American Culture – Etiquette

It is considered impolite to ask a question about someone’s weight or age – especially to a woman.

Americans generally do not appreciate questions about their salary, wealth or how much things cost. This is seen as an invasion of privacy and very rude.

People may begin speaking with strangers without being introduced (e.g. as they stand in a queue or sit next to each other at an event). 

If someone coughs while you are smoking, it is an indication that you should extinguish the cigarette.

It is impolite to pick your teeth without using a toothpick in public.

Americans place a big importance on time management and punctuality. Delays and lateness tend to reflect badly on people, often interpreted as disrespectful or rude. However, lateness can be acceptable in some contexts (for example,

when attending large parties or social gatherings).

It is rude to push in line or skip people in a line. If you are in an urgent rush, you should ask the person before you if they are okay with you going ahead of them. 

If you arrive at a line or door at the same time as someone else, it is polite to offer for them to go before you.

It is polite to hold a door or elevator open for someone who is close behind you. If someone does this for you, you should give them a verbal “thank you”.

It is considered rude to speak loudly on cell phones anywhere, including outdoors, but especially in enclosed, public places such as trains, restaurants, museums, waiting rooms, and elevators. 

Clothing styles vary by social status, region, occupation and climate, as well as between social settings (e.g. a job interview vs. a barbeque). On a day-to-day basis, however, wearing casual clothing in public is common (e.g. sweatpants or active gear). It is also normal and accepted for women to wear what some might deem ‘immodest’ clothing that reveals their legs, arms or

torso.