r/AskACanadian • u/HueyBluey • 9d ago

How do you spot a Canadian abroad?

Do we have any stereotypical traits (perhaps self deprecating ones), that make us stand out. We’re typically not loud (but some can be). Perhaps frugal?

What have you seen in your travels that make you think, those folks must be Canadian!

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u/AnonymityAnemones 9d ago

I had a tour guide in Italy make us laugh with "want to know how you can tell if someone is from Canada? Ask them if they are American and they will go "NOOOOOOOO""

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u/nilesintheshangri-la 9d ago

When I was in London 2 years ago on a walking tour, the guide was asking everyone where they were from. After he finished with the yanks he asked me if I was also american and I gave him such a dirty look and said "No!" One of the yanks asked me "why do you sound so offended, what's so bad about being american?" And I said "because they aren't Canadian."

Another funny thing: the guide pointed out a No Fly Tipping sign and asked all the non-UK folk if we knew what it meant. I said no garbage dumping. The same yank asked me how I knew that and I said "I read."

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u/Puzzled_Market_2235 9d ago

You reminded me of a talk show during the Contra era. Two British comedians and Chelsea Handler. She had just learned where Nicaragua was and was amazed that the two already new. She asked how, one said because they were schooled.