When not violently attacking their Democratically-elected institutions, Americans are a relentlessly chirpy bunch, chirpy in a way that mystifies foreigners. It mystifies some Americans too. In most of the world, social interaction is not predicated on the behavior of a 15-year-old cheerleader, but in the States it often is. The word “guys” is so common from waitstaff, even in proper restaurants, years ago I took to counting the number of its utterances and judging eateries by this measure. “Hey guys, can I tempt you with dessert!”, the server chirps as if something ineffably erotic has been said. Why do Americans behave this way? I have a theory.
© 2024 John Oliver
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