1

J.R. Ewing (Dallas)

Image: Toglenn, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

If ambition had a face, it would probably be J.R. Ewing, the slick oil tycoon from the TV show Dallas . Manipulative, calculating, cold, incredibly greedy, and even treacherous, he checks all the boxes for one of TV’s most hated—and most memorable—villains.

2

Ross Geller (Friends)

Image: Philippe Berdalle, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

David Schwimmer brought to life one of the most memorable characters in American sitcoms. We’re talking about Ross Geller from Friends , a character who could easily land on both the "most beloved" and "most hated" lists. And that’s the charm of Ross: fans who adore him point to his generosity and intelligence, while those who can’t stand him blame his jealousy and tendency toward constant drama. Which side are you on?

3

Mr. Burns (The Simpsons)

Image: Erik Mclean

The millionaire Mr. Burns is the perfect example of a cartoon villain. And maybe it's not just his cold, calculating, and greedy nature that makes him so unlikable, but also his total inability to relate to or understand the problems of ordinary people. While it's hard to truly "hate" any character from The Simpsons , we can safely say he does not exactly inspire affection.

4

Kimmy Gibbler (Full House)

Image: Jason Leung

Kimmy Gibbler, played by Andrea Barber on Full House , is one of those characters who sparks mixed feelings. Some viewers find her loud, quirky, and intrusive behavior charming. However, for others, those same traits can be a bit too irritating. Whether you adore her or can’t stand her, no one could imagine the show without Kimmy.

5

Janice (Friends)

Image: Chester from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Those of us who watched Friends need just three words to remember this character: "Oh. My. God!" That’s Janice's trademark line, repeated almost every time she appears on the show. It’s not malice that gets under our skin, but her shrill voice, endless energy, and constant drama. And of course, she won’t leave Chandler alone, who does everything but be upfront about his feelings.

6

Livia Soprano (The Sopranos)

Image: HBO, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Livia Soprano, mother of none other than Tony Soprano, manages to make us hate her from the very first season, and that’s part of what makes her such a compelling character. Bitter, cold, distrustful, manipulative, and calculating, Livia helps explain much of the protagonist’s behavior; through her, we glimpse the roots of Tony’s twisted mind.

7

Pete Campbell (Mad Men)

Image: Peabody Awards, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Arrogant, manipulative, and always chasing status, these traits make Pete Campbell, played by Vincent Kartheiser, one of the least favorite characters on the iconic Mad Men . His hypocrisy and relentless ambition often lead him to overlook ethics and empathy, which is exactly why he earns a spot on this list.

8

Negan (The Walking Dead)

Image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

A villain so terrifying that he earns the hatred of viewers definitely deserves a spot on this list. We’re talking about Negan, the ruthless leader played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan on The Walking Dead . His brutality, arrogance, and need to control everything make him one of the show’s most frightening and unforgettable antagonists.

9

Nellie Bertram (The Office)

Image: Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Played by the iconic Catherine Tate, Nellie Bertram joins The Office in the finale of the seventh season, and her excessive arrogance and pushy personality quickly make her one of the most irritating characters on the show. However, we have to admit it: on The Office , even the characters who get on our nerves often manage to make us laugh out loud.

10

Connor Roy (Succession)

Image: Super Festivals, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

A mix of wealth, eccentricity, vanity, greed, and a misplaced sense of power make Connor, the eldest Roy sibling in Succession , one of the least favorite characters in the series. His habit of taking advantage of others and expecting rewards he hasn’t earned is one of the key reasons he lands on this list.

1

Bigfoot

Image: Jon Sailer

Legend and cultural icon, Bigfoot— also known as Sasquatch— has fueled our imaginations since at least the mid-20th century. This mythical creature, which appears in both American and Canadian folklore, is believed to inhabit the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

Its origin is not entirely clear, but it likely stems from a blend of stories brought by European immigrants and tales from North American indigenous cultures. Many people throughout history claim to have seen Bigfoot and describe it as a 6- to 9-foot, half-human, half-ape creature covered in dark hair. Others have only found its large 24-inch footprints, which has certainly helped keep the legend alive.

2

Pukwudgie

Image: Johannes Plenio

Pukwudgies are mythical creatures from Native American folklore, more precisely from the New England region. They are described as small, humanoid beings, about 2 to 3 feet tall, with grayish skin, pointed ears, and spines on their back.

According to Wampanoag legends, Pukwudgies are considered guardians of the forest. They are mischievous creatures with the ability to disappear and move swiftly through the forest. In addition, they are known to cast spells and curses on those who offend them or cross their path. So now you know, if you ever travel to these lands, remember to be respectful and honor nature to avoid being punished by these protective little monsters.

