American Traditions That Confuse The Rest of the World

Saying "Ma'am"

It used to be a common courtesy to refer to olden women, like teachers, mothers, or grandmothers as "ma'am," but now that seems antiquated and unnecessary. It was a common phrase in the South, but in countries like Europe, "ma'am" hasn't been used in decades. You'll only catch Oliver Twist saying it in the old movies.

The More You Know

More than 800 languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea.
Commercial flights were allowed to fly any course to their destination and would often detour over points of interest. This ended in 1956 when two planes crashed mid-flight over the Grand Canyon.
The word "kimono" means "a thing to wear."
Hippos have the largest mouths of any animal on land.

Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.