Not being yourself...

I have no idea. It is possible I suppose but I have never encountered it. And it is one of those questions that everyone will love arguing ten different angles. When we travel we try not to advertise anything about ourselves from wealth to nationality. I think how you dress in total is far more important than wearing a maple leaf.

I don’t hide that I am American. When I travel I try to set a good example and be respectful of the rules and customs of where I am visiting.

I suspect there are phonies all over the world! 🌎 🌍 🌏

Na, it is getting harder and harder to find pay phones around the world these days.

We’ve done a number of home exchanges throughout Western Europe. We don’t advertise our nationality but were amused when some Europeans thought we were either Canadians or English. Apparently our accents all sounded the same to them. This usually happened in more rural areas of the countries we were in.

Allan, I admit that I did put a maple leaf luggage tag on my backpack in 1981, my first solo trip abroad. I followed the recommendation of some friends who had just been to the UK. For those that weren't around, that was also a time of heated political polarization, anger and protest, and other things going on. Did it matter? No. And I don't know people who would do that now.

I got nervous enough while traveling in Europe for 4 months in the fall of 2001 that I brushed up on my phrase “I am Canadian” in 3 different languages but I never felt compelled to use it. Fast forward to this winter when I was in Melbourne. My sister-in-law was having trouble with her credit card at the train station and an agent came over to help her. After a couple of sentences he asked us, “Americans”? We answered yes where upon he started dumping on our current administration and saying he wouldn’t be traveling to the States anytime soon. As we walked away I told my sister-in-law that this was one of the times I probably should have answered his question with a NO and said we were Canadians. It was an off encounter though. We got along ok everywhere else we went in NZ and AU in January and February.

I have never found the need to hide my nationality anywhere I have travelled. But I also don't advertise it either. I just don't feel I would gain anything by advertising it and those who need to know, border agents for example, will know when they see my passport.

A former coworker who travelled a lot during the late 70's did say he had a large Canadian flag sewn on his backpack. It helped him a lot in South America. Never got the details on exactly what that meant.

I've never felt the need. I have also assumed that it would be impossible to convincingly pretend that I wasn't American. That said, there have been a few times when people were surprised when I told them my nationality.

Well, I could put a "maple leaf" on my bag, wear Italian designer clothes, but the moment I open my mouth or start walking, the jig is up! Between my "accent" (ahem, we Californians don't have an accent:-)) and my extensive orthodontia there is no hiding it or disguising it.
And since I love my country and am proud of it, I'm ok with that!!!

Postscript: I've asked people all over the world how they knew I was an American. Their answers were (a) my teeth (guess those 13 years were worth it:-), my "accent", and how I walked. That last one threw me so I've asked what they meant by that. Invariably the answer was that I walked with confidence and that I smiled at people I passed- LOL!!!

I would not lie about my nationality except in a dangerous situation, and even then, I probably wouldn't be convincing. The person in Australia who wanted to talk about the offensiveness of an American political leader is showing his own lack of manners and I'm not going to feed that behavior by cowering in shame about my nationality.

I don't try to hide my nationality since I know that I would be found out eventually. When we were in Italy some German tourists asked us if we spoke German. Of course we said, "Nein" which is the full extent of my German. I look Celtic but couldn't pass for Welsh or Irish either.

My homemade luggage tag has a Russian cat on it just to confuse the TSA people.

A Maple Leaf? Are you kidding? When traveling, I only wear my Calgary Flames gear.
(Allan.....I have a Lanny McDonald autographed game worn sweater......)
(..........stop your crying.)

Nancy, when we lived abroad several years (well, decades) ago, we found we could spot an American - especially an American woman - from yards away by her walk. Confident, with long steps.

No, I don't, but I do tend to say I am a New Englander when discussing locale. Obviously, the person has to know I'm an American for me to call myself a New Englander. I have been mistaken for German in France, often, and Swedish by non-Swedes in Sweden. I've had mouths drop open in many countries when they find out I am American because I am using the local language, the Netherlands particularly. I attempt to set a good example...not always successful, I'm sure.

During the Vietnam Era I traveled to Europe (summer of ‘72) as a university student. A lot of American kids said they were Canadian because of the controversy of the war and Watergate. I did not lie about my nationality but I did end up marrying a Canadian. Go figure.

The Italians often think I am French when I speak their language. I must have a very odd accent.

I'll fess up. When I studied abroad in 82-83 we were in some pretty rural areas of Egypt and India (among other countries). After some slightly unpleasant encounters we did in fact sometimes say we were Canadian. In our defense(?) we were all from Minnesota, so that practically counts, right?

Interestingly, I was asked if I was German way more than I was asked if I was American. I'm super blond, but have no German background that I know of. I did always say no to that one.

Oh, and when we did say we were American and then were asked where, we would begin with Minnesota. Folks seldom had any idea where that was, so we began saying "Near Chicago." The universal response to that? A knowing smile, followed by "Ah, Chicago. Bang, bang." I guess Al Capone lives on.

