14 American Sayings That Don’t Make Sense Outside the United States
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“Can I get your John Hancock?”
If you grew up outside of the United States, John Hancock might not have been one of the first historical figures you learned about in school. But John Hancock was one of the founding fathers of the United States and had the biggest, most recognizable signature on the Declaration of Independence. So if someone says they need your John Hancock, all they are asking for is a signature. Find out the historical figures you’ve been picturing all wrong.
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“Piece of cake”
Back in 19th century United States, there was an African American tradition for slaves or freedmen and women that involved walking around a cake. They would walk as a couple around the cake and the most graceful pair would win the cake. Doesn’t seem difficult, right? That’s when the saying “cakewalk” came into everyone’s vocabulary. Later, that phrase evolved into “piece of cake,” meaning something was easy. However, anyone outside of the United States might think you’re crazy if you’re always comparing something like an easy job assignment to a delectable dessert.
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“’Til the cows come home”
This U.S. saying might not even make sense to people who don’t live in the South or on a farm. If you do something ‘til the cows come home, that means you’re going to take all day to do it. It originates on farmlands where cows graze the fields all day before coming home in the evening for feeding time. If something doesn’t get done ‘til the cows come home, you’re going to be waiting a while for it. Phew! What a whirlwind of American sayings to decipher. Next, check out slang words no one outside of your state will understand.
