EBSVC · 36-40, T
I use the actual name of the place because not everyone knows state abbreviations
I even clarify “southern US” just cause
It wasn’t until I made a conscious choice to start doing it that I noticed how rarely others do it
I even clarify “southern US” just cause
It wasn’t until I made a conscious choice to start doing it that I noticed how rarely others do it
AngelUnforgiven · 51-55, F
Google is your friend. There has been plenty of things that my friends in my chat group have said where there was a language barrier, I just looked it up. I have a friend from Trinidad and Tobago he leaves me voice messages and most of the time I have no idea what he's talking about, especially when he's excited. I have to ask him to rephrase it.
BlueMushroom · 13-15, F
@AngelUnforgiven but that's not about language, Americans always expect everyone to know each and every state city and county.
@BlueMushroom maybe because we don't have so many other countries around us and speak multiple languages like Europeans? By the way, its possible that "Americans" could refer to someone from North or South America?
DunningKruger · 61-69, M
If you don't understand something, it's up to you to communicate the problem. Do your respondents have any way of knowing that you are not American and thus can't be expected to know the state abbreviations? Communication is a two-way street.
I'm from MO, by the way. It's one of the squarish ones in the middle.
I'm from MO, by the way. It's one of the squarish ones in the middle.
mindless · M
@DunningKruger Montenegro?
DunningKruger · 61-69, M
@mindless Yes, exactly.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
Why do people from foreign countries not list it in their profiles?
It's not just a USA thing. Many all over the world just like their privacy.
I have seen Canadians on this site only say CA.
It could easily be California USA. Its abbreviation is as well CA.
It's not just a USA thing. Many all over the world just like their privacy.
I have seen Canadians on this site only say CA.
It could easily be California USA. Its abbreviation is as well CA.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@swirlie I'm just giving other easy examples. Canadian's are not the only ones. And this guy is complaining only about the USA anyway.
carpediem · 61-69, M
Adulting is tough isn't it? Sometimes you need to use context clues or think outside the box to catch up. Better yet, if someone says that and you are clueless, ask that person. It's a good way to continue a conversation. Believe me when I tell you.....there are more obstacles in the road ahead. This one is pretty basic.
I might be weirdly old fashioned, but I'd think just responding to whoever said that would be the trick. 'oh, heya kevin. I don't really know where az is; could you expand on that?'
I'd guess that kevin likely thinks you're in the US (which isn't a terribly wild assumption. not always correct, but it's not like he's assuming you're 3 raccoons hiding in a coat) and just figures you know the common state abbreviations.
do you know what NYC typically stands for? is it really such a stretch to get to what NY often means from that? if someone said they're from LA would you be as confused?
I'd guess that kevin likely thinks you're in the US (which isn't a terribly wild assumption. not always correct, but it's not like he's assuming you're 3 raccoons hiding in a coat) and just figures you know the common state abbreviations.
do you know what NYC typically stands for? is it really such a stretch to get to what NY often means from that? if someone said they're from LA would you be as confused?
SumKindaMunster · 51-55, M
@dirge Thank you!
PHlover19701 · 56-60, M
If someone lists their location as being out of the U.S. then I am sensitive to that and I give more detail.
If they list it as being in the U.S. then my expectation is they know the state abbreviations common in the U.S. ...if they dont then its a red flag to me they are really from out of the country and just pretending.
If they do not list their country then I could say the same thing....How am I supposed to know?
If they list it as being in the U.S. then my expectation is they know the state abbreviations common in the U.S. ...if they dont then its a red flag to me they are really from out of the country and just pretending.
If they do not list their country then I could say the same thing....How am I supposed to know?
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DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@PHlover19701 not a site option. And even country of origin is optional in profiles.
Even users from foreign countries don't say anything.
It's not just the USA thing.
Even users from foreign countries don't say anything.
It's not just the USA thing.
PHlover19701 · 56-60, M
@DeWayfarer The location I was referring to was obviously the country since thats all thats offered. Thats why I said when I see they are out of the country (my country) Im sensitive to it and I provide details.
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
@PHlover19701 See my comment as well. Yet it's not just a USA thing.
SpectralMourning · 41-45, M
4meAndyou · F
Well, some of us DO try to be sensitive to those who live in other countries. For instance, I usually write out that I live in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
I am aware that there is a Plymouth. Devon, UK. There is also a Plymouth, Michigan. and a Plymouth, Minnesota.