I have been known to do this when traveling abroad
-When I encounter an "ugly" american, I say I'm Canadian
-When I am accosted by a pan handler, I always respond negatively in German
-From aggressive sales people, I say I'm Canadian. I've used this successfully in a lot of situations. Believe it or not, a Canadian told me to do this. first tried in Estonia and then Istanbul.
-Anytime someone wants to talk Politics.

The majority of the time I say I'm American if asked. My wife and I are not over weight and we try to dress more European when traveling. More than once, a French or German has talked to me in their native language and I always respond with, I'm American. I've never traveled with a Maple Leaf or any other Canadian insignia.

I never hide the fact of where I’m from, but don’t say where I’m from unless asked. Frequently, we are assumed to be Canadian, because we visit many places not visited by many from the U.S. Over the past few years, once people find out where I’m from, there’s a barrage of questions about Trump. Before him, the questions were about Obama. If people find out my last name, the first question is, “are you related to the soccer player [Zinedine Zidane]?” While similar, my last name only sounds the same as his.

I have never denied my proud American heritage and citizenry. Canada is also a great country and a great place to visit. Canadian people are great, but I see no reason to deny my US origins.

I did live in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia) in the early 80s, working for the US Army Corps of Engineers and found the Saudi people to generally respect us. When I visited China in 1981, we were the only Americans on the tour bus and the locals wanted to talk to us the most. The only places that I would not want to acknowledge being an American would be in Iran, Syria or parts of Lebanon.

I can see in parts of the Middle East that Americans would be more a target of terrorism than Canadians.

We lived in Germany in the late 80s, early 90s and traveled to the former DDR, Poland and Czechoslovakia (also Yugoslavia) and found the people in the former Soviet Satellite states were especially friendly to us, because we were Americans. This was especially true in Poland in 1989, when freedom was in the air and the collapse of Communism was expected by the people. The Solidarity Movement gave us Solidarity pins and thanked us for what our country was doing to help them fight communism.

Having visited Ukraine, Russia and the three Baltic countries on a 3 1/2 week tour in 2011, we found the Ukrainians to be drawn to us in a positive way. The three Baltic countries all emphasized how happy they were to be free of Soviet Tyranny.

We met a lot of Russians and didn't find any with antipathy against us because we were from the USA.

I could go on and on, but I think except for some Mid-East countries, being an American has been a plus. I am proud to be from the USA and would not seek denial. Of course, I am not planning a trip to Iran, Syria or Lebannon.

I don't hide where I'm from, but I don't volunteer the information either. If someone asks, I tell them I'm from California. Everyone knows that's in the U.S. When asked where in California I live I tell them Sacramento. A large percentage of Europeans reply knowingly that it's the capital of California. I'll bet there are plenty of Americans that don't know that.

Hmmm... I wonder if Canadians wear an American Flag or bold T-shirts and tell Europeans that they are American? (Especially if the Canadian wants to go to a bar and act obnoxious.). There are all kinds of people in the world. So, maybe there are some who try to act like they're from a different country (or planet), though I don't see any advantage. There are polite and rude people in every country.

In the late 70s we lived in the Chicago area and mentioned Chicago it was not bang, bang, but Micheal Jordon and Scottie Pippen with a big smile.

The only time I saw it (and maybe it was innocent) was when we were in the cinque terre and there was a gal wearing a Roots Canada shirt. Of course there were other Canadians there and someone asked her when she was from. She sheepishly replied New York (somewhere in NY state). They of course started ribbing her about pretending to be canadian. (This was 08).

When I lived in Buffalo, I had a co worker who said his answer to these questions was that he “lived 2 hours outside of Toronto”. True...but misleading. He thought it was more accurate? Strange guy. Meanwhile I would say I lived in NY state, which of course led to conversations about how far from NYC that is.

Wouldn’t travel anywhere if I thought I had to hide my nationality. If they don’t like me they must not like my dollars either.

Is that still a thing? Never hid my nationality, though people usually think I'm Canadian(?). My words and my speech give me away. Contrary to what many said, I've found people generally like Americans. They don't like their politics or leaders.

...wearing a Maple Leaf when in other countries to disguise their Americanism. Do you Americans really do that or is it all an urban myth?

Depends on when. We've had good years and bad years in multiples of four. [We're not allowed to talk about the political situation.]

While there are times when some of us American keep a low profile as Americans during our European travels, my Canadian friends all seemed to have Canadian flag patches on their packs and caps. Our Canadian friends are proudly letting others know of their national affiliation and that they were not Americans (as is USA).

I just say something like "I'm going oot."
Europeans don't get it, but Americans move away from me on the bench.

I'm always looking for the washroom.