3

The Jersey Devil

Image: Belinda Fewings

There are not as many sightings of the Jersey Devil as there are of other creatures on this list. However, some people claim to have found traces of claw prints made by a two-legged creature. The few eyewitnesses who were able to catch a glimpse describe the Jersey Devil as a bizarre assortment of different animal parts, resembling everything from kangaroos and dogs to horses and even reptiles.

This creature theoretically inhabits an area in South Jersey known as the Pine Barrens. It is linked to a local legend from 1735, which claims that a woman nicknamed Mother Leeds allegedly cursed her thirteenth unborn child. The baby eventually became a demon who murdered the entire family and fled to the woods to steal livestock and terrify unwary travelers to the end of times.

4

Urayuli

Image: osensei

Very similar to Bigfoot, the Urayuli, or "hairy men," are a mythical race of creatures that live in the woodlands of southwestern Alaska, near Lake Iliamna. Those who claim to have seen the Urayuli describe them as being 10 feet tall, with shaggy hair, luminescent eyes, and long arms stretching down to their ankles.

According to lore, the Urayuli are said to be transformed children who got lost in the forest, therefore they are considered peaceful creatures. Taking this into consideration, it is very likely that this legend was born as a cautionary tale to prevent children from wandering out alone at night.

5

Wendigo

Image: DGSstudios

One of the most terrifying creatures in Native American mythology is the Wendigo. According to legends originating in Algonquian folklore, the Wendigo is an evil spirit that feeds on human flesh. This creature is believed to have the ability to possess people, turning them into starving monsters who cannot help but devour other humans.

The Wendigo has been depicted in various forms throughout history but is generally described as a slender, skeletal giant with glowing eyes and sharp fangs. This malevolent, cannibalistic, and supernatural being is usually associated with cold winters, as well as with greed and gluttony.

6

Wampus Cat

Image: Peter .

The Wampus cat is usually described as a fierce, bipedal creature with a humanoid body and a feline head. This spectral, panther-sized beast has been reported across the American Southeast for centuries, with numerous legends about its origins varying by region.

One of the most famous stories has its roots in Alabama and comes from a Native American tradition. According to this story, a Cherokee woman disguised herself in the skin of a mountain lion to secretly follow her husband on a hunting trip. When the men gathered around the fire to share stories forbidden to women discovered her, they cursed her to spend eternity as a half-woman, half-mountain lion.

7

Florida Skunk Ape

Image: RyanMcGuire

Florida, the Sunshine State, has its own version of Bigfoot: the Skunk Ape. This creature is said to resemble an orangutan more than the gorilla-like Sasquatch. This particular being got its name for the pungent odor that announces its presence and was seen many times lurking around the Florida swampland during the 1960s and 1970s.

Sightings were so common during that time that, in 1977, the state legislature had to introduce a bill to protect the elusive man-ape. Although the bill was never passed and Florida wildlife officials deny the existence of the Skunk Ape, many people continue to report sightings of the black, hairy creature to this day.

8

Champ

Image: GregMontani

If you thought Scotland had the only lake monster, you haven't met Champ yet. Lake Champlain, a freshwater lake in New York, is said to be home to America's most famous lake monster. Since the early 19th century, there have been accounts of Europeans claiming to have seen a seahorse-headed creature emerging from the water. However, the local Native Americans, the Abenaki, and the Iroquois, had stories of a horned serpent called Tatoskok dating back much earlier.

Over the years this beast has manifested itself to numerous people. In fact, in 1977, a woman named Sandra Mansi claimed to have taken a photo showing a creature with a small head and a long neck, which—let's be honest—looks suspiciously similar to the Loch Ness Monster.

9

Menehune

Image: Timothy Dykes

The Menehune are a mythological race of little people in Hawaiian tradition that only appear at night. For the most part, these two-foot-tall creatures are harmless, although they can become angry if disturbed. It is believed that these supernatural beings may have originated from ancient ancestors who populated the Pacific region, eventually evolving into folklore.

The Menehune are said to be builders, gifted with great strength and architectural skill. They construct stone structures such as dams, roads, and sacred worship sites known as heiau . They work when nobody is watching, so beware—never interrupt them, or they will vanish.

10

Beast of Busco

Image: Pascal Mauerhofer

In this article, we have explored a wide array of mythological creatures resembling apes, cats, birds, serpents, and even humanoids. However, you probably won't guess what kind of creature the Beast of Busco is. In 1898 a farmer from Churubusco, Northern Indiana, claimed to have spotted an enormous turtle in Fulk Lake.