I am aware that there is a Plymouth. Devon, UK. There is also a Plymouth, Michigan. and a Plymouth, Minnesota.
I'm guessing you do not live in the US, but your profile doesn't say... It's a big country and I suppose its a nasty habit to refer to states by their postal code. Oh, I live in the PNW, which is the Pacific Northwest ;-)
swirlie · 31-35
@VeronicaJane
You live in the PNW?
I didn't know you lived in British Columbia, Canada!
Here I always assumed by your profile, which states that you live in the United States, that you were an American living in the USA. 🤷🏼♀
You live in the PNW?
I didn't know you lived in British Columbia, Canada!
Here I always assumed by your profile, which states that you live in the United States, that you were an American living in the USA. 🤷🏼♀
@swirlie sorry to disappoint, we are very close to British Columbia, but the PNW includes Washington and Oregon ;-)
swirlie · 31-35
@VeronicaJane
Sorry to disappoint? Why would I be disappointed? I actually don't give a fukk where you live.
The PNW always includes the State of Washington, Oregon and Idaho and always includes the Canadian Province of British Columbia. But since the PNW is a North American Continental 'thing' and not an American 'thing', telling @BlueMushroom that you live in the PNW is a moot point when PNW doesn't infer that you even live in the USA.
Not only does PNW not imply your State or specific region with any degree of accuracy, it doesn't even suggest what country you're making reference to in North America. I believe that was the entire point the OP tried to make in the first place when she asked her question of why Americans think this way. Do you understand her question now?
Sorry to disappoint? Why would I be disappointed? I actually don't give a fukk where you live.
The PNW always includes the State of Washington, Oregon and Idaho and always includes the Canadian Province of British Columbia. But since the PNW is a North American Continental 'thing' and not an American 'thing', telling @BlueMushroom that you live in the PNW is a moot point when PNW doesn't infer that you even live in the USA.
Not only does PNW not imply your State or specific region with any degree of accuracy, it doesn't even suggest what country you're making reference to in North America. I believe that was the entire point the OP tried to make in the first place when she asked her question of why Americans think this way. Do you understand her question now?
TurtlePink · 51-55, M
TurtlePink · 51-55, M
@SumKindaMunster nah, let’s confuse the foreigners 🤣
BlueMushroom · 13-15, F
@TurtlePink I know Texas because of cowboys and I know Florida because of the "Florida man" news.
pride49 · 31-35, M
@SumKindaMunster I thought MO was montana
dancingtongue · 80-89, M
What's amazing is that those abbreviations from postal zip codes have endured in the U.S. long after people stopped using snail mail. Longer than the original predecessor of telephone area codes -- Butterfield, Eight, anyone? -- or people believing that the first three digits of phone numbers (after country code) is necessarily tied to a geographic area anymore.
Why don't Europeans say they are from the European Union rather than their country? Why are the British more apt to say Scotland, Wales, or some more obscure political division like Suffix? Because they have distinct cultures, identities, and in many cases, separate governments with considerable powers of their own.
Why don't Europeans say they are from the European Union rather than their country? Why are the British more apt to say Scotland, Wales, or some more obscure political division like Suffix? Because they have distinct cultures, identities, and in many cases, separate governments with considerable powers of their own.
FoxyGoddess · 51-55, F
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wildbill83 · 41-45, M
I guess they don't teach geography in Europe anymore... 🤔
I mean, many of our states are bigger /w a higher GDP than many European countries (and we have to learn about them in school), seems only sensible that they'd teach the same over there... 🤔
I mean, many of our states are bigger /w a higher GDP than many European countries (and we have to learn about them in school), seems only sensible that they'd teach the same over there... 🤔
idontcareok · 70-79, M
FreddieUK · 70-79, M
@idontcareok An abbreviated life history. Well done.
SumKindaMunster · 51-55, M
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
@FreddieUK So, people from Britain can use the term UK? But we can't use MI for Michigan?
Naughty Americans the cheek of using initials!!! 😂 LoL
Looking up on Google
MI ,United States of America, wouldn't that solve the mystery?
Oh and let's not forget BBC ...not a city ,state ,nor country, but still intials non- the- less...
Naughty Americans the cheek of using initials!!! 😂 LoL
Looking up on Google
MI ,United States of America, wouldn't that solve the mystery?
Oh and let's not forget BBC ...not a city ,state ,nor country, but still intials non- the- less...
pride49 · 31-35, M
@BlueMushroom personally if someone said that I wouldn't really care. Someone's exact location is unimportant and weird to know online
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This message was deleted by its author.
