10 Common Ways Americans Speak that Completely confuse Non Americans -like me!

[@jackh.4544]

joy an hour early

[@DianeJennings]

I think this’ll be the new upload time going forward 😬

[@wheelz8240]

@@DianeJennings oh good, no more watching the try channel's upload then waiting an hour for you :P

[@MOJO-xi3wf]

@@DianeJennings sounds good Diane. 4:00 pm Eastern Time. I will be sure to set my sundial... 😁

[@rawgaentertainment]

We used to have an E in grade school

[@MOJO-xi3wf]

@@rawgaentertainment yes , I remember. E for exceptional. Lol

[@bjwalters8385]

When we say "I'm doing ok." Sometimes it does mean we are not doing well, but we dont want to burden anyone else with our problems.

[@cynthiawolf2467]

I would hazard it almost ALWAYS means exactly what you said.

[@RosheenQuynh]

@@cynthiawolf2467 That is also true

[@RosheenQuynh]

OMG, I never thought about it that way...

[@chairman4953]

I'm aight

[@unnecessaryapostrophe4047]

@@GrandpaLink Yeah, punishing people for being concerned with your welfare seems like something a reasonable person who wants to maintain good mental health would do.

[@isetmfriendsofire]

I think Americans mention states because of how vastly different the culture can be between them. It's really like a bunch of countries in a way.

[@stonewall01]

Originally that's exactly what it was. Before the American Revolution each of the 13 original colonies were separate, independent political entities or states. So much so that there were literally violent conflicts between the citizens of each. Just look up the history of the Green Mountain Boys. That is one reason that the Articles of Confederation were so weak. They gave the Federal Government very little power to actually do anything and most of the power was reserved to the States, making them semi-independent entities. Even today the Federal Government constitutionally has far fewer powers in regards to our day to day lives. Our local and State Governments have a great deal of power in that regard. That is also why the 10th amendment to the Bill of Rights was included.

[@joeyjohnson4826]

@@stonewall01 actually it is still that way the tenth amendment in the Bill of Rights very clear on State sovereignty. To be a citizen of the United States was unheard of until the passing of the 14th Amendment. Many including myself feel that parts of the Fourteenth Amendment actually lay in conflict with the 10th Amendment. The Fourteenth Amendment being the most controversial of the Reconstruction amendments, not the 13th, it is still used today to override the rights of State sovereignty over Federal intervention. It jas change for no one. By the letter of the law we are a republic. I am a citizen of my state first. I do not always claim loyalty to the federal government. No constitutional loving American claims identity to the federal government. You were correct up into the time frame of When it actually changed. The United States Constitution did and still does protect states rights and sovereignty. We are a constitutional representative Republic. What they long to be able to do in Europe ,but could never. Americans consciously or unconsciously know that they are from their state not the federal government😉... that is why we have an electoral college that is why all states have equal representation that is why that is why that is why😁

[@jackiehuff7736]

Not to mention the size of many of our states is greater than a lot of countries.

[@TheSansationalSans]

Exactly. You can be an American citizen, but you are also, separately, a citizen of one of the states. For incidence, I live in New York, and am a New York state citizen. I am not a citizen of California, or Florida, even though they are within the same country. I guess the same thing could be applied to cities as well, but you know what I mean. The states are very separate entities, and as such we typically identify with our state before our country unless we are talking with someone in another country. Otherwise we kinda assume you understand we are from America if we are currently in America, if that makes sense. Like, when I went to Maine, I told people I was from New York State, but when went to China, we told people we were from America. It is situational.

[@drchapman6501]

I am willing to bet that you would be offended if I said I thought you were British, Diane. All you have to do is look at our Congress and you see that certain states are pro-Republican (conservatives) and other states are pro-Democrats (liberals).. So, when I state that I am from Louisiana, you know so much about me. The last thing I want is that you mistake me for someone from California or New York. The United States may not appear to be 50 different countries; but we should appear to be two. There were some states that did not vote for Donald Trump in the last Presidential race; but will probably vote Republican in Senatorial and Representative races. See the comment from Joey Johnson. He explains it so much better than I can. But it is important that people understand that we are a republic...a collection of states. We are NOT a democracy with a sworn allegiance to the federal government. " I pledge allegiance to the FLAG of the United States and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands..."

[@ajalfano]

If I tell people what grade I was in when something happened it's probably because it was so long ago that I no longer have any clue how old I actually was.

[@davidweitzenkamp4856]

Yeah, to figure out my age back then, I have to take my grade and add 5.

[@MagsonDare]

Yup, this. I don't recall how old I was, but I recall the grade I was in when it happened. Weird that the memory works that way, but... there it is.

[@lynn2574]

Plus the way the age cut offs work, one grade could potentially have children of 3 different ages in it. 4th grade children are typically 8-10.

[@cyntogia]

In general Kindergarten is 5 years old 6th grade is 11 years old 8th is 13 years old 12 or a high school senior is 17. But depending on the state it can be slightly different.

[@voodoolilium]

@@cyntogia Yeah, if you have an early or late birthday you might be off a year. Although the cutoff for early/late is different from school district to school district lol

[@ruvadar]

We say "I'm doing okay" because we don't want to burden each other with how we are actually doing, because we all assume most people are meh most of the time.

[@RosheenQuynh]

Never thought about it that way 🤯

[@ZomniacMedia]

Yes, when Americans say, "I'm OK" it's a polite invitation to "drop it."

[@onloveandsublimation4912]

As an American, I am a citizen of the United States and my state, Pennsylvania. That's why we say our state. It means something.

[@crystalh450]

Yes, and I don't think Diane is understanding that we are called "The United States" for a reason. We are a collection of 50 different States and that is how we view ourselves. We aren't all the same even if we are "united" for the purposes of a military, etc...

[@waggy401]

And, it's a big country, so naming a state gives the asker a rough idea of location and culture. Because there's a huge difference between New York and Utah.

[@debmohn]

Exactly right. My husband I are both citizens of the United States. He is from central Pennsylvania and I am from Louisville Kentucky. What a difference that relatively short distance makes.

