A couple of friends and I were talking one day about eating at Mexican restaurants. One thing we all like to do is spout off random Spanish words to act funny and get a laugh. We'll throw out words and phrases like "Gracias" and "Hola Senior!" In most cases people around the table will chime in on the fun and repeat the words we just said in different dialects. Then someone puts the nail in the coffin with the "Man, you muy loco." No one could ever top a "muy loco."
Now put yourself in the shoes of those Mexican people working there. Pretend you are in Mexico working at an American restaurant where mostly Mexicans eat. Now picture yourself walking by a table and the people are saying "Thank you!", "Hello!" and "You're crazy!!" They say it, laugh at each other, then say it again over and over. How silly would those people look to you?
What can we all learn from this? Well, next time you're out getting a taco with the pals at the local Mexican restaurant and you think it would be funny to throw out an "Hola" to get a laugh, think about how you look to those around you and remember, "No" means "No" in English and Spanish.