Andrea, hahaha, we also answer questions regarding where we're from by saying California. We get more specific if they ask. Many foreigners either have been here or want to come here and want to talk about their experiences or dreams.

Well I've heard it said before that the best (US) Americans are Canadians anyway.

Way back in 1969 we were at a restaurant in London near a table full of raucous young men (we were only 25 at the time) loudly celebrating. When the waiter came to our table, we apologized for our countrymen. Not to worry, said the waiter -- they are Canadian.

And, when asked, we say "San Francisco" -- everyone seems to know that name.

I try not to broadcast that I'm American.

I am very conscious of not contributing to the stereotype--often true--of Americans being fat, loud, arrogant, and obnoxious.

I'm a 25-year Air Force veteran and proud of my country, but I'll admit many of us don't well represent the U.S.

With my daggone West Virginia accent I'm not fooling anybody.

I also, not long ago, got an earful from someone about the U.S's political situation and was told bluntly that he would not be visiting the U.S anytime soon. I reassured him that he wouldn't be missed. in other situations, I try to end the conversation by saying "Don't blame me; I didn't vote for him."

I've never hid my nationality. I don't flaunt it but I don't hide it either.

As for Chicago, in the early 1990's, there was Chicago Bulls logoed products all over London. Today, it's NY Yankees hats in the wrong colors. (The ones I've seen are red and no NY Yankee fan would wear a red hat. It's not one of the team colors.)

Of course the two best ways to get the British to like you are to 1:) Speak with a British accent, and 2) Use language you've heard on Downtown Abbey or in a P.G. Wodehouse novel. The English can't get enough of that. :) (I've seen people do both.)

When asked, I tell people that I am from California.
I remember in the then Soviet Union in 1990 being approached frequently by black market folks trying to change money illegally that I was always spoken to in English. I figured that they could tell by my confident body language, but maybe it was really just my shoes!

Since November 2016, I've tried to disguise it, or at least not bring it up.

It's understandable that people want to make a good impression, the best they can, without going into a whole speech, so of course Californians and Texans and a few other states here in the USA are going to say they are from California or Texas first, since they know (or think they do) that it's better to be from there than from America. Of course, only Californians are correct in that belief.
The opposite holds true -- of course someone from a flyover state or a state in the former (not former enough still) Confederacy is going to say they are from America first, since they know that it's better to be from America than from MN or OK or AL -even though their interlocutor might not know it, since as we read above they may have only a dim sense of what MN or AL is like (cold or backward, respectively)

I had this specific conversation with a British expat in Barcelona who runs a great walking tour business -- he remarked that Californians especially will say California rather than America when asked where they're from (I bet Texans would, too, but Texans don't take walking tours in Catalunya unless drinks are included and there's no walking).

When I was young and on holiday with my family most locals would guess we were from New York and it was pretty obvious (volume, shoes, noses) why they did, mostly because the rest of the world doesn't hear much about central Pennsylvania.
Like the reply from Sack'o-Tomatoes above, if someone knows something about CA,, I will specify northern CA or The Bay Area, because just as I wouldn't want someone to think I was from middle America, I wouldn't want someone to think I was from LA LA land or the central valley (where you could be in AL anyway, just with better reception and footwear.)
/s

I've esplained before that /s is a sarcasm marker. For a belt-and-suspenders let me add a tongue in cheek emoji, thus: ;-P

I don't hide the fact I'm American if asked. I'm polite and respectful and try to use a few words of the country's language. I've been to Europe five times and actually don't remember being asked where I'm from at all except for one or two times. In Sorrento, the lady working in the gelateria asked where we were from and I said "Florida". She brightened up and said "what city"? When we told her Tampa Bay, she laughed and said she used to live in Clearwater (she was Italian). Lots of Europeans love Florida!

I've asked people all over the world how they knew I was an American.
Their answers were (a) my teeth (guess those 13 years were worth
it:-), my "accent", and how I walked. That last one threw me so I've
asked what they meant by that. Invariably the answer was that I walked
with confidence and that I smiled at people I passed- LOL!!!

18 months ago my wife and I were at a restaurant in London and as we were paying our waiter asked if we were American. I said no, we're Canadian and he replied that he should have known because we didn't ask for ketchup. Who would have guessed that was a stereotype?

Blue439, your fashion sense is awesome.

While there are times when some of us American keep a low profile as
Americans during our European travels, my Canadian friends all seemed
to have Canadian flag patches on their packs and caps. Our Canadian
friends are proudly letting others know of their national affiliation
and that they were not Americans (as is USA).

I'll disagree that wearing the Maple Leaf is to let the world know that we're not American-I'm never offended when I'm asked if I'm American but I do love to say I'm Canadian. I do travel with a ball cap with a Maple Leaf on it-it's mainly for rainy days to keep the rain off my glasses, but I will admit to bringing that particular cap to be a proud Canadian. I've never been asked if I'm Canadian but I'm often asked if I'm American and I suspect it's because the US has 10 times the population of Canada and so I would expect there are 10 times as many of you traveling, and it's only natural that it will be assumed that I'm one of the many, instead of one of the few. It's just a small way to stand out and let the world know that we're here too.

