“We Are Confused”: Mzansi Reacts As American Gent Is Surprised by How a South African Toilet Works

• A short video shared online has sparked curiosity and conversation after an everyday moment caught viewers’ attention
• Social media users quickly weighed in, sharing mixed reactions, questions and humorous takes in the comments
• The clip turned into a wider discussion about the unexpected differences people notice when experiencing life in another country

A video of an American man reacting to a South African toilet has left social media users both amused and confused.

In the clip posted on 19 January 2025 under the TikTok handle @ajbeig, he demonstrated how he flushed the toilet, noting that it worked differently than what he was used to back in the United States.

"The water gets like sucked all the way in and then starts rising back. It’s so weird. It literally looks like it’s throwing water back up at you," one person commented, trying to explain the difference.

In American toilets, the water movement during flushing can appear forceful and even splash, while in South African toilets, the system operates oppositely, creating a smoother, less dramatic flow.

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The video, which has been shared widely on social media, quickly sparked reactions from viewers. Many expressed confusion over the American TikTok user @ajbeig’s fascination, while others shared their own experiences with different toilet systems around the world. Some users joked about how toilet design could be a cultural shock, even for everyday objects that are often taken for granted.

The American man seemed genuinely surprised by the contrast, highlighting how everyday technology can vary significantly from country to country. The clip also sparked conversations about how toilets are engineered differently across regions, with factors like water pressure, design, and plumbing standards affecting the flushing experience.

While the video was lighthearted, it drew attention to the subtle ways people notice cultural differences in daily life. Viewers found the comparison entertaining and educational, showing that even something as mundane as a toilet can become a source of curiosity and amusement when experienced in a different country.

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Social media users were quick to respond with their own insights and humorous takes on the video, making it a viral moment that sparked laughter and discussion across platforms.

Netizens weigh in on the toilet debate between Americans and SA

The online community shared their thoughts, saying:

Amitabh Bachan said:

"As South Africans, we are confused."

Nondu8362 added:

"Kanti, what happens when you flush in America?"

Chloe wrote:

"The water gets like sucked all the way in and then starts rising back. It’s so weird. It literally looks like it’s throwing water back up at you."

Hey-Tshepi expressed:

"Apparently, the water comes up before it goes down. As if it's blocked. 🙈."

Layla replied:

"An American toilet basically behaves like a South African blocked toilet😭."

Xolani Sithole commented:

"I thought you were checking if Africa has water."

N0tKayle shared:

"We lwk have toilets where the water 'spins' is literally just because of the design of the inside of the toilet."

Watch the video below:

3 Other stories about Americans trying SA food

• Briefly News reported that Usbari tried Hungry Lion's menu items and gave them a high rating, beating another popular chicken restaurant.
• While visiting South Africa, an American woman tried traditional foods and rated the dishes. People loved how she gobbled down the mogodu and dumplings.
• Another American woman raved about Mzansi's garage pies. South Africans abroad watching the video felt homesick and shared which flavours were their favourite.

Source: Briefly News