[@onloveandsublimation4912]

@@debmohn Absolutely agree. In fact, I paused a bit when you said central PA because I'm from Pittsburgh. Technically, Pittsburgh is in Appalachia, and that means a lot. A LOT.

[@jtuell]

@@debmohn You say "relatively short distance", but those same 500 miles would cover four European countries from Paris to Bremen (France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany). Even more in the Balkans.

[@Sewprano]

We’re just as confused by the clothes sizes. Literally nobody knows wtf if happening with clothing sizing.

[@DianeJennings]

😂

[@deadsquirrelseven]

This is true. I just pick one store/brand of clothing and I'm stuck with them for life... or until they go out of business.

[@Scl45689]

So true

[@dongleason9878]

Too many manufacturers with their own sizing chart.

[@princessmarlena1359]

And don’t get me started on Metric vs Imperial System of measurements...

[@HistoryNerd808]

We use "plead the 5th" as a colloquial term because it's the amendment that says that the government can't force you to testify against yourself, in other words, that you can't be forced to incriminate yourself. So in slang, it literally just means that you're not going to say something that could get you in trouble.

[@awesomemccoolname7111]

@@kevinraney2935 that was a good one lol.

[@awesomemccoolname7111]

As An American who studied history and knows the constitution very well this is 100% accurate.

[@TinKnight]

Yes, you're totally correct. The point she's making is that the 5th Amendment only applies to people in the US. To everyone outside the US, the 5th Amendment is inconsequential (although it was the foundation for a lot of similar rules). Thus, saying "I plead the 5th" is like everything else we Americans do, & expecting the world to care more about our culture than we do about theirs.

[@awesomemccoolname7111]

@@TinKnight or its us using sayings that are second nature to us which is a fairly human thing to do. I wonder if you judge other countries as harshly as the US.

[@HistoryNerd808]

@@TinKnight I know it only applies in the US but that's also really irrelevant since it only applies against the government anyway. I was explaining the slang term for people outside the US who don't know what we're referencing when we say that. No, it has nothing to do with "expecting the world to care more about our culture." It is referencing things we know and understand, the idea that that's a sign of some American superiority complex as you seem to think is asinine.

[@Philistine47]

"I'm doing okay" = "I don't really want to get into it right now. So I'm going to plead the Fifth, and we can agree to table it."

[@garyr8739]

Cute, very cute.

[@stefanniecundiff1554]

💯💯💯

[@scottr5661]

I'll give you an E for effort... 😉

[@crystalh450]

@@scottr5661 as a military brat, we had "E" grades in our schools. It stood for "excellent".

[@scottr5661]

@@crystalh450 Which doesn't make sense. Why would "excellent" fall between the two lowest grades? And what was it better/worse than?

[@mykemech]

Answering with your home state is almost muscle memory, because other than when traveling abroad, the city and state is always the sought after answer.

[@bobarkwright4954]

In my experience, the term "table it" means to defer until later for resolution in the future whereas the term "shelve it" means to defer indefinitely with no guarantee that a resolution will be sought.

[@jofox339]

And the term "put a pin in it" means we need to divert from this subject or someone is going to lose a limb.

[@kennyjacobs867]

To many protesters showed up. Let's table it until next month, maybe the witness will not show so we can pass it.

[@DeAnna_Im_Not]

I never have even heard of someone saying “table it” 😅 that definitely was a new one for me

[@HariSeldon913]

@@DeAnna_Im_Not Comes from Robert's Rules of Order, probably the most widely used guideline for running formal meetings in the US. It's been around for about 150 years.

[@nailsofinterest]

@@kennyjacobs867 I've only heard it in a business context

[@DogHumpsMonkey]

“Doing okay” means exactly that. Things are okay. They aren’t great, but the don’t suck either. It’s just okay.

[@yalondapickrel2058]

Exactly!

[@SonyaLCH]

But it usually IS a sign that you wouldn't mind someone asking what's going on. Because typically if everything is wonderful, we give more hyperbolic responses such as "I'm doing great." If you are just "ok". There is usually something going on beneath the surface.

[@daemonineden]

I say "I'm doing okay" like I say "well enough" and I don't want to explain what is bothering me due to a long explanation.

[@aipo86t]

You have to pay attention to the tone of voice. On a scale of 1 - 10 Okay is 4 to 6. From the tone of voice you get whether they are just a little down or a little better than average or just neutral.

[@jeremyharris1547]

If it were french, com ce, com ca.

[@XtomJamesExtra]

Sorry Diane I've pointed this out many a time, it's not what you think. While it is true that entrée means "to enter" this comes from the traditional 6 course French menu circa the late 19th century. As the French cuisine became more popular in the US and with the advent of the middle class explosion, this traditional multicourse meal was simplified to a three course meal, with the most commonly served dishes retaining their French names. The traditional French 6 course meal consisted of soup, hors d’oeuvres (and/or fish), entrée (or entrées), a roast (the star of the show), a final course and then dessert. With WWI this was dropped to hors d'oeuvres, the entrée (which included the main meal whatever that course was) and dessert. You can thank the French and WWI for the American usage of entrée for the main meal or course of a meal.

[@Fishmorph]

To add to that, "French service" (which predominated until the 19th century) meant to bring all the courses out simultaneously. The so-called entrée referred to the fanciful and ceremonious way in which that course emerged from the kitchen, surrounded by little nibbles and lesser dishes. Most service transitioned to so-called "Russian service" by the beginning of the 20th century, in which dishes were brought out one at a time. (Russian service requires the household to have more flatware and plates available, so it began only for the wealthy.) Restaurants mostly adopt the one-course-at-a-time Russian method nowadays, even though the French name entrée is the one which prevailed.

[@johnrust592]

The true meaning of "I'm OK" depends on the tone in one's voice. A bright "I'm OK" means everything is good. A curt "I'm OK" means everything sucks and I don't want to talk about it.

[@colbymcarthur7871]

Ngl i’ve never used the bright “I’m ok” because then it sounds like everything sucks but I’m really trying to convince myself otherwise, i’ll say “I’m good/great/doing well” if it’s actually good

[@JeromeViolist]

And “I’m...okay” means I’m not doing well and I want to talk about it.

