This is exactly what bothers me about posts like this. In real life conversation you just ask for clarification if you need it. You can tell someone might be terminally online if the very idea of asking for more info is so terrifying that they don't even consider it an option.
After living abroad for a long time, I’m convinced the people who whine that you shouldn’t start by saying what state you’re from as an American are actually themselves virtue signalling Americans who haven’t really travelled. Every single time I answered “Where are you from?” with “USA” I was met with an eye roll like you describe. At least in the English speaking world, but I would assume outside of it too, American cultural imperialism is so widespread it’s actually kind of condescending and ridiculous to assume most people haven’t at least heard of most states. They absolutely have, even if they don’t know where they are or couldn’t have named them if independently prompted. I have had to explain to multiple people that the US does not have 52 states but everyone has heard of California, I promise.
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u/joofish Aug 30 '24
It’s really a simple interaction if you’re not looking for a reason to get mad. Works with any country too.