British and American cultures may share a language, but they often differ in social norms and etiquette. What might seem perfectly acceptable to someone from the United States can come across as downright rude to someone from the United Kingdom. Here are 21 things Brits find rude that Americans don’t.
Not Saying “Please” and “Thank You”
According to Historic UK, “in Victorian England… etiquette was often used as a social weapon,” so it’s no surprise that manners have continued to be a big deal in the United Kingdom. Not saying “please” or “thank you” can be seen as incredibly impolite. While Americans also value these words, they might not use them quite as often in casual situations.
Cutting in Line
In the UK, Brits expect everyone to wait their turn, and cutting in line is considered extremely rude. In America, people might be a bit more relaxed about this, especially if they’re in a rush. But in Britain, jumping the queue can earn you some very disapproving looks or even a stern word or two.
Loud Public Conversations
Americans tend to be more comfortable speaking loudly in public, whether it’s on the phone or chatting with friends, whereas Brits often find loud conversations in public places to be intrusive and disrespectful. Keeping your voice down in public is considered more polite.
Overly Familiar Behaviour
In the USA, being friendly and open with strangers is quite common, as Americans might easily strike up a conversation with someone they’ve just met and even share personal details. People from the UK usually prefer to maintain a bit more distance and formality with people they don’t know well.
Asking Personal Questions
Those from the USA are often comfortable asking and answering personal questions, even with people they don’t know well, compared to Brits, who value their privacy more. Brits can find questions about income, politics, or other personal matters quite rude if asked too soon in a conversation.
Excessive Complimenting
While Americans are generally more free with their compliments, British people might find excessive or overly enthusiastic praise to be insincere or even embarrassing. A simple, understated compliment goes a long way in the UK, whereas gushing over someone can make them uncomfortable.
Displaying Wealth
If you’re from the USA, you might not think twice about talking about your latest purchases or showing off your new gadgets. In the UK, displaying wealth by revealing that new thing you’ve bought, such as a flashy car, is considered bad taste, as Brits tend to be more reserved.
Being Late
Punctuality is very important to residents of the UK, which means being late for an appointment, meeting, or social event is seen as disrespectful. In the USA, people are generally more relaxed about time, and a small delay might not be a big deal.
Not Taking “No” for an Answer
In Britain, a polite refusal is usually accepted at face value, so if someone says, “No, thank you,” you’re expected to respect their decision. In America, people might persist and try to convince you otherwise, which can be seen as pushy or rude.
Interrupting
Those from across the pond often engage in lively, overlapping conversations where interrupting each other isn’t seen as a big deal. But in the UK, interrupting someone while they’re speaking is generally considered quite rude because Brits value taking turns in conversation.
Casual Dress in Formal Settings
Americans are known for their casual dress sense, even in situations that might call for something more formal. British people tend to dress more appropriately for the occasion and might find it disrespectful if someone shows up in overly casual attire to a formal event.
Talking About Salary
In the USA, discussing salaries, the cost of things, or financial success is more socially acceptable. Yet, in the UK, talking about salary is often seen as vulgar or inappropriate. Brits generally prefer to keep financial matters private and avoid discussing them in social settings.
Over-enthusiasm
Americans are usually more enthusiastic and expressive, which can sometimes come across as insincere or overwhelming to residents of Great Britain, as in their country, a more reserved and understated approach is usually preferred. Excessive enthusiasm can be seen as over-the-top—or even annoying.
Tipping Expectations
We know that in the USA, tipping is a significant part of the service industry, and the expectations for tips are quite high. While they do tip, British folks are generally more reserved about it and might find the American tipping culture excessive.
Invading Personal Space
Americans tend to have a more relaxed attitude toward personal space and might stand or sit closer to others, compared to Brits, who value their personal space and can feel uncomfortable if someone stands too close to them. Maintaining a respectful distance is important in British social interactions.
Casual Use of First Names
It’s common to use first names even with people you’ve just met when you’re American, but when you’re English, using someone’s first name too soon can be seen as overly familiar. Brits often prefer to be addressed by their title and last name until they invite you to use their first name.
Eating on the Go
Locals from the USA commonly eat while walking or multitasking, which is generally acceptable in their culture compared to the UK, where eating on the go can be seen as poor manners. Brits usually prefer to sit down and enjoy their meals in a more relaxed setting.
Bragging
According to Americans, there’s nothing wrong with talking about your achievements, but people from the UK find bragging very off-putting. In the UK, modesty is valued, and talking too much about your successes can come across as arrogant or boastful.
Public Displays of Affection
American people might be more comfortable with public displays of affection like hugging, kissing, or holding hands, whereas the British tend to be more reserved about such behaviours in public. Excessive displays of affection can make them feel more uncomfortable.
Spelling and Grammar
Americans often have a more relaxed attitude towards spelling and grammar, especially in casual settings. This is very different from Brits, who place a high value on proper spelling and grammar. Mistakes in these areas can be seen as careless or even disrespectful, especially in formal communication.
Overstaying Your Welcome
Finally, while it might be acceptable in the USA to linger after a social event or hang out long after a meal is finished, overstaying your welcome can be seen as rude in the UK. Locals appreciate it when guests leave at a reasonable time and don’t overstay their visit.