[@Thepirireis]

Oklahoma! It’s not great, doesn’t suck. It’s……OK

[@poluticon]

Most Americans identify more with their state than with the country. I actually think the Europe analogy works because there are so many cultural differences in the US that vary state to state. For example, someone from Alabama has a grown up in a completely different culture than someone from New York. Each state is almost like it's own little country.

[@cortneymc7775]

Agreed! That’s how I would explain it but it was nice to know to just say America. To us it matters where, others don’t know that.

[@hah3456]

So true!

[@leoncarpenter958]

An American identifying by state is analogous to a European telling which country they're from since America is quite large in comparison to European countries.

[@mofo888]

I feel like this is a southern thing, in the NE we would say we're American before 'bostonian' or 'connecticutian'

[@lookitsvane]

@@mofo888 I agree, I’m from Chicago so I’ll always say I’m a Chicagoan not an Illinoisan

[@davidbeaulieu4815]

We don't actually remember how old we were. We use visual and life experience milestones to mark time. When someone asks me how old i am i have to do out the math because i haven't kept track since i turned 21.

[@citizencalmar]

If you ask me how I'm doing and I say, "I'm doing really badly," I would feel like I was obligating you to inquire further to avoid looking like a bad person. So I might just say, "I'm doing okay" instead to give you an out, and to not assume on my end that you want to hear about all my troubles and just unload them on you. If you do inquire further because you're sincerely interested, I'll go ahead and go into detail, but if you're just asking how I'm doing as a greeting (as we do here), "I'm doing okay" is just a way to return the greeting without making you listen to me complain.

[@66edoug]

Exactly, when someone says okay it means there is something bothering them. If you ask someone you don't know very well, leave it alone. Only follow up if that person is upset or acting depressed. Or not acting like they usually do.

[@lokiodinson2326]

Also, depending what occupation you are in, you can get into trouble with work for saying that you are feeling bad. In retail, for example, it's acceptable for a customer to tell you they aren't doing good, but if they as you how you are, you have to say that you are doing great/ok (regardless of how you actually are).

[@stefanniecundiff1554]

This!

[@EdoDoe613]

“I’m ok” can be a polite way to say “ not really well” without drawing too much attention to it. Often “fine” is used to politely answer the question without expecting or wanting further details.

[@brittneyparker1328]

And "it's going" is the polite way to say I'm dying please kill me !

[@EdoDoe613]

@@brittneyparker1328 🤣 True that!

[@kpobuibo]

I used it after the death of a family member, when I'm finally starting to feel like I'll be good in the forseeable future. I have a friend who says "Everything's just ducky" with a big smile, when things are going badly.

[@creativedesignation7880]

It's not an American thing though, we do essentially the same thing in Germany.

[@theeternal417]

Yeah, "how are you doing?" is more of a greeting that's not expected to receive an in-depth response.

[@misterkite]

The thing is, we remember what grade we were in when something happened because that's how you divide up time as a kid. I remember I did XYZ in 4th grade. I'd have to google how old I was.

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

Probably five or six years plus the grade old.

[@chitlitlah]

That's right. It's often easier to remember who was your teacher at the time than between which two birthdays it happened. Luckily my birthday was right at the end of the school year so I could almost always just add 5 to the grade to get my age, but not everyone was so lucky.

[@honolulublues5548]

If you have to Google it, you probably aren't good at basic addition.

[@misterkite]

@@honolulublues5548 Basic addition doesn't take into account that for every grade, you're two ages.

[@InThisEssayIWill...]

@@honolulublues5548 except different states have different rules for what the age cutoff is to enter your child in school, some schools do kindergarten some do preschool some do both some do none so... It's really not uniform. I started school in a different state then I finished it so the cutoff that determined my start year was different than my peers. My birthday was in the summer near the end, and some of my best friends birthdays were in the summer at the beginning, and they were nearly a full year younger than me but we were in the same grade. 🤷

[@kideternity7728]

On, "where are you from"...In the US, saying Idaho and then someone else says Florida, it literally is like saying Portugal and someone else from Finland. People are so different in what they eat, accent, and slang/sayings, etc from state to state. Sometime even city to city within the same state.

[@princessnodak]

“I’m doing ok” is American for, you don’t actually want to hear my life story, so to move this along, we’ll say everything is fine, and move on

[@billyburnett4333]

That was the perfect way to explain it because you're exactly right

[@randallpetersen9164]

Yup. You don't care how I'm actually doing and I know you don't care, so let's get right to why I'm actually here.

[@josephmadden3693]

I think "I'm OK" gives the other person an out if they don't want to ask any follow up questions.

[@DianeJennings]

I seeeeee

[@AhNee]

Or, because asking how someone is tends to be an insincere greeting. They don't really give a rat's ass, it's just "something you say when greeting someone". I say, if you don't wanna know, don't ask. Because I WILL tell you, in horrifying detail. Which never seems to curb anyone for asking.

[@Chris-ww5sh]

I’m ok is just a passive aggressive way of saying you’re not good, and you want them to know but you don’t want to talk about it.

[@deadsquirrelseven]

Yup, what Chris said.

[@Squ33zemly]

Exactly

[@ethanbrazile6934]

If you're this confused don't even get into the whole" dinner or supper "discussion because it really depends on where you were raised

[@nelsonricardo3729]

To my New York ear, "supper" sounds somewhere between quaint and hillbilly.

[@ethanbrazile6934]

@@nelsonricardo3729 If I remember right,, supper is supposed to later and more formal than dinner...then again I may have it backwards

[@msaudreylee]

It changed during my lifetime. When I was a kid, we had breakfast, dinner, and supper. I'm not sure when it changed to breakfast lunch, and dinner.

[@agoogleuser4443]

@@msaudreylee then there's the breakfast, lunch, and supper combination too.

[@OgamiItto70]

And also stay the hell away from "license plates" versus "tags."

