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National traditions - shall we compare?Follow

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#1 Dec 14 2007 at 2:23 PM Rating: Good
Nobby
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I'm always intrigued by the traditions that different nations hold to.

Some are widely known about Great Britain - Afternoon Tea, standing to attention for the National Anthem etc.

Some are less widely known, and may appear, shall we say, 'quirky'
  • The books of Charles DiCkens are only ever read at an angle of 26 degrees.
  • We always curtsey to our socks before folding them
  • It is considered impolite to wear a wig while fisting
  • All japanese tourists are handed loose change and a badger if they ask for directions
  • Sculptors should never be interrupted when telephoning their accountants
  • Americans should always be greeted with the affectionate greeting "Why are you so fUcking LOUD?!"
  • Red traffic lights are always glanced at with a sense of irony and faint despair
  • Corduroy is considered a sign of weakness
  • One should always tip left-handed Pizza delivery boys with counterfeit currency
  • It is obligatory for men to smoke at least 2 cigarettes outside lingerie shops when their SO is choosing underwear


Do any of you non-Britons have similar cultural oddities?
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#2 Dec 14 2007 at 4:45 PM Rating: Decent
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Nobby you forgot some...

> Our buses will always arrive 15 mins after the published time, unless you are running a couple of minutes late when they will be exactly on time and pull away just as you turn the corner.

> Rain will always be described as "light drizzle" no matter what the volume is actually falling.

> Close friends will be insulted at every opportunity while deadly enemies will be treated with unfailing politeness.

> All Yorkshire tourists are handed loose change and a badger if they ask for directions, only they will understand why.

> Fish, chips and mushy pea's will forever and always be considered the hieght of culinary genius.
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#3 Dec 14 2007 at 7:09 PM Rating: Excellent
Elinda
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Nobby wrote:

Do any of you non-Britons have similar cultural oddities?
We don't do culture.
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#4 Dec 14 2007 at 7:49 PM Rating: Good
Nadenu
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A badger? Now that's just silly.
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#5REDACTED, Posted: Dec 14 2007 at 10:32 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) Uhh... American citizens consider it a compliment when you insult their President Dubya.
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#6 Dec 15 2007 at 6:08 AM Rating: Excellent
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In Peru:

  • A person whose window is rolled down and whose arm in resting on the sill is glad to be in your country, and wishes you would take his watch as a sign of his respect for you. You must oblige.
  • Women cannot be allowed to walk a half-block without audiovisual accompaniement. Expressive gestures are encouraged, and all r's should be rolled to maximum potency.
  • Limes cure everything.
  • National monuments are to be pissed upon in keeping with ancient tradition. If possible, film beer commericals there as it shows respect for your heritage.
  • No llamas inside the Museo de Oro, but they are allowed in the Palacio de Gobierno. Twice.




Edited, Dec 15th 2007 8:08am by Atomicflea
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#7 Dec 15 2007 at 6:19 AM Rating: Good
Nobby
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Atomicflea wrote:
In Peru:

  • A person whose window is rolled down and whose arm in resting on the sill is glad to be in your country, and wishes you would take his watch as a sign of his respect for you. You must oblige.
  • Women cannot be allowed to walk a half-block without audiovisual accompaniement. Expressive gestures are encouraged, and all r's should be rolled to maximum potency.
  • Limes cure everything.
  • National monuments are to be pissed upon in keeping with ancient tradition. If possible, film beer commericals there as it shows respect for your heritage.
  • No llamas inside the Museo de Oro, but they are allowed in the Palacio de Gobierno. Twice.

Interesting that Spanish culture still pervades its former colonies.

Your last point explains why the Guanaco is revered in Museums the world over
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#8 Dec 15 2007 at 10:29 AM Rating: Good
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Shipping Newfoundlanders to Alberta, because they deserve each other.

Putting up french road signs, not so much to appease the francophones but rather to confuse americans.

Cabertag

Inviting Mexicans to America.

Enjoying gravity for 16 hours a day, and clinging to trees for the other 8.

Clubbing baby seals for attention, "Sir Paul will you sign this pelt???"



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#9 Dec 15 2007 at 2:03 PM Rating: Decent
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Listening to birds for one hour is a national passtime here.

The sad part is that it's actually true.

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#10 Dec 15 2007 at 2:08 PM Rating: Good
Nobby
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Zieveraar wrote:
Listening to birds for one hour is a national passtime here.

The sad part is that it's actually true.

That being the case, perhaps Kaiser Wilhelm and Adolf Hitler's invasions were more justified than we realised.

We Englishmen never listen to birds, only to other men.

Unless, bizarrely, you meant the featherd type of birds, in which case - sounds reasonable.
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#11 Dec 15 2007 at 2:26 PM Rating: Decent
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Quote:
We Englishmen never listen to birds, only to other men.

Unless, bizarrely, you meant the featherd type of birds, in which case - sounds reasonable.

I suppose there are some people who read this board that wouldn't have gotten it, but it would have been funnier, and much more British, to have left out the explanation.
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#12 Dec 15 2007 at 2:29 PM Rating: Good
Nobby
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MoebiusLord the Irrelevant wrote:
Quote:
We Englishmen never listen to birds, only to other men.

Unless, bizarrely, you meant the featherd type of birds, in which case - sounds reasonable.

I suppose there are some people who read this board that wouldn't have gotten it, but it would have been funnier, and much more British, to have left out the explanation.
I dumbed it down to Kaolian levels, but you have an point
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#13 Dec 15 2007 at 6:30 PM Rating: Excellent
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MoebiusLord the Irrelevant wrote:
Quote:
We Englishmen never listen to birds, only to other men.

Unless, bizarrely, you meant the featherd type of birds, in which case - sounds reasonable.

I suppose there are some people who read this board that wouldn't have gotten it, but it would have been funnier, and much more British, to have left out the explanation.
Rate-down. Not cranky enough.
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#14 Dec 15 2007 at 9:17 PM Rating: Good
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Rate-down. Not cranky enough.

You're married now. More ******* please.
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#15 Dec 16 2007 at 6:14 AM Rating: Excellent
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MoebiusLord the Irrelevant wrote:
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Rate-down. Not cranky enough.

You're married now. More ******* please.
That kid shouldn't let you sleep so much. Less polite, you hack.
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