[S1E10] Greetings! (part2) Handshakes, Hugs & (Im)politeness

Send us Fan MailEver felt that awkward pause when you go in for a hug, and the other person extends a fist bump? Or struggled with the age-old dilemma of which cheek to kiss first? Discover the hilarious ups and downs of greeting customs in our latest episode! We promise you'll learn why Americans might just give a casual "hey" while Austrians may go for a more intimate cheek kiss. Plus, we'll share some stories of mismatched greetings and the generational shifts in these customs that started around the 1970s and 80s.Get ready to unravel the labyrinth of cross-cultural pronoun etiquette! We dive into the world of formal and informal addresses in various languages, especially focusing on the German "Sie" and "du." How can a simple pronoun create misunderstandings or disciplinary actions? You'll find out! We also share an intriguing anecdote about the delicate dance of switching from formal to informal language in German-speaking cultures—perfect material for anyone who's ever stumbled through this linguistic minefield.In a small Austrian town, a mayor received an informal email from an older politician and responded with a letter that was as formally venomous as it was scandalous. We recount this juicy drama, discussing how people often feel emboldened to be nastier from a distance, much like on social media. Finally, we tackle the nuances of formal vs. informal greetings, offering practical tips on how to greet friends and strangers alike with kindness and respect. Tune in for a rollercoaster of Schnitz & Giggles, and insights into the world of greetings and cultural etiquette! Support the show