex? Do some parts of Texas feel they've got it More Right than others?
There are food trucks in DFW, but they're not as big a thing as they are in other cities, mainly because it's so hot in summer.
But, there are a lot of taco places just about everywhere you look.
Its the equivalent of Yorkshire)
For just language in general, you might have to repeat yourself sometimes, especially if your accent is a strong one.
It was 70 and pleasant up here in Dallas; it's spring in Texas so weather's weird.