Texans don't take walking tours in Catalunya unless drinks are included and there's no walking.

Fits all the Texans I know (except my husband, and he's lived in Oklahoma so long he doesn't call himself a Texan anymore.) His cousins in Texas will drive (their pickups, of course) half a block to visit relatives.

Living in Tennessee, we fight the stereotype (of being barefoot) by making sure we wear shoes when traveling :)

.........and I guess I should add, NOT cowboy boots. Granted Nashville is no longer stuffed to the gills with tourists during this pandemic, but seems the cowboy-boot wearing crowd were the tourists (who must think the locals all wear them). But, that did help us to quickly sort out who is who...LOL...and quickly win the ID-the-Tourist game.

The only time I try to pretend I am not myself is when the petition folks or other scam acts approach. Then I suddenly don't speak any known language :)

I’ve never tried to pretend otherwise....as a Georgia girl all my life, I have a distinct accent. But twice in Europe I have been asked if I was Canadian, and it made me laugh.

Well, as soon as I open my mouth they will know I'm from Mississippi. I do my best to learn greetings in the local language and know some German and Italian. I do pick clothing with no logos or English so we don't stand out in a crowd as a pickpocket target, but these days I'm not sure that matters as all the clothes have English logos. I will say I was amused on a canal boat ride in Colmar in 2017. The tour was in English because it was the language that the other members could agree on (Italians, French, and Germans). One lady was remarking how she wished it didn't have to be in English because she was put off by American tourists. I, my wife, and then baby girl, were just sitting quietly we would have been happy to have the tour in French. I only know a little French but my wife could give me the just of it. Then another on the tour said to watch it we have Americans on the tour pointing to us. She replied no their Norwegians. Then we felt obligated to confirm our nationality and her face was as red as a tomato. I really enjoyed the tour and we weren't upset by her comments. Another thought, If I wear my Hofbräuhaus shirt here in Mississippi do people really think I'm German?

Wow, five posts in a row here from the deep South and the thread didn't implode. ;) Amazing we manage to find our way to the airport and not get accosted in strange foreign places. (/s)
We would never pretend to be from somewhere we are not. We get asked regularly where we are from - maybe it's my strong Southern accent. My husband even answered "Carolina del Sur" on our recent trip to Spain.

Contrary to some folks' experiences, I have very rarely gotten political negativity from people. We've had some interesting conversations, but nothing offensive or aggressive.

Maggie, am I the only one who thinks cowboy hats look funny on most people? It's like when a guy shaves his head. Doesn't work for everyone.

Obviously those looks work quite well for Robert Redford and Michael Jordan.

Wearing lederhosen in Bavaria seems like something Chevy Chase would do in a bad movie.

Celeste, does Atlanta count as the 'deep South'?
My acquaintances from the area insist that the real Georgia is hard to find in Atlanta.

Which brings up another cliche that I've upended here on the RS forum already - they say you can't really get to know a country until you get out of the capital city (or main metropolis), and I say that's right - I want to know Vienna, not the real Austria, and NYC, not New Paltz or Buffalo. And so on.

"...of course someone from a flyover state or a state in the former
(not former enough still) Confederacy is going to say they are from
America first, since they know that it's better to be from America
than from MN or OK or AL -even though their interlocutor might not
know it, since as we read above they may have only a dim sense of what
MN or AL is like (cold or backward, respectively)."

No, not "of course"! My husband and I are proud to be Minnesotans. There are many, many worse things to be than "cold," and in fact, we both moved here from the east coast because we love winter. The Italians we tell about our home state always seem interested (especially if sports fans) and it's fun to amaze them with just how cold it can get here in the winter.

Anyway, because my husband speaks and writes Italian quite well, Italians often think we are vaguely European somehow, maybe Dutch or Swedish.

I've never felt the need to display a Canadian flag on my backpack, and consider it to be rather a ridiculous and outdated practice. If someone wants to know where I'm from, they usually ask. There are "ugly tourists" from all countries, and I'd rather be judged by my behaviour towards others than by the flag on my pack.

I'm Canadian, and I have never worn a flag on any of my luggage or my person while traveling.
I am mistaken for an Italian occasionally, and once for a French person.
No idea why, as I don't really lookl
European.
A couple of years ago, an American couple stopped me in Venice to ask directions, and I let them try to speak to me in halting Italian for a few minutes before I put them out of their misery and told them I spoke English.
I found it quite amusing that anyone would think I am anything other than North American.

Celeste, does Atlanta count as the 'deep South'?
My acquaintances from the area insist that the real Georgia is hard to find in Atlanta.

