American culture is full of customs that seem completely normal to locals but leave outsiders scratching their heads. From massive food portions to patriotic celebrations that verge on theatrical, some traditions in the United States are uniquely strange. These habits may not seem odd to Americans, but elsewhere in the world, they are either misunderstood or simply nonexistent. Here are eight of the weirdest American traditions that you would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Black Friday Stampedes Over Discounted TVs
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving and it kicks off the holiday shopping season. What makes it bizarre is not just the early morning store openings but the intense frenzy that comes with it. People camp outside retail stores overnight, sometimes in freezing weather, just to be the first in line for discounted electronics, clothes, and toys. When doors open, the crowd rushes in and chaos often follows. Videos of people wrestling over televisions or trampling others have gone viral for years. Most countries have sales and promotional days, but few approach it with the near-combative energy seen in American malls and big box stores on Black Friday.
Thanksgiving Turkey Bowling
Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. Some communities and workplaces in the United States participate in a tradition called turkey bowling. Participants roll frozen turkeys down improvised bowling lanes, usually set up in grocery stores or parking lots, trying to knock down pins. While the game is generally meant to be silly and festive, it does raise eyebrows, especially for visitors unfamiliar with American humor. This is not a widespread national event, but where it does occur, it is seen as a quirky way to bring people together during the holiday season.
Competitive Hot Dog Eating Contests
The Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4th is perhaps the most famous food competition in America. Contestants try to eat as many hot dogs as possible within ten minutes while crowds cheer them on and commentators narrate every bite. Winners become minor celebrities and some even train for these events year-round. Outside of the U.S., competitive eating is rare and not often televised. This kind of eating spectacle, especially centered around processed meat, is uniquely American and speaks to the country’s larger-than-life approach to entertainment.
High School Proms That Rival Weddings
American high school prom is a massive event that resembles a Hollywood red carpet. Teenagers spend weeks, sometimes months, preparing for the big night. That means shopping for expensive dresses or tuxedos, renting limousines, arranging elaborate promposals, and booking professional photography. The event itself is formal and usually held at lavish venues. In most other countries, school dances exist but they are more modest in scale and expectations. The American prom tradition places a level of importance on a high school dance that many foreigners find both fascinating and over-the-top.
Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools
Each morning, millions of American students stand, face the flag, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. This ritual, deeply ingrained in the American school system, is intended to promote patriotism and national unity. However, in many other countries, the idea of children pledging loyalty to a flag daily would be seen as unusual or even controversial. It is not just the frequency that stands out, but the formal structure and expectation that every student will participate. This practice has sparked debates over free speech and national identity within the U.S., yet it remains a routine part of American education.
Super-Sized Everything
America’s love for extra-large food portions is no secret. From giant fountain drinks to burgers that require both hands to hold, supersizing is considered normal in many parts of the country. Tourists are often shocked by the portion sizes at American restaurants, especially when a single entrée could feed two or three people. This culture of more is tied to consumerism and convenience, but it stands in stark contrast to many other countries where moderation is key and food waste is frowned upon. The practice has even influenced fast food trends globally, although no one does it quite like the U.S.
Tailgating Before Sports Games
Tailgating is the act of turning a stadium parking lot into a pre-game party zone. Hours before the game begins, fans arrive with trucks, tents, portable grills, and coolers full of drinks. They cook burgers, blast music, and celebrate their team before ever entering the stadium. While sports fandom is global, this type of ritualized parking lot celebration is a distinctly American phenomenon. The act of turning a game into an all-day social event speaks to how seriously Americans take their sports. For newcomers, it may seem excessive, but for fans, tailgating is just as important as the game itself.
Baby Showers With Gift Registries
In the United States, baby showers are major events with themed decorations, games, and large gift registries. Friends and family gather to celebrate the expectant mother, often showering her with items from a carefully curated list that includes everything from diapers to strollers. In other parts of the world, celebrations for a baby may take place after birth due to cultural beliefs around health and luck. The American approach is much more commercial and celebratory in advance. Gift registries, which allow guests to choose specific items from a list, are not common practice in many cultures, making this tradition feel distinctly American.
Read More: 15 American Breakfast Foods That Baffle the Rest of the World
Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