[@Dylan-vd6rz]

"I'm doing okay" is short hand for it's a little rough right now but I don't know you well enough to unpack my baggage on you so let's pretend we're all happy!

[@HyddenWellFarms]

If I say, “let’s table it” I’m saying we are not solving this problem now, but this is a priority an we are going to leave it on the table and continue to poke away at it and find a solution. If I say, “shelve it!” This means I am not thinking about this and maybe someday I’ll pull that back down and work on it

[@waynewallace2583]

On No. 6 - In the States, it’s spelled “Plead” the Fifth - not “Pleed”

[@ZomniacMedia]

It's spelled "Plead" in Ireland, too. It's a simple typo.

[@jimjob28]

For what it's worth, there are countless different words, phrases, terms, and accents used in the various regions of the U.S. that if you use them outside of that particular region, people may not know what you are talking about. Edit: This list includes food, as well.

[@garymcgregor5951]

You betcha, eh?

[@MrBlaktoe]

do what?!

[@rebekahc2707]

Can I get that covered in Christmas?

[@theeternal417]

My sister grew up in New york and I grew up in PA. We fight to this day over the Soda and Pop thing, and that's only a couple hundred miles lol.

[@Dreoilin]

Terms for hello: Hi, hello, what's up, sup, how's it goin, how are ya, hey. NONE of which are meant to further a conversation. If someone says, how are ya? It's like hi. You just say, good thanks and keep walking, or hi.

[@CheersNE]

Our clothing sizes are as annoying as Starbucks drink sizes, which I still haven't memorized because as mentioned, it's annoying.

[@barrywerdell2614]

I was listening to Kathleen Madigan's podcast last week and an Irish author gave me an inkling about how some Irish think about the Royals in Britain when he was asked about the royals he paused for a second and stated; "It's a bit like living next to Disneyland only knowing Goofy killed your Grandfather."

[@benjackson7872]

“Doing ok”, means you’re not doing great but you’re not doing awful. It’s usually better than “meh”.

[@dansdiscourse4957]

'Restroom' and 'bathroom' are terms we turned to so that we didn't have to say 'I'm going to the toilet to do my business' because once upon a time that was seen as indelicate

[@isetmfriendsofire]

I'm headed to the piss-pot

[@baconfrey]

Also “powder room”

[@Arkainum]

I mean, it also used to be a room for resting, with fainting couches and everything, so...

[@jtuell]

@@baconfrey "Powder room" has a specific connotation as a two-piece restroom (sink and toilet *without* bathing facilities). But yeah, it's along the same line of referring to the room without using "toilet" as Dan stated.

[@jtuell]

I have always thought the term "bathroom" for public facilities is a bit misleading. Unless you're at a truck stop or gym, they usually don't have baths (or even showers). To me, "bathroom" is specifically the room in a (typically residential) building that includes a bathtub, or at least a shower. Even the term "half bath" for a "powder room" bothers me, since there are zero bathtubs involved.

[@ShaMicKan]

I think "restroom" is from an older era, like early 1900's and before. I've been in old stage venues where the toilet room also had a sitting area and a fireplace. I think it was common for people during event intermissions to "rest" by using the toilet and then having a drink and smoking by the fire before going back to the auditorium.

[@DianeJennings]

Interesting new thing I learned today!

[@mollytremblay8031]

I know of a rather large restaurant and a public garden in eastern Pennsylvania whose rest rooms have a sitting area with comfortable chairs, mirrors and are frequently being used by women actually resting and doing minor primping before returning to the "world".

[@voodoolilium]

In the US states are almost like they're own countries, especially if you're from Texas haha. I imagine other states probably think of California, where I'm from, in a similar way.

[@LindaC616]

Ha! Explain, then, why you always hear "I'm from Long Island"

[@lawrencedavis9246]

@@LindaC616 To detach from New York City.

[@LindaC616]

@@JohnFourtyTwo the majority of them talk about it as if it were its own state. I've met 3 exceptions in my, ahem, slightly long lifw

[@nuclearpoweredbrain2211]

and the 50 (US) states combined are nearly as big as the 50 nations in Europe combined.

[@LindaC616]

@scsibofh on the other hand, I've met people in the Caribbean or Latin America that don't recognize any states beyond NY or "Miami"

[@reineh3477]

Clothes sizes can be quite different in Europe too. I have "Large" if I go to H&M (Swedish) and "XXL" if I go to Zara (Spanish) I live in Sweden but I know most American states, at least "Oh thats southeast" or "Thats in the middle north" Several model agencys have banned the "Size 0" on catwalks Edit: IKEA don't have weird names, I understand all of them. Maybe being a Swede helps

[@thomasgruseck7971]

Very good point about "table it." We do also say that something is "on the table," which is ironically the opposite of "tabling it."

[@KimberlyGreen]

I just want to appreciate the scripting / planning of having Presenter Diane smoothly acknowledge Editor Diane's explanation @4:27 "true".

[@mermaid1717]

Here's a meal term for you. In the south the side items of a meal are called "fixin's".

[@loe3175]

Not to be confused with our declaration that we're planning to do something soon "fixin to". I'm fixin to thumbs up this video.

[@mikek0135]

Ah naw, let’s not even get into Cold Drink, and makin groceries! 😁

[@nosajimiki5885]

Also in the South, "How are you?" is often replaced with "What's up?" or "wazzup" or "s'up" depending on your exact dialect, to any of which one may reply "not much".

[@honolulublues5548]

@@nosajimiki5885 You actually think that's southern? 🤣

[@agoogleuser4443]

@@loe3175 My daughter actually got me a decorative plate that says "I'm fixin to" because we say it that much!

[@chefbubbaclemson3701]

A restroom used to include a couch or chaise for women to undo their corsets and rest before returning to a formal function or dinner. Back in the 1800's

[@lynntaylor9681]

Yep and also some mall restrooms have a lounge area with a couch before you enter the actual restroom.

