- American tourists in Europe are always a hot topic online
- They once were roasted for their loud voices on TikTok
- Now Europeans are making claims about their posture
American tourists are constantly a source of derision on the internet for their behaviour when holidaying in Europe.
Often, it can be because of their loud voices or how they complain about a lack of available water. Many get roasted for their political choices like the election of President Donald Trump.
The latest thing they are getting flak for is a thing some are dubbing the “American lean”.
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Apparently, those born and raised in the US are known to lean on anything they can while they wait around in public. Supposedly, the theory goes, it makes them very easily identifiable to other people as Americans.
The point was made in a TikTok that has since gotten more than four million views.
“I swear there isn’t one thing I don’t lean on isn’t it called the American lean haha,” she said in a video, before demonstrating it.
What are people say about ‘the American lean’?
The comments was flooded with debate about the observation. Lots highlighted how it was a comfortable way to loiter about, waiting for something to happen.
Someone wrote, “Y’all hating. It’s mad comfy.
Another added, “Why only American it like everyone.”
Others argued that lots of different cultures had things not just confined to American tourists.
One person noted, “Listen there’s the Asian squat and there’s the American lean…what can we say?”
‘It’s just part of our vibe’: The ‘American lean’ is the latest thing people are roasting U.S. tourists for https://t.co/rZLsv0VdEF pic.twitter.com/3HvENMf6si
— The Daily Dot (@dailydot) May 8, 2025
Another highlighted official CIA advice to their recruits is not to do this exact behaviour because it identifies them as Americans.
“For those saying everyone does this, one the things incoming CIA agents are specifically taught is to not lean on things because it identifies them as American so easily,” a person reflected.
What else have been saying about American tourists in Europe?
The National Museum of Pre-History’s Marie-Cecile Ruault-Marmande praised American tourists, dispelling a lot of the nasty stereotypes. Many of these were explored in shows like Emily in Paris.
“Even after two hours, they [Americans] remain enthusiastic and eager for more,” she told The New York Post. “They appreciate very detailed explanations, exhibiting a great capacity for amazement.”