So one of our favorite things to do here in Europe is to make jokes about other European countries. It's almost ingrained in our blood to make fun of our fellow Europeans.

This leads to a lot of generalization and stereotypes, both accurate and made up (though nobody admits to the latter). Especially when it comes to sports, where it's not uncommon to hear news anchors, analysts, etc. make fun of opposing countries and their players (no hate, it's all tough love).

That's what this thread is for! Share any crazy or interesting stereotypes you've heard about Europeans and/or European countries! Then we can all laugh at them, discuss the validity of them and even defend ourselves from them

Knowing the many jokes we have here in Spain for each of our regions, I'd even say there are very few jokes made about other European countries xD

I guess we could start with the "Squarehead" stereotype. Over here, we mostly apply it to Germany, but I know it's also used for Dutch and Swedish people. I ignore if any other country also has this stereotype applied to its people, but three countries is already a bit too much lol

I do have proof that Germans can be extremely squareheaded in certain occasions, and I could also have proof of Dutch people acting like if they were German. In limited cases, people can be so squareheaded that it's almost bordering (or surpassing) stupidity, which can even lead to conflict.

Sweden is off my radar, never interacted with anyone or have gone to that country. I wonder if there's any Swedish user in this site that can stand up for their country....

EX Palen : From my personal experience it definitely applies to the Dutch. I guess "-head" is a common suffix for stuff like this. We always call the Dutch Cheeseheads over here.

Sweden is a weird place. I also can't recall talking to a Swedish guy so I don't even think they have internet over there. Probably still a Viking culture over there.

Another stereotype I've been reminded of this morning is related to Finland and its highly expressive people.

It's like if the very cold climate up there has made them unable of moving their facial muscles too much even in warmer countries. They always show an indifferent face, smiling very little even in moments of theoretical ecstasy like celebrating a victory in any sport or category.

I know there are examples of inexpressive people here and there, and maybe even other countries are known for their generally serious faces, but Finland is on a different league.