Well... technically, yes. I agree that a lot of Atlanta proper and the metro area is not particularly Southern anymore, but there are some people who are actually "from" there. I grew up in South Georgia, lived in the ATL 'burbs for nearly 10 years but came back to the country as soon as I could. :)

As a proud Canadian, I, too, have never had a flag on my luggage or apparel. I've never felt the need to. What I do say if asked where I'm from, is to say that I'm from north central British Columbia. Canadians, like most Americans, are proud of their local region. People are always amazed about how many kilometers (900) that is north of Vancouver, which most European's are familiar with. It's been many years since we've heard about Americans saying they are from somewhere else. While not a myth, I think this may be more of something that happened many years ago. I agree that it is more important to be a polite and appreciative tourist when visiting another country.

If an American wants to pretend he's Canadian, the most important thing is to add an "eh" at the end of every sentence. I have many Canadian relatives; some do that, some don't. It seems that the younger ones don't say "eh."

Robert: Most people don’t say “eh”, but we will ask you to remove your shoes then come on in!

Ha-ha, SJ! Very true. I remember when our German friends came to visit us for the first time. They had never been to a home where everyone took off their shoes. All of our friends do the same thing. It’s something they remarked about for years.

The only time I was questioned about my nationality was 9/11. We were returning from a European trip through Schipol Airport. Our plane was turned back just before it left the ground. A group of us originally bound for Chicago found a hotel together and had to go shopping for clothes as we would not see our luggage for at least 3 weeks. At Albert Cuypmarket, a very very tall black man with a British accent approached our group and asked if we were American. At that point there was a large pause, running through our minds was where's our Maple Leafs or Oh Canada! Someone finally said yes. With a big smile he said "Go in peace! " Boy were we relieved. But at that time we were a bit afraid to say we were American.

When I lived in Vicenza, Italy, I was advised by Italian friends not to advertise the fact that I was American because many people automatically assumed that Americans living in Vicenza were affiliated with the military base there (I wasn’t) and there were some negative feelings from the locals. I have Italian citizenship, an Italian last name and I “look Italian” - I tried to blend in as best I could, until I opened my mouth and my very poor Italian came out! When people did find out that I was American, I always followed it with “I don’t work on the base.” I was told that the neighbors in my apartment building had had some negative feelings toward military people who had lived in the building before me and it seemed like they held that against me- guilty by association. It took a good year for them to warm up and start speaking to me! I never pretended I was a different nationality, but I didn’t advertise the fact that I was American while living there.

My in-laws are from Storm Lake and there is a lot of "eh" going on in that town. It's charming. If we all spoke the same it would be a boring world.

On my first trip to England in the early 80s my husband and In were addressed as Canadians by Englishmen complaining about Americans. We can to the conclusion that all bad English speaking tourists were deemed from the U.S. and all the well behaved ones must be Canadian.

A few years later a few American woman insisted we must be Swiss because we were young and not wearing athletic shoes. She was obviously Boston.

But we've never pretended to be anything but Americans.

“an American who was talking with an English accent so people wouldn't think he was American” - if it was Dick Van Dyke then he wasn’t fooling anyone. The silly idea of pretending to be someone else reminds me of the old joke of some Germans pretending to be Austrian after the war.

Then again, I have not been myself for some years but it has never bothered me or my wife. So she says.

S J says "A couple of years ago, an American couple stopped me in Venice to ask directions, and I let them try to speak to me in halting Italian for a few minutes before I put them out of their misery and told them I spoke English."
I think a lot of us have similar stories -

In Rome, the tween of an American couple showed some pluck by asking me for directions to the Pantheon in phonetic Italian when we were one block southwest of it, and I told her the shortest route in English, but then added that a more interesting path would be to go in the side of Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica and out the front and then turn right. I pointed out the side door up ahead. She and her folks were so pleased to have had a positive encounter with a local, ha! (And I was again glad that I had decided to pack a blazer)

Some years ago we went on the RS Best of Sicily tour. The first group meeting was on the rooftop terrace of the Abasciatori Hotel (great spot, by the way.) We were told later by a tour mate that when Stan and I walked into the room, someone leaned over and said to her "Well, those two certainly aren't Americans." I have no idea where that came from. I did greet the guide in Italian, but still...

Out of curiosity I googled Americans wanting to be Canadian and here's my two favourites;

https://www.outsideonline.com/2201026/stop-telling-people-youre-canada#close

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/6666338/ns/us_news-weird_news/t/american-abroad-try-traveling-canadian/#.XqxXQahKi70

Ever since 1994 when I first went to Europe I always try to blend in as much as possible. In Oct. 2003 when visiting the Hockenheim race track in Germany I struck up a conversation with a local and told him I was from the US. He was curious about the current administration in office, and I replied that not everyone in the US agrees with the policies in effect.

