When Americans and Brits come together, it’s easy for misunderstandings to arise. Even though we share a language, our cultures have distinct differences, especially when it comes to manners. Here are 20 things Americans do that often make Brits raise an eyebrow.
Talking Loudly in Public
According to New York Post, Americans are often seen as “loud and obnoxious,” and are known for their enthusiasm and energy, which often translates into a high volume, even in public places. On the other hand, Brits tend to be more reserved and value quietness, especially on public transport or in a restaurant, so when an American speaks loudly in these settings, it can be seen as intrusive.
Jumping into Conversations
In the USA, it’s common for people to jump into conversations with strangers, whether to make a point or share an opinion. In the UK, this is often viewed as interruptive and a bit overly familiar, as Brits prefer a more formal approach to conversations, where everyone gets a turn to speak.
Overly Friendly Behaviour
Americans are typically very friendly and open, often striking up conversations with strangers and using first names almost immediately. While this can be seen as warm and welcoming in the USA, Brits might find it too forward and lacking in the necessary social distance.
Asking Personal Questions
In the USA, it’s not unusual to ask someone you’ve just met about their job, income, or family, but in the UK, such personal questions are considered intrusive and impolite, especially early in a conversation. Brits tend to be more private and prefer to keep personal matters to themselves.
Tipping Generously
While tipping is a big part of American culture, where it’s customary to tip generously for good service, British locals often see this as excessive. In the UK, service charges are usually included in the bill, and tipping is less common. Over-tipping can make natives feel uncomfortable and feel pressured to do the same.
Wearing Casual Clothes Everywhere
Americans are known for their love of casual attire, even in situations that Brits would consider requiring smarter dress. Wearing flip-flops at a nice restaurant or jeans to a theatre is perfectly acceptable in many parts of the USA, but in the UK, such casual dressing can be seen as disrespectful to the occasion and those attending it.
Being Direct and Blunt
The American tendency to be direct and straightforward can come across as blunt and tactless to English people, who often favour a more subtle and indirect approach. Brits are masters of understatement and prefer to avoid confrontation. They might find this style of communication too harsh and abrupt.
Queue Jumping
In the UK, queueing is almost sacred. Everyone is expected to wait their turn patiently, whether in a supermarket or at a bus stop. People from the USA, who might be used to a more flexible approach to lines, can unwittingly offend by not adhering strictly to this unwritten rule.
Using First Names with Strangers
Using first names is a common practice across the pond, even with people you’ve just met or in formal settings. Brits, however, usually reserve first names for friends and family, preferring to use titles and surnames until a certain level of familiarity has been established.
Public Displays of Affection
While Americans might not think twice about hugging or kissing in public, such displays of affection can make Brits uncomfortable. In the UK, people tend to be more reserved and prefer to keep physical affection private. Overly affectionate behaviour in public is often viewed as inappropriate.
Not Over-apologising
Those from the UK tend to apologise frequently, even when it’s not necessary, as a way to be polite or empathetic. However, Americans, who also apologise a lot, might find this excessive and insincere. For them, an apology carries more weight and is used more sparingly, so when they don’t over-apologise, Brits can feel at odds.
Talking About Money
Discussing salaries, bonuses, or the cost of possessions is fairly normal in the USA but considered bad form in the UK. English locals generally avoid talking about money and view such conversations as boastful and crass. They believe financial matters are private and should be kept discreet.
Offering Unsolicited Advice
Americans often see offering advice as helpful and friendly. However, Brits might see unsolicited advice as interfering and presumptive. They prefer to handle their own affairs and will ask for advice if they need it, finding the American tendency to offer it freely somewhat intrusive.
Invading Personal Space
Personal space is highly valued in the UK, and residents usually maintain a larger physical distance from others. People from America, who might stand closer during conversations or use more physical contact, like pats on the back, can unknowingly invade this personal space.
Boasting
Travellers from the USA often openly discuss their achievements and successes, which they see as a way to share good news. However, for the British, such behaviour can be seen as bragging and is generally frowned upon. They prefer modesty and humility, finding overt displays of self-promotion distasteful.
Overly Casual Language
Using very casual or even slang language in situations that Brits would consider formal can be seen as disrespectful. For example, addressing a professor by their first name or using casual greetings in a business email might come across as lacking in the proper respect and decorum expected in the UK.
Not Understanding British Humour
British humour is often dry, sarcastic, and understated, which can be very different from the more direct and sometimes slapstick American humour. What Americans find funny might not always translate well, and failing to understand or appreciate British jokes can lead to awkwardness and the perception of rudeness.
Not Being Punctual
People from the UK are usually quite punctual and expect the same from others. While Americans also value punctuality, they have a slightly more relaxed attitude towards it. For Brits, being excessively early can be seen as putting pressure on the host, while being late is, of course, rude. It’s a delicate balance that’s easy to misjudge.
Over-enthusiasm
Americans’ enthusiastic and upbeat demeanour can sometimes be too much for Brits, who tend to be more reserved and understated in their reactions. What Americans might consider showing interest and excitement, Brits could see as over-the-top and insincere, preferring a more subdued approach.
Complaining
Lastly, those from the USA are often more vocal about their dissatisfaction with services or products, seeing it as a way to get issues resolved. Brits, however, are more likely to keep their complaints to themselves or express them subtly. Openly complaining can be seen as making a scene and is considered quite rude in many situations.