[@jennifert8542]

I've been to a few restaurants that had a couch and an area to sit also a place to do your makeup

[@Knight-of-Sarcasm]

I'm sure it's been explained below, but in the times a hundred years or so ago (or perhaps more) ladies would excuse themselves to go to the rest room to rest. There was a lounge area with chairs and sometimes a couch or two to sit, talk, or just recoup from whatever event you're doing (like waltzing) to catch your breath. You could also touch up your makeup. Over time, the lounge has been fading out, but the term refers to the toilet that a part of that lounge. Some local stores like JC Penney, or my old church, still had rest rooms from the 1950's/1960's time period. I loved it as a kid and I do miss it. Now we're stuck with just Walmart.

[@ChristChickAutistic]

Sugar, the reason why we say what state we're from is because the USA is basically a confederation of 50 separate countries (states), and for most of us, we identify way more with our state than our federal government. What I've always thought was so cool about my country is that no matter how much we argue amongst each other, we always come together in times of crisis and joy. Kind of like a family.

[@Nitro1000]

In America we tend to ask each other where they’re from because each state has its own culture, accent in many cases, climate, and politics. For us it’s a way of knowing how to interact with each other as someone from New Hampshire might find someone from New York or California overpowering

[@juliababyjenjenny8485]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. We also I think put the importance of our state above our country in a lot of ways. State rights are super important to a lot of us, and I think we kind of assume everyone knows our state is in America. Our state we reside in or grew up in is a huge identify factor for a lot of us. But its a good point, if they're out of country, we should start with America first.

[@TarnishedHollow1844]

I grew up going between Ireland and America so my speech is a mixture of both countries slang and phrases. Makes for an entertaining conversation with Dutch people in the Netherlands where I'm currently living XD

[@DianeJennings]

That’s the best mix!!

[@glueball214]

Me too

[@lynn2574]

I have always lived in the US, but my parents are both from Holland and speak Dutch and English. I speak very little of it, but there was Dutch words that have been absorbed into my English. It’s a strange little mix. My mom has pretty advanced Alzheimer’s, and speaks Dutch more and more. I wish I remembered more of it!

[@InsightfulZen]

When I say "I'm doing okay" I literally mean I'm doing okay like I'm alright. If I'm not doing okay, I'll probably say "I've been better but I'm okay" signalling that I'm not okay but I'm alive and breathing and not in immediate peril.

[@minivantripping2007]

You are too funny and very entertaining! I REALLY enjoy yer videos! It’s so cute to see an honest young lady comment and share her feelings on American oddities! Keep it up! Great video! Lol

[@1234larry1]

There is a difference here in America (not just MY state, but any state) between “tabling” something and “still on the table.” The former means to save it for later and the latter means still up for inclusion in the discussion or set of options being considered.

[@michaelmachupa3854]

Back in the day restrooms were literal restrooms. They used to having seating areas and magazines and refreshments close to the toilets You dont see those anymore but the name stuck.

[@LindaC616]

I remember when I was in grad school, the ladies' room on my dept's floor actually had a (twin) bed in a little nook

[@Chris-ww5sh]

It took me a long time to know what the term “water closet” meant. It’s like we can’t call it a toilet like the Brits do.

[@lynn2574]

Yes! Many churches or fancy restaurants/stores will still have a seating area attached to or in the bathroom area.

[@Squ33zemly]

Also no bathtubs 😂

[@presbyterosBassI]

It's considered impolite to talk about what you actually do in there. Blame Queen Victoria.

[@Hessen84]

"How are you" is not actually asking how you are. It's just a greeting.

[@deormanrobey892]

That "table" bit is weirder than you think. Table as a verb means to set aside, but on the table means open for discussion, and off the table means not available.🤪🙄

[@yalondapickrel2058]

Exactly!

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

But also, on the table means it needs to be resolved, and off the table mean that it has been resolved. So when we don't take it "off the table" we're virtually putting it back down on the table again for later... we've essentially "tabled it."

[@robertsitch1415]

In Canada we typically use table as a verb to describe drafting new legislation.

[@markissleepy]

@@yvonnepalmquist8676 It's even more confusing than that! In the US parlimentary procedure says that tabling somehing means set it aside for later discussion, but everywhere else in the world parlimentary procedure uses the exact same phrase to mean "open it up for discussion."

[@noam65]

I agree with the clothing thing. And the bed thing. The restroom... hold it until you're feeling about to burst... relief feels like rest.

[@raen3042]

as an American i have never heard anyone say "table it" until i watched this video

[@agoogleuser4443]

I've heard it but don't say it. I'd be more likely to say we'll put it on the back burner, or we'll save that for later discussion.

[@tomcat3360]

“Plead” the 5th. And yes, American citizens are not protected by the US Constitution when in other countries.

[@Reubinv]

Wut seriously!?

[@josephmorneau4339]

Yes we are. But the US Constitution only protects us from our own government.

[@rickycoker5830]

@@Reubinv pretty sure North Korea/ China {among others) doesn't give a hoot about our "rights" under the constitution.

[@Matrim42]

@@josephmorneau4339 Correct

[@amehak1922]

@@josephmorneau4339 no. If you commit a crime in another country, they'll charge you. The embassy might help out but they can't prevent the country from punishing you. And its the same thing here if a tourist commits a crime here.

[@mandystory4275]

Diane, not even we know what our clothes and shoe sizes are any more. It's stupid that there is so much variation.

[@DianeJennings]

It’s soooo confusing

[@shanac5404]

And it's not the same in every store either, or every brand. And then there's the junior sizes that don't distinguish that they are junior sizes 🙄

[@Terrell070]

@@shanac5404 Yeah. Never made sense to me that junior even existed as a woman's size. Usually when I hear junior I think, dude that's named after his father.

[@scottski51]

All's I know is I'm getting to be a little too Extra Grande around the middle and NOT liking it. Now, where's that bag of Cheetos??

[@dongleason9878]

Buy American Made, sizes are consistent.

[@stevenpollastri3877]

Diane is turning into the Simpsons where you have to watch each episode to see what the subscribe graphic is going to do

[@DianeJennings]

Haha fun!

