A Scots dad-of-two living in the USA has gone viral after sharing hilarious videos of Americans struggling to understand his Ayrshire accent.
Kyle McDaid, from Kilmarnock but now living in Washington, has racked up millions of views on TikTok filming everyday interactions with shop assistants who can’t make sense of his Scottish twang.
The 33-year-old, who works in telesales, says he usually has to speak with a put-on US accent to be understood- with confused Americans wondering if he is Russian or Australian.
His videos posted on TikTok account ScottishInTheUsa have become a smash hit with audiences back home who have been left in stitches.
He told the Record: “I work from home doing telesales over the phone and I have to speak in the American accent because nobody understands me.
“I started my TikTok to show people what it’s like living in America as a Scottish person and the differences in culture. But my accent is what has gotten people talking.
“I’ve had people ask me if I’m speaking Russian, English, Irish, Australian and many more. Rarely do they guess I’m Scottish.
“The response to the videos has been funny as these little everyday occurrences that I’m used to – but it’s funny to reactions from people all over the world including back home.”
In his most recent viral video Kyle films himself asking a shopkeeper for a “water bottle”.
The worker, clearly confused, responds with a puzzled expression, saying, “A waboo?” Kyle repeats himself but is only understood when he switches to an American accent.
In another popular video, a Costco employee asks where he is heading, to which Kyle replies, “To get a membership.” The worker, completely lost, replies, “A maple ship?” Once again, Kyle is forced to adapt his pronunciation before finally being understood.
Cackling commenters shared Kyle’s accent frustrations. One said: “Everywhere I’ve travelled I’ve had to tone down my accent but only in America did you have to mimic their accent to be understood.”
Another stated: “I’m Scottish. I went to a store in Vegas. For the life of me, I couldn’t get anyone to understand what sunscreen was.”
Kyle moved to the States eight years ago but admits there are aspects of Scotland he still misses.
He said: “Life in America is definitely different.
“People smile at you on the street and say hello and there are never fights on nights out like we see in Scotland.”
He added: “The burgers here are amazing but I miss a good old fashioned chippy, or a Scottish Chinese or Indian takeaway.”
Kyle’s TikTok, ScottishInTheUsa, has racked up millions of views and can be viewed here.
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