r/IWantToAskAnAmerican

I recently moved out of the southeast and I kinda feel like I have trouble fitting in. I do have an accent but I try to tone it down, I feel like maybe this is a factor.

I am a marrocan living in the USA. I was curious about if really Americans know that maroco was the first country in the world recognized independence of Americans??

they are not songs about America or the like, but their sound just reminds you of america.

me first:

- Luke combs (yes, I know the original is Tracy chapman): fast car

- the wallflowers: one headlight

- don McLean: American pie (yes it does have the word American on it, but it’s just for rhyme)

One thing that really fascinated me when growing up and learning English is how differently people use "sir" and "ma'am" in the US. Where I am from, we only use it to address teacher/principal or a highly respectable person. A lot of learning materials like youtube, books, cartoons for children and even AI language learning apps like babbel, praktika present them as the polite way to address someone, especially older people, customers, or strangers. But when I read discussions online, I see very different opinions. Some Americans say they use them all the time because it's simply respectful, while others say they almost never use them unless the situation is very formal.

It made me curious that what everyday life is actually like. If a stranger asks you something, would you naturally reply with "yes, sir" or "no, ma'am," or would that sound too formal? Or does it depend on where you're from, your age, your family, or whether you grew up in the South?

I've always found these small language habits fascinating because they aren't really taught in textbooks, instead they’re more about culture and social norms.

For me, I was at the store and saw they were selling fully stocked easter baskets.

Why would they be selling easter baskets if the bunny brought it?

So we're standing in the checkout line, and I'm staring at this basket, and it's on hella sale bc it's the day after easter. I turn to my mom, ask about the basket and say "the easter bunny isn't real huh?"

My mom looks terrified. Shakes her head.

Cashier looks terrified.

"What about...santa?"

Mom shakes her head.

"The tooth fairy?"

Mom shakes her head.

"Jesus?"

Mom opens her mouth. Closes it. Opens it again. "He might be?"

Beat of silence.

The Cashier asks us if we have a club card to break the ice. Mom says no.

Cashier scans her own club card.

Lamo.

Mine :

1. George Washington - my favorite president
2. Chino Moreno - lead singer of Deftones my favorite band
3. Billy the Kid - famous outlaw cowboy
4. Marlon Brando - my favorite actor
5. William "Bill the Butcher" Poole - leader of Bowery Boys gang back in the 19th century

I love how positive Americans are. I recently heard an American tourist in Edinburgh say about a cafe "oh my god, I love the atmosphere here" which was a genuine statement of wonder. The cafe was just so-so. Which got me thinking, is there a place or a tourist destination in America that you struggle to be positive about? Or are Americans generally positive about everything?

I like badonkadonk, it means butt, I think it's from the south

Every country in the world has problems, but of all the worlds countries the USA seems to have the least. Yet if you ask a European about Canada their opinion is neutral or positive.. you ask them about the USA and it’s in many cases a negative response… it doesn’t even seem logical. Like Americans all pay 2k a month for health insurance and get shot at school…. They won’t even bother to mention the many great things the USA has to offer.. it grinds my gears and I was wondering if anyone else experience this ignorance

🗽Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸 I hope everyone has a good fourth

if you see this here’s a reminder to get off Reddit and enjoy this day! even if it’s small

I was trying to think of something to do for 250. Maybe 25 questions about each decade? Maybe I could make a mega thread? but idk nothing felt strong

The moderator asked me to delete my previous post because it wasn’t written as a question. I’ve reworded it and I’m reposting it here. Thanks!
Hi y’all!
I’m a 26y-m from Saudi Arabia, and I’m looking for someone with a Southern U.S. accent to practice English with.
My English is at an intermediate level. I can understand and communicate, but I’d like to improve my speaking, sound more natural, and become more confident. I really enjoy Southern accents, so I’d love to have relaxed conversations with someone who naturally speaks that way.
In return, I’d be happy to help you learn Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic, Saudi, or Gulf dialects) and share Saudi culture, traditions, and everyday life.
If you’re interested, feel free to send me a DM.
Thanks, y’all!
Happy 250th Fourth of July 🇺🇸