[@Rome_Emor]

The bed thing really caught me off guard! For anyone wondering, here in America we have essentially 4 main bed sizes and a few extra sizes. Listed by smallest to largest we have twin, full, queen, king sizes. After those we have the specialty sizes like toddler mattress (crib sizes) then California queen and California king sizes which are HUGE! Im talking legit royalty size!

[@patriciawinkler1531]

I always thought that "I'm doing ok" is a way to not let a conversation happen. If you say, "Good," then there are no follow ups. If you say "Bad," there's follow ups. "Ok" is just a way of not getting into it while letting the other person know that it's not great. When I went to Ireland, I was told not to ask people how they are unless I really wanted to know how they are doing and have a conversation. I thought that was interesting.

[@anthonyanderson4980]

We just want the rest of the world to be as confused as we are! 😂

[@DianeJennings]

😂

[@Deedric_Kee]

😎👍

[@wolfmanjack3451]

Hey we're obviously confusing them 😅

[@BazTheStoryteller]

In Northern Ireland, our classes were "Primary 1" , "Primary 2" , etc. Also known as "P1", "P2", etc. Secondary school starts off as "Year 8" and goes up to "Year 12".

[@DianeJennings]

No way!! That’s interesting

[@bierce716]

A few thoughts... The confusion on clothes sizes is 98% Female. Men go by measurements. If I find a pair of pants labeled "40/30", I buy it without trying it on because I know it will fit. (my wife said "that's gross") Men don't have sizes, they have actual measurements. (I said 98% instead of 100% only because high fashion that I cannot afford sometimes goes into what men call "cheap hotel" regions)

[@davidweitzenkamp4856]

True, but I know many men (including the one I see in the mirror) who assume their waist stays the same size for more years than they should.

[@bierce716]

@@davidweitzenkamp4856 Good point! But having spent decades fighting my weight, I always know my measurements. I have several sizes in the wardrobe for minor ups and downs.

[@LindaC616]

Just try the waistband of the pants around your neck. Then you'll know if they fit or not

[@davidweitzenkamp4856]

@@LindaC616 Do have to pull them up that high?

[@bierce716]

@@LindaC616 Lol, you assume I have a neck

[@ronaldporter7206]

To "table it" is a term in parliamentary procedure (used in business meetings) to officially halt discussion on a matter until a future time.

[@markheffernan876]

Diane, I

[@christopherpapp7942]

I am from America, and you are spot on about all of these things. Hilarious!

[@DianeJennings]

🙌

[@sminthian]

"How are you doing?" is not actually asking how they're doing. Just think of it as a long way of saying "hello". You're not supposed to pay attention to what they say. It goes like this: How are you doing? Blah blah blah, how are you doing? Blah blah blah. And then you can talk about what you actually wanted to talk about...

[@thevtyeti]

An old Vermont way of answering "how are you?" Is "I'm good, unless you want to go into details"

[@jonathanross149]

As someone subjected to the American school system, I can tell you when we site the school grade instead of age. We were traumatized each year in a unique way and our mind leap back to the specific trauma when you talk about an historic event that took place at the same time.

[@danbrowne4368]

LOL

[@theeternal417]

Second grade I was sent to time out in a storage closet on a daily basis for nearly half the school year. Sixth, I was out for 10 weeks for reasons I can't even remember anymore. No idea how old I was at the time, but I sure remember the years well enough.

[@NastyRascal]

"Table it" comes from parliamentary procedure, as in "to table the motion" which means to set it aside for a while.

[@pablodelsegundo9502]

Re: bed sizes - I only recently discovered there's a 'California king' size bed.

[@moonfisher]

The best size for us tall folks

[@voyagerkat22]

I suppose we just answer the "where are you from?" question the same, no matter who asks us. We can get asked that question from our new next door neighbors. It's not an uncommon question ask someone you've just met. It might just be part of our over sharing/friendliness tendencies that we get very specific.

[@anthonyanderson4980]

Diane with a "that's what she said" in her video! Just when I thought I couldn't like your content any more than I already do!

[@DianeJennings]

😏

[@EverlastingHobnocker]

I think "that's what she said" jokes are pretty funny and once when we had hot dogs for whatever meal, someone said "Put the wiener in the bun" so I answered " That's *not* what she said"

[@richgone]

Oh! I actually know the restroom one. In the early 1900s upscale restaurants and theaters actually had a room next to the toilets and sinks, like a big lobby but not, with comfy chairs, et al... And they were called the rest room for ladies and the lounging room for gentlemen.

[@zzkeokizz]

In the US there’s a stigma that everyone has to be happy all the time as if you are trying to keep up appearances

[@lawrencedavis9246]

*Still craving more of Diane?* Take a moment and visit her sister channel 'Diane Before Dawn'.

[@DianeJennings]

Yaaaasss! Thanks Lawrence.

[@timhefty504]

Its not THAT kind of "before dawn" channel, and I'm sure some people are disappointed by that

[@hansc8433]

Yeah I know, but I’m still craving more of Diane anyway 🙄 Although I’m a bit scared of ED.

[@lawrencedavis9246]

@@hansc8433 Don't be, she's all bark and no bite. She signs off sending good vibes.

[@kateealer7]

Germany, whom we got our school grade system from, "AM I A JOKE TO YOU?!"

[@pointlagrange4823]

Unt it beginz vis de Kindergarten LOL

[@Terrell070]

Yeah, and we got a chunk of our language from them too.

[@garyr8739]

And yes, there used to be an E in our grading system. At some point they felt it hurt the kids self esteem to give them an E and dropped that and started giving other things like F;s in some schools, (doesn't make sense) or I for incomplete, things like that. They also pretty much quite failing kids - that also hurt there self esteem. They just keep passing them on whether they are ready or not or have learned anything or not. No wonder our education system is now ranked so low in the world. Last I saw the US didn't even make the top 20 in World Best Education Systems. There are other ranking systems but the one I looked at takes the following into account. • Early Childhood Enrollment Rates for 3 to 4 year old • Primary Completion for 6 to 11 year old • Lower Secondary Completion for 11 to 14 year old • High School Graduation Rates for 14 to 18 year old • College Graduation Rates for 18 to 25 year old • Primary Test Scores for 6 to 11 year old • Lower Secondary Test Scores for 11 to 14 year old • School Safety Levels for 3 to 25 year old • Out of School Children Ages 3 to 14 year old • Adult Illiteracy Levels for 15 year old and up Plus, each nation’s infrastructure as it relates to: Students to Teacher Ratio Free Access to Schools from Early Childhood to Secondary

[@kateealer7]

@@garyr8739 I believe we had I's in Catholic school. I always thought that was weird.

