5+1 Hilarious Hungarian stereotypes – true or nah?

As with any other country, we Hungarians are also subject to our fair share of cultural stereotypes. While some of these are painfully correct, others are comically far from reality. We asked foreigners to name a couple of Hungarian stereotypes to catch a glimpse of how the rest of the world views us.

1. We wear our hearts on our sleeves

Forget Nordic or British politeness, we are pretty direct when asked for advice or opinion. Actually, the latter, we love to give unsolicitedly regardless of whether we’ve known you since high school or just shared our very first pálinka shot in the local pub. Some might even call it blunt, but that’s just how we work. Why waste time running circles? Just spit it out (not the pálinka though, that’s way too precious) and get on with your life.

2. We commute on horseback to work

Horses play an important role in our history and cultural heritage. They have been our friends, comrades and brothers-in-arm for centuries. When you visit the Hungarian countryside, you certainly see more horses than in other countries but nowadays many children who grow up in Budapest or in bigger rural cities wouldn’t even recognise the characteristic stench of horse dung.

3. Every Hungarian man sports a moustache 

Oh, the good old days, when men would use pork lard as au natural hair wax to give their ‘stache that dashing imperial look. Nowadays the older generation is mostly clean-shaven while younger lads often grow beards (not the hipster style though). So we have to disappoint those who come to Hungary looking for the moustached men of their dreams. We don’t have them anymore in stock.

4. We can’t live without goulash 

That’s actually pretty accurate. Who can turn down a plate of this mouthwatering traditional delicacy? Goulash is definitely a key part of Hungarian culture. However, that’s not the only national dish we’re proud of nor do we eat it day and night. Hungary has a rich foodie scene, especially for meat lovers and folks big on spicy, garlicky dishes.

5. Our public fountains pump pálinka instead of water

Well, we wish it was true, especially with the recent crazy price hikes and our poorly performing national currency. Sadly, it remains just one of those far-fetched Hungarian stereotypes that spread about us abroad. However, even when things are tight, you can be sure that there is a bottle or two of homemade pálinka kept for rainy days in every Hungarian household.

5+1 A country of champion complainers 

When we have a crappy day, we don’t just stew – we like to let it all and tell the whole world about the cause of our latest frustration. Hungarians are known to be quite pessimistic and negative. Having said that, that bad habit also fuels our killing sense of humour, which can take the darkest shades you can imagine. We can all agree that the popular saying “Hungarians make merry while in tears” actually holds true.