In October of 2005 a friend from the US was living in Istanbul and he invited me to visit. I have never felt unsafe while traveling abroad but with the war in full swing I was a little more cautious. We drove down to the Mediterranean and stopped in the resort town of Marmaris, a beautiful place. On a few occasions when talking to the locals I would sometimes speak a little German but that rarely fooled anyone, sometimes I would pull out the "I'm from Canada" card.

I have been mistaken as a local a few times, a couple times in Milan in 2014, and a few times as a German in Barcelona and Granada in 2018. One late night in an Irish pub in Barcelona I met a group of younger adults and told them I was from the US. We had several pints of Guinness along with a long conversation regarding our current President. Everyone I have met abroad has been nice and courteous and they always are interested in learning more about Americans. If I hear someone speaking English I usually try to strike up a conversation. As others have pointed out, as soon as we begin speaking, the locals know we are visiting from another country.

Have never pretended to be from another country when traveling, but have never advertised I'm American either ... I just try to blend in and not be the typical tourist looking guy (but kind of a giveaway when I have my Nikon slung around my neck). When asked where I'm from, unless they ask what country, I say Texas ... everyone seems to know where that is. Was even asked a few times if I knew JR. I'll sometimes ask where someone is from if I hear english. Sometimes it's the little things you notice that give away where someone is from ... my wife is an Aggie from Texas A&M university ... we were in a restaurant in Fairlie New Zealand (little town on south island) in Dec 2018, my wife noticed a young couple and she was wearing a college ring ... my wife immediately recognized it as an Aggie ring ... so we asked and turns out they were both Aggies from San Antonio. Small world.

As a Canadian, I am constantly mistaken for an American when I'm abroad. People seem to assume that all English speakers without British or Australian accents are American. There have been times (such as in very recent years) when I have particularly not wanted people to make this mistake about me, so I have put a very small maple leaf on my hat and on my luggage.

It would distress me if many Americans started posing as Canadians abroad, because then that would make my very real identity suspect.

Edited to add that I do say "eh" a lot, but it seems to be only Americans who recognize that as a Canadianism.

It always amuses me how people assume where you are from. Many times when I tell someone I am from the State of WA., they assume DC. Then I say “the other WA.” We’ve also been asked if we are Canadians (not that we mind). My husbands grandfather was originally from Didsbury/Olds area in Alberta, Canada.

I wonder if RS has a Maple Leaf on his stuff? If I'm not mistaken, his Mom is from Edmonton, so he could wear it legitimately.

@Janis

It always amuses me how people assume where you are from. Many times when I tell someone I am from the State of WA., they assume DC. Then I say “the other WA.”

There are a lot of Americans that would have the same problem. If I tell someone I'm from Missouri, many dont know where that is (one of them square states in the middle? is common reply). If I say Kansas City, they assume that's in Kansas (which there is one, smaller and less cosmopolitan). Geography on the disposable list of school curricula, especially with GPS.

But then, it would be hard for most Americans to name one state in Germany.

Oddly, this Canadian ~points at self~ seems to be mistaken for Scottish or Irish - even by other Canadians - when we are overseas. Must be that Maritime accent ;)

(My sister, who moved to the UK back in '08 - was always being mistaken for Scot/Irish).

"My in-laws are from Storm Lake and there is a lot of "eh" going on in that town."

Where is that town, Mike?
It sounds fairly rural by the name.

We often get mistaken for Canadian when we travel to Europe. I guess our accents are not strong enough for people to be sure. When we get into a conversation, sometimes people don't know where Connecticut is until we explain that it is between New York and Boston.

I do not. I would not feel right pretending to be something I’m not. Plus the gig would be up the second I opened my mouth.

I actually like people to know I’m American because I’m quiet and polite and it might help to disprove the loudmouthed stereotype.

I did the Europe backpacking thing for 3 months after university with a good friend who was born in Kansas, but from the age of 2, was raised and educated in Ireland until she was 16. She had an American passport but was Irish to her soul. Even had the Irish lilt and knew more about Irish history than American. As we traveled around she told everyone she was Irish. It was assumed anyway just from how she spoke and acted. One guy did scold her once when he saw her passport -“You’re really American!”- but she insisted it wasn’t her nationality. I never saw it as her faking who she was. Except for the passport, there was nothing American about her.

On previous trips I made a point of saying California instead of the USA. for a more positive reaction. On my next trip I'll probably wear a Dodgers hat and a Lakers jersey.

I actually like people to know I’m American because I’m quiet and
polite and it might help to disprove the loudmouthed stereotype.

My theory on the stereotype is that all countries have their fair share of idiots but we tend to notice our own because of language. A few years ago on a cruise from Quebec City to Boston we got to watch a small group of American seniors make asses of themselves one evening when an announcement was made that we'd be entering US waters overnight. However if they hadn't been loudly speaking English I would have had no idea what they were saying or that they were being insulting to the country they were leaving.

...wearing a Maple Leaf when in other countries to disguise their Americanism. Do you Americans really do that or is it all an urban myth?