[@samanthamyers4267]

@@kateealer7 It's my understanding that an "I" stands for incomplete.

[@bitbybat]

As George Carlin said, if someone asks, "how are you?" Just say, "I'm not unwell" because they have to think about it and wind up getting annoyed.

[@robroy278]

I’m from port Huron Michigan and I’m 48 years old and you are the greatest I love you Diane

[@Mrjrich37055]

I love your videos, I'm an American and I have always wondered why is called a restroom as well. Stay safe.

[@random_j._cosplay]

On behalf of Canadians (at least when I was in school from 1986-2000) elementary school runs from junior kindergarten to 8th grade and then high school runs from 9th grade to 12th grade and the usual ages are as follows... Junior Kindergarten: 4-5 years old Senior Kindergarten: 5-6 years old 1st grade: 6-7 years old 2nd grade: 7-8 years old 3rd grade: 8-9 years old 4th grade: 9-10 years old 5th grade: 10-11 years old 6th grade: 11-12 years old 7th grade: 12-13 years old 8th grade: 13-14 years old 9th grade: 14-15 years old 10th grade: 15-16 years old 11th grade: 16-17 years old 12th grade: 17-18 years old

[@5stardave]

As long as you weren't held back for another go at a grade level. Back in the 70's I new a kid that was in the 4th grade three times.

[@iceman34]

Yes not do much now grades where often skipped or failed and repeated.

[@scoxocs]

Pretty close to the U.S. except Jr Kindergarten is pre-school or nursery school. Otherwise, same.

[@random_j._cosplay]

@@5stardave well yeah but I thought that would go without saying...

[@random_j._cosplay]

@@scoxocs yeah here junior kindergarten is a half day (9 am-noon or noon-3pm) and preschools are attended before or after junior kindergarten and also by kids under 4 years old.

[@talonsage954]

Some schools do have "E" grades when they get to certain years in school.

[@evilgenius4213]

E was always used in our pass/fail courses, which for some inexplicable reason, had 3 possible grades: E was "Excellent", S was "Satisfactory", and F or P was " Fail/Poor". Those were usually 6sed for basics in Pre-school to maybe 1st grade, really depended on the teacher.

[@JennRighter]

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who get upset when Americans say they're from America. "America is a continent, not a country!" So yeah, I guess we could just say we're from the United States, but we've always just said America. Yeah, Canadians live in North America and there are many countries in South America. No one is denying that. But...America is in the name of our country. I didn't name it. I just live here, lol.

[@shirleyk7647]

🇨🇦 I see it as an abbreviation for the U.S.A. . It’s the more common name for the USA in Europe, and overseas while United States tends to be the more common name in the Western Hemisphere outside of the USA. In Canada, if you say you are from America, we get that you are from one of the 50 US states, or DC, but unlike what Diane says about Europeans, we relate more if you get more specific and say town, city, and state (which most do). Actually when I was a kid, it was practically considered a crime to refer to the USA as ‘America’, seeings as we also share a continent named after Amerigo, and we would soon set overseas immigrants straight about what the name of the USA should be. Nowadays, Canadians are more laid back and often say ‘America’ for the USA themselves, though the most common name for speaking of your country here is often just ‘the States’. Although you do hear that overseas as well, it is constantly said here and if we are taking a trip south, we would more often say we are headed to the States, rather than we are going to America, as Diane might say coming from Ireland.

[@falonrobinson3465]

America is not a continent 🤣

[@magnificentfailure2390]

@@falonrobinson3465 Yes, it is. In the US, we are taught that North America and South America are two separate continents, but the rest of the world seems to think of them as one very large continent.

[@shirleyk7647]

@@magnificentfailure2390 Yes. if you turn the words around you have America North and America South . One for the northern hemisphere and one for the Southern Hemisphere. The U.S. adopted the name long ago, but there is still the OAS ...Organization of American states for countries on either continent. Not worth arguing over. ‘America and Americans’ are very lovely rich sounding names and the U.S. laid claim to them first, so be it. It’s an individual preference what names to use.

[@fordhouse8b]

@@shirleyk7647 Well, people both from the UK and other places do the same thing about people from there. They refer to them as British, when in fact Great Britain is only one of several British island, Ireland being one of them. Also, maybe we here in ‘the States’ should start referring to Canadians as being ‘Provincials’ from ‘the Provinces.’ Personally I am also still waiting for one of the (US) states to officially designate their chief executive officer as ‘President’ instead of Governor. Just to mess with everyone. His Chief of Staff could be called the Comes Palatinus.

[@NOLAgenX]

Even more confusing, Diane, in regards to "Table it" meaning set it aside, is that we also use "table" when making it a focus. An example is "all options are on the table." ;-)

[@Dawoodhippy]

"Table it" came from Robert's Rules of Parliamentary Procedure . It s the standard for formal meetings from Congress to the Masons.

[@ronaldbusby3964]

The reason there is no E grade in school is because its to easy to change an F to an E on the report card thereby potentially eliminating some serious wrath from parents for bringing home a failing grade.

[@johanvajse8410]

those F's become B's easy enough

[@rbrtgrdn]

@@johanvajse8410 Lol....you beat me to it. I was greedy. I turned an 'F' into an 'A'.

[@ammaleslie509]

But E is a failing grade

[@MightySchoop]

My school system in Michigan had an E but no F. It meant the same thing.

