13 American Phrases That Can Sound Odd Abroad

American slang doesn’t always translate well. Some phrases can confuse or even offend in other countries. Learn which sayings to skip when you’re traveling.

1. “Go back to your country”

This phrase is offensive as it suggests that someone who may look or sound different does not belong in the United States. It’s particularly hurtful to immigrants and people of color, reinforcing feelings of otherness and exclusion.

2. “That’s retarded”

Used colloquially to describe something foolish or stupid, this term is offensive as it derogatorily references mental disability. It’s disrespectful to individuals with intellectual disabilities and contributes to the stigmatization of mental health issues.

3. “You don’t act like a [race/ethnicity]”

This phrase is problematic as it implies there’s a certain way people of a specific race or ethnicity should act. It perpetuates stereotypes and can alienate individuals who don’t fit these narrow expectations.

4. “You’re good for a [gender/race]”

This backhanded compliment is offensive as it suggests that the person’s gender or race usually precludes them from being good at something. It’s demeaning and reinforces harmful stereotypes.

5. “All lives matter”

In response to the “Black Lives Matter” movement, this phrase can be seen as dismissive of the specific issues of racism and injustice that the movement addresses. It’s often perceived as undermining the struggles of the Black community.

6. “I don’t see color”

While this phrase is sometimes used to express non-prejudice, it can be offensive as it disregards the experiences and identities of people of color. It implies a denial of racial differences and the inequalities that accompany them.

7. “Ghetto”

Used to describe something as low class or linked to poverty, this term can be offensive as it often stereotypes and denigrates urban, often Black communities. It perpetuates negative connotations and socioeconomic stigmas.

8. “Indian giver”

This phrase, used to describe someone who takes back a gift they’ve given, is offensive due to its roots in a cultural misunderstanding between European settlers and Native Americans. It perpetuates a negative stereotype about Native American practices and is considered disrespectful.

9. “That’s so OCD”

Using OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) casually to describe someone who’s meticulous or likes cleanliness trivializes a serious mental health condition. It can be offensive to those who struggle with OCD.

10. “She’s so bipolar”

Using mental health conditions as adjectives to describe someone’s mood swings or behavior is offensive. It trivializes serious mental health disorders like bipolar disorder. This usage can perpetuate misunderstanding and stigma around mental health issues.

11. “You’re so exotic”

This phrase, often directed at individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, can be offensive as it objectifies them and emphasizes their “otherness.” It reduces a person to a stereotype based on their appearance or ethnicity rather than recognizing them as an individual.

12. “You people”

This phrase can be offensive as it generalizes a group of people, often in a negative context. It creates a divisive us-versus-them mentality and can be particularly hurtful when directed at ethnic, racial, or religious groups, implying that all members of the group are the same.

13. “Speak English, this is America”

This phrase is offensive as it disregards the United States’ rich linguistic diversity and can be especially hurtful to non-native English speakers or immigrants. It implies a lack of acceptance and respect for cultural and linguistic differences.

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