A couple of funny stories:

Before 9-11, I found myself working in Yemen for a couple of months. One of my co-workers was a nice fellow called John who was from Nevada. He took great pleasure in poking fun at me for being Canadian, e.g. "Y'all still beholding to the Queen! We shook those shackles off over 200 years ago! What are y'all waiting for?" Or, "Your money is like Monopoly money; what's up with that? You Canucks don't know your numbers so you need colours?" etc. You get the idea.

It was all good fun, but I would resist taking his bait, instead biding my time. My chance for 'revenge' came up one day when I convinced him it was safe to go for a walk in the neighbourhood. We wandered off down a street when a 10 yr boy came up to us wanting to practice his English, which most of you know is common among children in many parts of the world. The boy addressed me first.

"Hello Mister, how are you, where are you from?"

"Hello," I responded, "I'm from Canada."

The boy, extremely pleased with himself, turned to John and repeated his well-practiced phrase.

John hesitated, and then answered, "Hello, I am from Canada."

Well, my jaw dropped, but I filed his response in my back pocket.

Sure enough, back at the office, after a few days John launches into one of his, "Why are y'all Canucks still ruled by the Queen," rants.

"Well John, if I recall correctly, you conveniently hid behind the Queen's skirts the other day when questioned by a 10-year old boy."

John turned red and started stammering, eventually claiming that he was instructed to say he was Canadian should any locals ask his nationality. The Canuck bashing diminished greatly after that.

The other story is more of an indictment against Canadians: I lived in Australia for a while back in the '80's. One day I went into a convenience store, ordered something, and engaged in some small talk with the clerk. After some chatting he said, "So, mate, you're from Canada?"

"Why, yes, I am, " I said with some surprise. "You're very adept at accents. How could you tell?"

"Oh, mate, I haven't a clue about the accents. I've just learned that if I ask a Yank if he's Canadian, he doesn't mind; but if I ask a Canadian if he's a Yank, he goes all squirrelly."

That gave me a good chuckle.

"Oh, mate, I haven't a clue about the accents. I've just learned that if I ask a Yank if he's Canadian, he doesn't mind; but if I ask a Canadian if he's a Yank, he goes all squirrelly."

True. :D

Interesting thoughts. Our last trip in 2018 to Poland, Italy and England I made sure to not pack any clothing with bright colors. Didn’t want to stick out in a crowd, wanting to blend in. Jane from Oklahoma said it well, it’s our walk, possibly more brisk, longer stride, that says we’re from North America. And that’s ok, very happy and proud of that distinction.

This is kind of funny. I live in Michigan and apparently our accent and phrase use is close enough to Canada’s that I have been asked if I was Canadian in England, Switzerland and Germany as well as in Canada (both by an Englishmen and a Canadian).. I asked for a “pop” and the waitress looked at me then said. Oh I thought you were Canadian...

My dad is from Germany originally and folks seldom guess where he is from unless the know his name (it is VERY German).

This was an issue in Paris trying to fly home a few years ago as the security guy who was double checking everyone going to the US was not happy. He asked dad where he was from. Dad said the US. He did not accept that, then asked dad what his citizenship was dad said US he still was not happy. dad showed him his passPort from the US and he got fluster and asked dad where he was originally from you know where we’re your born. Dad said Germany. He yelled at dad and said he should have said that when asked, Dad politely pointed out that he has not asked where he was born but where he was from, where he lived and what his citizenship was And the answer to all of those was The USA.
He got pissed and tossed dad passport back at him and walked off not bothering yo check anyone else. My dad has lost most of his accent (70+ years in the US vs 18 in Germany) but my dad does have a bit of a speech impediment that makes it hard to guess where he is from.
Now I think about it France seams to have an issue with how my dad Talks. On the way TO France that same trip (EuroStar) the French guy he had to talk to before boarding the train wanted to know where my dad was born even though he had my dads passport in his hand. Never thought about that.
But when we entered Germany the following year the German Passport Control guy had an issue with our passports. He was not happy with something that the French guy didn’t do right when we left France the year before. He went back over our whole passport and made us tell him where we were and when on our previous trip to Europe before he would let us in and he made a note on a previous page....
So it is not just sounding like an American that can be an issue.
Of course the }ugliest } tourist moment I ever had was on a boat on the Rhine when an American from Chicago was using here video on her cell phone yo talk with her sister by holding it at arms length to get herself and the passing scenery in the view and yelling so loudly into the phone that her sister in Chicago could probably have heard her without the phone. I was on the other side of the boat and as far forward as I could be and she was on the opposite side mostly to the rear and I still could here everything she said as if she was talking to me. At that point if someone had asked where I was from I may have said Canada!

So much for stereotypes...

https://funnyjunk.com/Impolite+canadians/kRbXMxE/

On my next trip I'll probably wear a Dodgers hat and a Lakers jersey.

