When it comes to quirky habits and unique customs, Brits have their fair share. There are plenty of things that Brits do that leave others scratching their heads. Here are 19 classic British habits that might seem a bit odd to the rest of the world.
Having a Cuppa
Tea is more than just a drink in England. The BBC reveals that “The British drink more than 60 billion cups of tea a year.” They drink tea morning, noon, and night, and it’s the solution to almost any problem, including feeling down or celebrating something. The ritual of making and drinking tea is deeply ingrained in British culture, much to the bewilderment of those from coffee-centric countries.
Queuing
In Britain, queuing isn’t just a way to wait in line; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Brits form orderly queues for everything, including for buses and toilets, and even at the bar. There’s an unspoken rule that no one should cut in, and breaking this rule is considered a serious faux pas. Elsewhere, the concept of queuing might be more relaxed—but not in the UK.
Talking About the Weather
No matter the season, the British are obsessed with the weather, and it’s the go-to topic for small talk. A sudden change in weather can spark a conversation with complete strangers. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or unusually sunny, you can bet Brits will be discussing it.
Apologising Constantly
People in the UK are known for their politeness, and this often translates into saying “sorry” for everything—even when they’re not at fault. Bump into someone on the street? Both parties will apologise. Miss someone’s call? Apologise for that too. This excessive apologising can be confusing to outsiders who aren’t used to such levels of politeness.
Unique Sense of Humour
British humour is dry, sarcastic, and often self-deprecating. It’s full of irony and understatement, which can sometimes be hard for outsiders to grasp. Jokes that might seem harsh or confusing are just part of the British way of finding the funny side of life. This unique humour style is something that takes a bit of getting used to if you’re not a local.
Unusual Phrases
The vernacular of the United Kingdom is filled with phrases and idioms that can leave foreigners scratching their heads. Expressions like “Bob’s your uncle,” “chuffed to bits,” or “taking the mickey” are commonplace but often mystifying to those unfamiliar with them.
Love for Pub Culture
Whether it’s gathering for a pint, a chat or sometimes a meal, locals in the UK love their pubs. The idea of spending a significant amount of time in a pub might seem odd to those from countries where drinking establishments don’t serve the same social function.
Sunday Roast Tradition
Every Sunday, many British families gather for a traditional roast dinner, and this meal typically includes roast meat, potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire puddings. It’s a comforting ritual that brings families together, though it might seem unusual to those who don’t have such a specific weekly meal tradition.
Watching the Royal Speech
On Christmas Day, millions of Brits tune in to watch the reigning monarch’s speech, a tradition that dates back to 1932. This annual broadcast sees the king or queen addressing the nation, reflecting on the year past and looking ahead. To many outsiders, the idea of stopping everything to watch a royal address might seem a bit old-fashioned.
Overusing the Word “Cheers”
In the UK, “cheers” isn’t just a toast made with drinks, it’s a versatile word used to mean thank you, goodbye, or even hello. This can be confusing for those who associate “cheers” strictly with clinking glasses. The casual use of the word in everyday conversation is just another of their unique habits.
Driving on the Left
One of the most well-known quirks is that residents of the UK drive on the left side of the road, and this can be quite the adjustment for visitors from countries where driving on the right is the norm. While there are a few other countries that also drive on the left, it’s definitely one of those British habits that stands out.
Full English Breakfast
The full English breakfast is a hearty meal that includes eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, toast, and often black pudding. It’s a far cry from the lighter breakfasts favoured in many parts of the world. This substantial start to the day is something of a British institution, and it might seem like a lot of food to those not accustomed to it.
Love for Marmite
Marmite, a spread made from yeast extract, is a divisive food that people in this country either love or hate. It’s known for its strong, salty flavour and is typically spread on toast. While many adore it, foreigners often find it an acquired taste. The phrase “You either love it or hate it” is perfectly exemplified by Marmite.
Bank Holiday Culture
Brits cherish their bank holidays, using these extra days off to take short trips, relax, or enjoy special events. The fervour with which bank holidays are anticipated and celebrated might seem strange to those from countries without a similar concept. It’s a time when the whole country seems to slow down and enjoy a break.
Bonfire Night
Every 5th of November, locals in the UK celebrate Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night. This tradition involves lighting bonfires, setting off fireworks, and burning effigies of Guy Fawkes, who famously attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. This peculiar celebration of a foiled plot is distinctly British.
Obsession with Pantomimes
Around Christmas, English folks flock to see pantomimes, which are theatrical productions often based on fairy tales and featuring a mix of slapstick humour, audience participation, and cross-dressing. This form of entertainment is unique to this country, and the over-the-top performances can be baffling to those not raised on the tradition.
Using Two Taps
In many British homes, you’ll find two separate taps for hot and cold water instead of a single mixer tap, and this means you have to navigate between scalding hot and icy cold water, which can be quite the challenge. This peculiar plumbing quirk is often met with confusion by those used to more modern sink setups.
Cricket Obsession
Another cherished tradition in the UK is the sport of cricket. Matches can last for days, and the rules are complex and baffling to the uninitiated. This passion for cricket, with its slow pace and intricate regulations, is something that can be hard to understand for those more familiar with faster-paced sports.
Love for a Good Biscuit Dunk
Finally, it’s worth mentioning that Brits love their biscuits—especially when dunked in tea. This habit of dipping biscuits into tea until they reach the perfect soggy consistency might seem disgusting to those who prefer their biscuits crisp. It’s a comforting ritual that’s all about savouring the simple pleasures of life.