This message was deleted by its author.
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
@AbstractWave read the post again ?
And I wasn't accusing anyone of getting bent out of shape exactly, I just mentioned that I do not.
If I demanded somebody in England justify the way they speak by their own culture standards, because I find it annoying it sounds like elitism.
And I wasn't accusing anyone of getting bent out of shape exactly, I just mentioned that I do not.
If I demanded somebody in England justify the way they speak by their own culture standards, because I find it annoying it sounds like elitism.
AbstractWave · 61-69, M
@Justmeraeagain ok 👍 I see your point and this is why I am removing my post thanks.
FreeSpirit1 · 51-55, F
helenoftroy2000 · 22-25, F
I never hear of people doing that... no one says I'm from GA. Everyone says either Atlanta or Georgia
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
TurtlePink · 51-55, M
walabby · M
I am from QLD, and I expect everyone to know where that is... XD
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BlueMushroom · 13-15, F
@RogueLodyte you do realise there are other people besides Americans in this planet right? Please tell me you know that?
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@RogueLodyte ohhhh I smell irony and cynicism here… 🤭
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
A significant minority of Americans sincerely believe that civilization ends at the US continental shelf. And that all the other stuff is some sort of theme park you can visit if you like, for a holiday. (You dont believe me? Go see the eiffel tower or ride a gondola in Las Vegas) America mainstream media only talks about events either in America, or directly involving Americans elsewhere in the world. And Americans are being fed this diet of information with blinkers on. Not that it really matters. America is yesterdays story now. And the current administration is speeding that process. I suppose the rest of us should be grateful..😷
robertsnj · 56-60, M
eh maybe two can play at that game--you could say i am bluemushroom form ZP / nice to meet you
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Emily2013 · 13-15, F
we kinda forget that some people on here are from other countries i guess
is that why you blocked me?
is that why you blocked me?
HijabaDabbaDoo · F
Weird thing is most do actually know more than they should about the US because of the globalism of it all lol. We literally have clothes sold here with American states written on them which is fucking weird if you think about it. You wouldn't find anyone in the US wearing a shirt with "Kent" written on it lmao
SinlessOnslaught · M
@HijabaDabbaDoo Michigan?
BlueMushroom · 13-15, F
@HijabaDabbaDoo America is like that one weird loud kid in the class , everyone knows his name but he doesn't know other people's names.
ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M
So, where are you from and should I know where it is?
JonLosAngeles66 · M
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
@JonLosAngeles66 Yes. The place Factors deli in beverley hills lives..😷
walabby · M
@JonLosAngeles66 Yep. El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles... 😉
pride49 · 31-35, M
Im from OH. A hint, everyone apparently hates this state -_-
whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M
@AuRevoir Well thank goodness we have nothing more serious to worry about.😷
ImperialAerosolKidFromEP · 51-55, M
I'll never understand why they went to a 2 letter system for states. It forces ambiguity between all those states beginning with 'M'
Confined · 56-60, M
@ImperialAerosolKidFromEP we had to memorize all 50 atates in the fifth grade.
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
@Confined and it makes addressing an envelope a lot easier
JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M
Postal codes:
BrandNewMan · M
Assuming you have internet .. would think you could do this .. but here goes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state
Tumbleweed · F
JimboSaturn · 56-60, M
They just assume the whole world is American.
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
@JimboSaturn it's not done consciously, it's just the way we speak here and so we speak that way .
And I've had plenty of people use phrases and different ways of saying things that I didn't understand from different cultures and countries
And I've had plenty of people use phrases and different ways of saying things that I didn't understand from different cultures and countries
JimboSaturn · 56-60, M
@Justmeraeagain Oh, I know you are not being malicious!
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
@JimboSaturn
I really don't think any of us are it's just the way we speak.
I will use the term U. P. for the upper peninsula without thinking about it ,because I'm from Michigan and that's what we say.
If somebody asked me what it means I'm always glad to tell them and if I'm thinking more that day I may say upper peninsula.
I really don't think any of us are it's just the way we speak.
I will use the term U. P. for the upper peninsula without thinking about it ,because I'm from Michigan and that's what we say.
If somebody asked me what it means I'm always glad to tell them and if I'm thinking more that day I may say upper peninsula.
alongalone · M
Yes there should be a March on Washington demanding to know what the heck is AZ!
RockVolleyGirl · 18-21, F
ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M
NY = New Yonkers?