Okay, so WHY shouldn't I snap my fingers around Belgians?

[spamn]

Caught this on the radio this morning. They were listing things to avoid doing when travelling abroad. The only other two I remember are 'Don't wink at someone from Hong Kong' and 'Don't call Canadians Americans.'

I'm just curious what audible finger snapping represents in Belgium. Were all Justice League comic books with Snapper Carr banned over there?

[Mikey]

Maybe nazis used to do it all the time when Belgium was under occupation.

Just a guess

[Zemo]

You can also add this to the Belgian list

DON'T slap someone on the back. It's considered offensive.

Don't call Canadians Americans

That works both ways

[LadyZod]

Never use the verb "Cojer" in the majority of South American countries, regardless of it's proper spanish translation, unless you're willing to "cash the check your mouth wrote."

[TrueDave]

They speak Phlemish.

[Meule]

I have no idea why they would say that, you can snap your fingers or slap someone on the back all you want, it isn't offensive to us.

[SlipperyLilSuckers]

I'll make sure I do lots of both those things when I finally meet you Thomas.

[Mikey]

It's kind of fun to razz Texans ...

Just say anything bad about Texas to a Texan and watch how they react

[Megotu]

Well, privately Texans like to say Thank God for Mississippi. Especially when people are saying Texas is 49th in spending on schools, or public health, or just about anything for the public benefit besides roads.

[highquality]

Hey, I have a Mississippi edjacation and I doed fine.

[spamn]

I have no idea why they would say that, you can snap your fingers or slap someone on the back all you want, it isn't offensive to us.

Thanks, I was hoping for an expert opinion.

[Gorn Captain]

Odd thing to say about Belgians. I wouldn't know why we would take offense at finger snapping.

But if you address a Flemish person in French, now then, that might cause trouble....

Not that I have any trouble with the French, or in Belgium it's actually La Wallonie, but history has shown us that both halves of the country don't mix well.
I have friends in both sides of the country, but if I'm automatically addressed in French, it upsets me. In Brussels, my own capitol, I often trouble getting served in my own language. I don't know why these hookers are so difficult....

Rik.
Flemish.

[mitchedwards]

The whole story is here http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/london/h...00/8904700.stm

and below are the rules for Belgium:

Don't snap your fingers if you are with a Belgian. It may be interpreted as impolite

And avoid discussing personal matters or linguistic and political divisions within Belgium between Dutch and French speakers

[fallensaviour]

Don't call Canadians Americans.

Yes,I'll admit that is a pet peeve for me.I have nothing against Americans I just don't want to be called one...LOL
Likewise I'm sure they Identify with being American.
Just proud of my heritage and country.
Besides everybody loves Canadians...
I could think of a few places where being Identified as an American could be life threatening and who wants that pressure when you are travelling?
Then again saying you are Canadian when they think you are American would they really believe you anyway???

I think two things to add to the list of things not to do in other countries would be don't ask Americans about gun control and don't ask Canadians about the 95 referendum.

[SUP-Ronin]

In America it's considered rude to snap your fingers at say a waitress or waiter, but in other countries that I've been too, it's common place to simply get their attention. I saw a European guy try it at a restaurant in Chicago, and the waitress totally went off on the guy. Of course she got in trouble, but remember we get upset about all sorts of silly things.

By the way, I hate being winked at. It's completely creepy. Nobody should ever wink at anyone, except with Emoticons.