Help Me Become American

  • Thread starter Thread starter WillowFromBuffy
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WillowFromBuffy

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It is kinda official now. I am moving to the city on the hill ... for about six months, that is. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to see Vinland, as my ancestors dubbed the continent when they discovered it 😛

So, to those of you who either live there or have been there before, do you have any tips for a first-timer? What should I know American before going that I can't have learned from watching BtVS?

I realise America is rather big. I'll be living in New Jersey, fairly close to the New York state line.
 
I don't know much about America. I've heard their president is pretty great? I think you'll really like him.

@Mr. Pole: I knew someone would pick up on that, and I also knew it would be you!

My favourite president:

 
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Skanky Vamp
Skanky Vamp
Psst. America doesn't have a president. America is a continent.
GwenRaiden said:
I don't know much about America. I've heard their president is pretty great? I think you'll really like him.
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Do you think Trump ships Will and Tara?

Thing is, right? Obama's tenure as president are going to go down in history as the 8 years when things were relatively normal. I want to be there now, when there is tension and stuff is happening.
 
WillowFromBuffy said:
Obama's tenure as president are going to go down in history as the 8 years when things were relatively normal.
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Really, I never knew that? I think they were anything but normal.

WillowFromBuffy said:
I want to be there now, when there is tension and stuff is happening.
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You might regret saying that. Of course if you're only here for 6 months it wont be quite as bad. But, then again, it's still NJ.
 
Biscuits are some weird bread thing not yummy biscuits, which are all known as cookies.
Be aware of all the chemicals in foods!
 
Will Americans get confused if I use British expressions instead of American ones? I am usually able to remember which is which, but sometimes I get confused.

If Spike ever gets frustrated with Buffy, will he start saying he is biscuit dough?
 
AnthonyCordova
AnthonyCordova
Nah. We hear British expressions often enough. We generally find such things charming.
In Britain, what they call a "hood" on a car is a convertible top. In America, "hood" refers to "bonnet". In general use, "hood" means "neighbourhood" and yes, they drop the "u" so it becomes "neighborhood". British expressions would not usually be understood properly.
 
Hood can also refer to the hood of a car. In front covering where the engine usually is.
 
I know very little about cars to begin with. At least Americans know which side of the road to drive on. When driving in Britain, I sometimes hit my hand against the right door when I want to shift gears. 😛
 
nightshade said:
Biscuits are some weird bread thing not yummy biscuits,
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Obviously, you have never had a fresh hot biscuit slathered with real butter and home made strawberry preserves, the way my mama used to make them (to a real Southerner, they're usually referred to as "cat head" biscuits, because that's how big they are) None of those cold crumbly "biscuits" can even compare with that.
 
GwenRaiden
GwenRaiden
So, like, scones?
Healthier-Sausage-Gravy-and-Biscuits.jpg
 
Priceless
Priceless
Eww that does not look good lol
When people say "A whole nother" it's just a very dumb extended way of saying another.

People are generally terrible at driving. Be extra extra careful and don't make anyone mad.

Homeless people on the street probably aren't homeless. And don't give them money.

Do not expect people to get out of your way. Ever.

Football is played with hands.

Don't expect people to know anything about other cultures.

Taco Bell is basically poison.
 
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WillowFromBuffy
Football with hands. The madness of it xD
I wouldn't worry much about using British expressions. American's have a range of accents even just traveling through the states. America has tons of people from different cultures with different accents, too!

Since you're moving to New Jersey, definitely be careful of the driving, since there's a lot of city places. I'd try to familiarize yourself with city transportation to get you around locally, too.

I've never traveled outside the U.S. to compare, but I find people here tend to be friendly. Sure, you'll run into the occasional jerk from time to time, but in general I think people are willing to help answer questions if you need it. You should always stay cautious when traveling or out in the city, though. And of course the boards will be here to help you navigate!

I do hope you enjoy your time in the U.S.! Hopefully you get to travel around and see some neighboring states, too! There's a lot of cool things to see 🙂
 
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WillowFromBuffy
Aaaw! That makes me feel really welcome.
Always wear a cowboy hat, super-size everything and say y'all a lot... you'll blend riiiiiight in. I swear. Trust me.

But fun! So great that you're gonna go and get to stay for a period (i.e. not just a holiday). What are you going to be doing? 🙂
 
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