Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to blend in, certain habits or quirks give us away when we’re travelling abroad. Whether it’s the way you dress, talk, or behave, these are the 19 telltale signs that make it unmistakably clear you’re from England.
Drinking Tea, No Matter the Time
“The British drink more than 60 million cups of tea a year,” reveals the BBC. Whether it’s first thing in the morning, mid-afternoon, or right before bed—the craving for a cuppa is relentless. When abroad, you might find yourself searching high and low for a decent cup of tea or even bringing your own tea bags along.
Carrying an Umbrella Everywhere
No matter the weather forecast, English travellers are notorious for carrying an umbrella with them because it’s not just a practical accessory; it’s a symbol of preparedness. After all, with England’s unpredictable weather, you never know when you might need it.
Queueing with Determination
If there’s one thing people from the UK excel at, it’s forming an orderly queue. This dedication to queuing properly can be quite noticeable in countries where the concept of a line is more fluid. You might find yourself instinctively creating a queue at a busy bus stop, in a crowded café, or while waiting for an attraction.
Apologising for Everything
Saying “sorry” is almost a reflex for British folks, even when it’s not their fault. Bump into someone? Sorry. Someone steps on your foot? Sorry. It’s a politeness deeply ingrained in the English psyche. Abroad, this constant apologising can stand out, especially in cultures where people are more direct or less inclined to apologise for minor incidents.
Craving a Full English Breakfast
When travelling, many people from the UK start to miss the hearty, comforting full English breakfast. The sight of baked beans, sausages, bacon, eggs, and toast can make your mouth water, so you might go out of your way to find a place that serves something similar. Your enthusiasm for this specific breakfast combo can be a clear sign of your heritage.
Wearing Socks with Sandals
This one’s a bit of a stereotype, but it’s true enough to mention that the combination of socks and sandals is often seen as a fashion faux pas elsewhere, but it’s a practical choice for many English travellers. Whether it’s to protect your feet from sunburn or to keep them warm in the evening chill, this fashion choice can make you stand out.
Talking About the Weather
English people love to discuss the weather, and this habit doesn’t stop when they’re abroad. You might find yourself commenting on the sunshine, rain, or temperature to strangers and locals alike, and this obsession with weather can seem odd to people from countries with more stable climates.
Hunting for Familiar Food Brands
When in a foreign supermarket, you might spend a bit too long searching for familiar brands from home. Finding these comforts can bring a little piece of England to your trip, whether it’s Marmite, Heinz baked beans, or Cadbury chocolate. The excitement over spotting these products can be a clear sign about where you’re from.
Asking for the Bill
In the UK, it’s common to ask for “the bill” at the end of a meal rather than “the check,” which is used in many other countries. This small difference in terminology can easily reveal your background—and the puzzled look on the waiter’s face might be a giveaway.
Using British Slang
No matter how hard you try to fit in, using British slang can be a real hint. Words and phrases like “cheers,” “mate,” “loo,” and “bloody” can stand out in a crowd and immediately identify you as English, even if you try to tone it down.
Preferring Sunday Roasts
While travelling, you might find yourself longing for a traditional Sunday roast. The thought of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy can be comforting when you’re far from home. Finding a place that serves anything remotely similar can be a challenge, and your excitement over it can reveal your Englishness to those around you.
Being Punctual
Brits are known for their punctuality, and this trait follows them abroad. Arriving early or exactly on time for appointments, tours, or meet-ups can be a telltale sign, but in countries where time is a bit more flexible, your punctuality might seem unusual.
Complaining About the Heat
Coming from a country with a temperate climate, extreme heat can be challenging for English travellers. Complaining about the hot weather, seeking out shade, or constantly applying sunscreen can be clear signs that you’re not used to such temperatures.
Wearing Football Jerseys
English football fans love to show their support for their teams, even when travelling abroad. Wearing a football jersey can draw attention, especially if you’re in a place where football isn’t as popular. The pride and enthusiasm for your team can be infectious, but it also makes it clear where you’re from.
Using Pounds and Pence
Accidentally referring to money in pounds and pence instead of the local currency can be a dead giveaway, too. You might catch yourself saying “quid” instead of dollars, euros, or any other currency. This slip-up can quickly reveal your origins to those around you.
Enjoying a Pub Atmosphere
Seeking out pubs or pub-like environments while abroad is a common trait among travellers from the UK. The familiarity of a pub, with its cosy atmosphere, draught beers, and comfort food, can be a comforting reminder of home.
Overpacking
English travellers are often well-prepared, sometimes to the point of overpacking. Bringing extra layers, rain gear, and other just-in-case items can make your suitcase noticeably heavier. This readiness for any situation, particularly bad weather, is a hallmark.
Following Cricket or Rugby
Keeping up with cricket or rugby scores and matches while abroad is a sure sign of being from the UK, whether you’re streaming a match on your phone, checking scores online, or discussing recent games with fellow travellers. Your passion for these sports can set you apart as someone from England.
Being Polite to a Fault
Finally, English people are known for their politeness, which can be particularly noticeable when abroad. Going out of your way to be courteous, saying “please” and “thank you” frequently, and maintaining a calm and composed demeanour, even in stressful situations, can be a clear indicator of your background.