His story was corroborated fifty years later by two fishermen who reported seeing a giant turtle weighing at least five hundred pounds and with a shell as big as the roof of a car. Such was the commotion that the lake’s owner at the time went so far as to drain it in order to catch the creature, which proved to be impossible. Since then, every June, the town of Churubusco celebrates Turtle Days festival, which includes a carnival, a parade, and—wait for it—turtle races.

1

Wisconsin - Cheese

Image: Lauren Forando

Wisconsin is crazy about cheese , and there’s a reason it’s known as "America’s Dairyland"! The state takes great pride in this regional product, and with good reason. Its cheesemaking tradition is almost as old as the state itself, with European colonists introducing the trade in the 19th century in the fertile lands that would eventually become Wisconsin. Approximately 100 years later, over 1,500 cheesemonger shops and factories had been established in the area.

2

Chicago - Deep-dish pizza

Image: Jon Tyson

Deep-dish pizza has its fair share of detractors, but we honestly can’t think of a single, concrete reason why. In our eyes, Chicago’s most famous regional delicacy is wonderful, with its copious amounts of cheese and chunky tomato sauce. In any case, residents of the "Windy City" take great pride in this pizza style, so be sure to try some whenever you're in town.

3

Detroit - Automotive industry

Image: Egor Vikhrev

Detroit has been synonymous with cars since the 1920s , when the city’s population surged following the expansion of the automotive industry across the country. Nowadays, Detroit is considered the epicenter of this industry in the United States, with the headquarters of the "Big Three" auto manufacturers—Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler—located in "The Motor City."

4

Kentucky - Bourbon

Image: Maxim Hopman

Bourbon is one of the few products that can only be found in America . This type of whiskey, typically made from maize, was created in the United States during the 18th century. While it is undeniably an American treasure, bourbon is most closely associated with the American South and, particularly , with Kentucky . The "Bluegrass State" produces 95% of the world’s supply of bourbon, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is a source of great pride to all Kentuckians.

5

New Mexico - Chiles

Image: Javier Balseiro

The New Mexican chile , a moderately spicy variety , is unsurprisingly a staple of the state’s cuisine and one of its official vegetables. Not only that, New Mexico’s official question is a direct reference to this tasty vegetable. Whenever you hear a New Mexican ask, "Green or Red?", be sure they are asking which type of chile you want with your food.

6

New Orleans - Lucky Dogs

Image: Peter Secan

We could have included any number of delicious New Orleans products in this entry, from its mouth-watering gumbo to its delectable beignets. However, we’ve decided to focus instead on a New Orleans institution—a business that has been standing strong since 1948. Located throughout the streets of "The Big Easy," Lucky Dogs and its iconic hot dog stands bring smiles and tasty treats to both locals and tourists. These stands are featured in one of New Orleans’s most beloved novels, A Confederacy of Dunces , in which its extravagant protagonist briefly works at one of these stands.

7

Texas - Cowboy hats

Image: Donald Giannatti

In 2015, the Texas State Legislature declared the cowboy hat the official "State Hat of Texas." This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. If you’ve ever visited "The Lone Star State," you’ve likely seen cowboy hats everywhere. These accessories have been synonymous with Texas for as long as anyone can remember. In fact, Texas Rangers were the very first law enforcement agency to officially adopt cowboy hats as part of their uniform.

8

New York - I Heart NY T-Shirts

Image: Abhilash G

What might seem like an inexpensive memento to take home after a wonderful trip to New York City is actually one of the most instantly recognizable images in pop culture. "I Heart NY" t-shirts are everywhere in the "Big Apple," and while locals might seem disgruntled at the sight of a happy tourist sporting one of these shirts, rest assured that they feel a small amount of pride in the love and praise their city receives every day.

9

Las Vegas - Casinos

Image: David Lusvardi

Las Vegas calls itself "The Entertainment Capital of the World" for the same reason many refer to it as "Sin City." The largest city in Nevada is known worldwide for its amazing selection of Casino Hotels. Las Vegas’s most famous regional product offers many hours of fun and excitement, though we advise that caution be observed at all times.

10

Sweet Tea - South Carolina

Image: Crystal Tubens

Sweet tea has been a staple of American Southern cuisine for centuries, but many believe the birthplace of this delicious, cold drink is Summerville, a town in South Carolina . According to some historians, during the 19th century, a resident of Summerville named Dr. Charles Shepard started growing tea in the region and innovating with ice-cold drinks that he offered to visitors and neighbors. In due time, sweet tea made Summerville a tourist attraction, eventually cementing the town as the birthplace of this iconic drink.