[@jimmybs]

I could be wrong, but when I say "I'm doing ok" what I'm really saying is "I'm doing terrible, but I know you're just being polite and I don't want to reward your kindness by laying out my troubles for the next hour or two.". Lol

[@Irish-Jesus]

I’m so dyslexic I confuse myself 😆 never mind anyone else 😅

[@DianeJennings]

We miss yoooou Paul 🥰

[@belkyhernandez8281]

Shelve it makes so much sense!!! I'm adopting it!!!

[@WyattRyeSway]

Lost in the Pond did a thing on bed size comparison. It was very good. Excellent video!

[@meheuck]

"I got a king sized bed. I don't know any kings, but if one came over, I guess he'd be comfortable. 'Oh, you're a king, you say? Well you won't believe what I have in store for you! It's to your exact specifications! I believe I can set up your old lady, too!' When I was a boy, I laid in my twin-sized bed and wondered where my brother was." - Mitch Hedberg (RIP)

[@maplesmagic1509]

My favorite will always be "Whenever somebody hands me a flyer I feel like theyre saying 'Here! You throw this away!'" 😂

[@HankJr.]

When I watch these videos as someone who’s American it leaves me smiling and happy, other times like this video I want to duck and hide under the covers to hide my weirdness 😂

[@DianeJennings]

No dance in your weirdness!

[@lawrencedavis9246]

Let your freak flag fly!

[@garyr8739]

I am an American, and yes, we are just weird. We are such an amalgam of so many cultures that we have parts of almost everything and have twisted them to be just ours. Like keeping Kindergarten from Germany but changing the exact meaning of the French Entree. Just weird. We have some words that have something like 16 or 18 meanings to them. There may be some with more. I lost track.

[@irisalexander2918]

I missed the girl with the pearl earring but I am obsessed with that eye pillow 💙

[@asshatteryengaged813]

The Eye of Sauron?

[@MegaJoePrime]

The term "Table it" comes from Robert's Rules of Order which is used in organizational meetings as well as parliamentary meetings. Funny thing is, in America, "table it" means we'll talk about it later, but "on the table" means we'll talk about it now.

[@Phrebb]

Table it comes from Robert's Rules of Order. It refers to taking an item being discussed on the floor (by the group) and putting it on the table (stop discussion and deal with it later).

[@wheelz8240]

E grades are a thing in "Primary school" (yay for consciousness of other cultures) where they usually mean excellent and were typically the highest grade awarded (if memory serves...it's been about 30 years since I was graded with an E)

[@voodoolilium]

I think when I was in elementary school we got O for outstanding instead of E. No idea what the other "grades" were, despite getting quite a few of them.... lol. Maybe S for satisfactory? Which I would have thought should be for super haha.

[@DianeJennings]

I’m more confused now but appreciate the info!

[@wheelz8240]

@@DianeJennings I apologize for the confusion, I was trying to help, really I was.

[@ShannonLee1956]

Where I come from (Centerline Michigan) it's a failing grade.

[@voodoolilium]

@@DianeJennings In elementary/primary school we generally don't get "normal" letter grades, we'll get these alternative marks and it'll include things like for citizenship or participation and stuff, not necessarily school subjects. We don't get proper grades and stuff until middle school/junior high. At least, in my experience. Every state and every school district might have it's own way of doing things lol.

[@TheEyesopened]

I am an American but I am an Ohioan first and foremost. I wont change how I introduce myself to make Europeans happy.

[@nemaru]

Yep, I’m Californian which just happens to be in America

[@Irodu]

And I do not in any way shape or form want someone to assume that I'm a New Yorker or a Californian. And since most people not from the US think that the US consists of NY or California, I would like to clarify that from the get go.

[@weirdosunishine1739]

Wow ya'll. We are supposed to be the United States. That's what the world sees. Bc most countries are small not like ours. Also it's a nicety. For instance Canadians just say Canada and Russians say Russia. Both countries are bigger than ours, but they're not assuming we know everything about their country. Now I know your thinking well people should know what I mean by my state. Majority of people not from the states don't care about the states. A hippy from Cali, a stock broker from New York, a cowboy from Texas and the crazy Florida man are all from the United States and are all the same to most of the world. Just because we know we are different doesn't mean the world does. It sucks but they lump us all together and don't understand the difference. Also since you're watching a channel that mainly talks about understand USA, I'd hope you'd actually listen and realize this. Side note this is mainly when you leave the USA. If you're representing us please don't be rude to others just be nice and say you're from the states. If they want to know more go ahead and chat away. If not it's okay.

[@shanac5404]

On the beds it's: California King King Queen Full Twin XL which is longer I believe but not wider Twin

[@BeahRobinson]

Queen beds are longer than regular beds for tall people.

[@flamingpieherman9822]

Bed sizes: Youth - for small kids over 2 Twin - for any 1person Full- for a couple...used commonly until the 90's. As bigger sizes became options Queen- 6" larger than a full King - next size larger California King - huge And yes they have them larger! Women's sizes: Junior sizes- typixally for teens and thinner women (1-17) Misses sizes- a little fuller (0-28 even sized) Petite misses - fuller sized women under 5'5"(2-16) Women's - for larger women typixally start around size 14plus

[@Raynl1978]

Twin size beds came from England. It was decided that couples should occupy 2 beds to prevent passing illness. They were called twin beds. The designer named Thomas Sheraton lived in London

[@karaneely4881]

Waiting for an oil change in my car has never been more pleasant 😁

[@DianeJennings]

🥰

[@ryangarcia985]

I myself am confused with clothes sizes. It is so weird how it differs by brand.

[@salemkitty5786]

I use the grade since it’s not like I’m gonna remember my age lol. I don’t know if this is different, but for me personally a lot of young life is based around school. I almost always have to use my grade to calculate my age at a certain time

[@theeternal417]

I never really remember my age for a grade either, you have the side issue of most people having a birthday during a school year. When your young school and homework make up about 10 hours of your day (more if you're in extracurriculars) so the grade is what you have ingrained in you.

[@supercolinblow]

"table it" refers to a term in American parliamentary procedure (we actually call it "parliamentary" due to its origins). More formally called a motion to "lay on the table", it means to drop an item presently under consideration and postpone the discussion of it until such time as a member moves to "take from the table".