That probably won't help, I suspect most people would have no idea where someone was from based solely on a Dodgers Hat or a Lakers jersey.

Of course they would.....they would think they were from hell.

On my next trip I'll probably wear a Dodgers hat and a Lakers jersey.

. . . and risk other American travelers avoiding you too? 🙂

And my shoes - I've been told our footwear is a big tip off.

As someone whose shoe choice is typically in the Ecco or Salomon realm and whose clothing is somewhat on the plain side by some standards, I get pegged as German a fair amount as long as I'm not talking.

And my shoes - I've been told our footwear is a big tip off.

It's not simply the shoes, or the clothes but how they're worn that is the giveaway.

I recall spotting a group of tourists and I immediately knew that they were American. There was lots of casual clothing being worn, lightweight shirts etc, lots of Under Armour and plenty of trainers (sneakers) with long socks. Not that any of the clothing was unique to the US, Under Armour, Nike etc are everywhere but it is mainly worn bigger and baggier by Americans in comparison to other nationalities and that is usually the giveaway.

We stopped in a small restaurant for lunch after spending the morning in the nearby Pere LaChaise. By the time the waitress got to our table, our "touristy" items were underneath our coats. I greeted her with a singsong "bonjour" and she launched into the daily specials - in French. She noticed my quizzical expression, laughed and said: "OK, again in English".

Our grandson has spent two years in university in France. His French is excellent, but his accent isn't quite French. This puzzles those he meets and they ask if he is Canadian.

I find our dress and demeanor doesn't necessarily hide our nationality, but it seems to help separate us from "those Americans". We can also easily spot "those Americans". Like us they don't mind Americans, they just don't like "those Americans". Heck, when I'm in America I despise "those Americans".

On a few occasions asked " where in the States are you from? "

"California" is my answer.

Then if asked where in California I answer Hollywood knowing there will be more questions.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"How many movie stars have you see?"

"Quite a few."

"Who? Who have you seen?"

Over the years: "At my grocers Diane Keaton, Helen Mirren, Tim Curry, Anthony Edwards and Lily Tomlin. Burt Lancaster, Sean Connery and Jack Lemon at golf tournaments. George Clooney eating sushi, Mark Hamill buying coffee, Nicolas Cage at an ATM. At COSTCO, shopping, Ernest Borgnine, Mel Gibson at a bakery, Anthony Hopkins at a gallery, Jane Fonda crossing the street with her daughter, Rod Steiger seated behind me at the Mark Taper Forum watching Al Pacino in Hughie, Perry Lopez (Lt Escobar in Chinatown) in a bar, Red Buttons complete with pork pie hat in an elevator at Cedars Sinai Hospital and George Takei ( Sulu on the original Star Trek TV series) at LAX.”Turns out he was on my flight to London.

Hooray for Hollywood.

Where is that town, Mike?
It sounds fairly rural by the name.

SJ, sorry I meant Thunder Lake, not Storm Lake lol, Campsie-Barrhead area. Nice cabins and fishing.

Then if asked where in California I answer Hollywood knowing there will be more questions.

Claudia, I attended Art Center College of Design when it was in West LA, before it moved to Pasadena. My wife got a job with Global Business Management, located at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. She was an account executive and managed the personal finances of people in the entertainment industry. Her clients included Roddy McDowell, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Jack Elam, Kate Jackson, Woody Strode, Pam and Rosie Greer, the rock photographer Norman Seef and the famed director John Ford.

Besides seeing them on a regular basis, we'd see celebrities at El Coyote, Milano's restaurant, movie theaters, grocery stores, driving down Sunset Boulevard and on various sets we were invited to see. We also had a friend in Laurel Canyon and would see some of the folks in the music industry who lived there. The directions to our friend's house included "turn right at Frank Zappa's house".

I had this specific conversation with a British expat in Barcelona who runs a great walking tour business -- he remarked that Californians especially will say California rather than America when asked where they're from (I bet Texans would, too, but Texans don't take walking tours in Catalunya unless drinks are included and there's no walking).

I'm from Texas and that's what I say when asked where I'm from, saves the inevitable next question if I say US, they ask where in the US ... and I've taken plenty of walking tours all over Europe without drinks being included ... I'll wait until after the tour to imbibe in the local beverages... and drink the Californians under the table (that is if they drink anything since it's hard to find Gallo over there).

What about being yourself and the locals don’t accept it and are convinced you come from somewhere else....

Very often when I’m speaking German, some people assume I’m Dutch! I even had one old man lecture me for pretending to be Irish! And a Manchester man congratulate me on my command of the English language.

My son who of course is Swiss/Irish went to Scotland on the school trip. The locals kept asking him why he was doing with all those foreigners.... and arguing with him for claiming to be Swiss. After the second or third time he gave up and just told them he was from Mayo and everyone accepted it.