25 SURPRISING Ways To Offend People In Other Countries

Summary

This video script from 'Lists 25' explores 25 surprising ways to offend people in other countries, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural communication norms. It covers a range of behaviors from finishing your meal in Thailand to giving the thumbs up in Australia, which can be seen as rude or vulgar in different cultures. The script emphasizes the significance of body language, voice tone, and spoken words in communication and serves as a guide for those traveling or interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ In some countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and Russia, finishing all your food can imply that your host didn't provide enough.
• 🙅‍♀️ In Bulgaria, shaking your head side to side means 'yes' and nodding means 'no', which is the opposite of many Western countries.
• 👇 Avoid crook your finger to call someone in the Philippines and Japan as it's considered rude or associated with death.
• 🖐 In Greece, putting your hand up to stop someone is a significant insult with historical roots.
• 🤝 In the Netherlands, asking someone what they do for a living is considered classist and impolite.
• 🤲 Eating with your left hand is taboo in the Middle East, India, and many African countries due to its association with hygiene.
• 🗣️ Refusing food or refreshments in most Arab countries is seen as extremely rude, even if you're not hungry.
• 🚫 The three-fingered salute from 'The Hunger Games' is illegal in Thailand due to its political connotations.
• 🎶 The 'devil horns' hand gesture, common at rock concerts in the US, can be offensive in Portugal and Brazil where it implies infidelity.
• 🍷 In Germany, bringing wine to a host's house can be seen as an insult to the wine they are serving.
• 🙅‍♂️ In Thailand, it's disrespectful to pat someone on the head, as it's believed to be where the spirit resides.
• 👀 Maintaining eye contact can be interpreted differently; in France, it might be seen as romantic, while in Brazil, avoiding it shows respect.
• 👍 The thumbs up, a positive sign in the US, is offensive in parts of Australia where it's equivalent to giving the middle finger.
• 👟 Wearing casual attire like flip-flops and sweatpants in public is seen as disrespectful in many European countries and Japan.
• ✌️ The peace sign with the palm facing you is offensive in the UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, similar to giving the middle finger.
• 🤞 In Turkey, avoid pointing the sole of your foot towards someone, as it's a sign of disrespect.
• 😆 In Japan, laughing with your mouth open is considered rude, while in India, open laughter is encouraged for its health benefits.
• ⏰ Punctuality is valued in Germany, but in Argentina, showing up on time can be seen as rude, akin to being early.

Q & A

What does the percentage breakdown of communication (55% body language, 38% voice tone, 7% spoken word) imply about misunderstandings across cultures?

This implies that misunderstandings are quite common due to the significant role of non-verbal communication, which can vary greatly between cultures.

Why is finishing all the food on your plate considered offensive in some countries?

In countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and Russia, finishing all your food can imply that your host did not provide enough, which is seen as a failure on their part.

How do head movements for 'yes' and 'no' differ in Bulgaria compared to the United States?

In Bulgaria, nodding your head means 'no' and shaking it side to side means 'yes', which is the opposite of the United States.

What is the cultural significance of crooking your finger in the Philippines and Japan?

In the Philippines, crooking your finger is how you call dogs, and in Japan, it symbolizes death, making it a highly offensive gesture in both cultures.

Why is putting your hand up to stop someone considered insulting in Greece?

In Greece, this gesture is linked to the Byzantine era when it was used to smear excrement or charcoal on prisoners' faces, making it a significant insult.

How does asking about one's occupation differ in social norms between the Netherlands and the United States?

In the Netherlands, asking about someone's occupation is seen as classist and rude, while in the United States, it's a common conversation starter.

What is considered arrogant in Finland when it comes to body language?

Crossing your arms is viewed as a purposefully arrogant gesture in Finland, which could lead to social conflict.

Why is using your left hand for eating offensive in the Middle East, India, and many African countries?

In these regions, the left hand is traditionally associated with cleaning oneself after using the toilet, making it inappropriate for eating.

What is the implication of referring to oneself as 'American' in South American countries?

It can be seen as haughty and rude, as it implies that the United States is the only America, disregarding the existence and significance of other countries in the Americas.

How does the act of refusing food or refreshments differ in cultural significance between Arab countries and the United States?

In Arab countries, refusing food is considered very rude, as it's seen as a rejection of hospitality, whereas in the United States, it might be seen as polite to decline out of consideration for the host.

Why is giving the three-fingered Hunger Games salute illegal in Thailand?

It became a symbol of opposition during Thailand's military coup in 2012, leading to its outlawing.