The 20 American things that horrify Brits most
The United States and the United Kingdom share many cultural traits. This is expected for a former colony. George Bernard Shaw allegedly noted that Britain and America are two nations divided by a common language. Cultural friction remains common.
Redditors on AskReddit recently discussed the American habits that most disturb British people. These observations highlight the deep divide in daily life and social expectations between the two countries.
Commercial and retail habits
1. Television advertisements
The frequency and content of American commercials are jarring. Some viewers note that shows seem to have an advertisement every minute.
2. Supermarket greeters
The practice of having staff members greet customers at the entrance feels insincere to many Brits.
3. Pre-tax pricing
In the UK the price on the tag is the price paid at the counter. American stores show the price before tax which causes confusion at the till.
4. Standing cashiers
Forcing cashiers to stand for their entire shift is seen as unnecessary. In the UK they are usually provided with chairs.
5. Pharmaceutical advertising
Commercials that encourage viewers to ask their doctors for specific prescription drugs like OxyContin are viewed with suspicion.
Social norms and etiquette
6. Bathroom stall gaps
The large gaps in American public toilet doors offer a lack of privacy that Brits find uncomfortable.
7. Tipping culture
Being told exactly how much the tip should be is a point of contention.
8. Nationalistic chanting
Chanting the country’s acronym at any given opportunity is a level of public patriotism that feels alien to the British.
9. Shared dorm rooms
Sharing a bedroom with a stranger at university is almost unheard of in the UK where private rooms are the standard.
10. Small talk in lifts
Chatting casually with strangers in an elevator is an American habit that many Brits prefer to avoid.
11. Formal address
Addressing a stranger as “Sir” feels overly formal or performative.
12. Religion in politics
Politicians mentioning religion during their campaigns is a significant cultural difference from the more secular British political landscape.
13. Work-life balance
Responding to work emails while on holiday is a habit that horrifies those who value their time off.
Food and language
14. Herb pronunciation
The American tendency to drop the “h” when saying “herbs” is a constant source of irritation.
15. Iced tea
Tea is served hot in Britain. The American preference for the cold version remains a mystery.
16. Portion sizes
American portions are famously large. A child’s meal in the US often matches the size of an adult meal in the UK.
17. Spray-on cheese
Cheese that comes out of an aerosol can is a concept that many Brits find difficult to accept as food.
18. Terminology
The British use the term “bum bag” while Americans insist on “fanny pack”. The latter has a very different meaning in British English.
19. Sugar content
The amount of sugar added to American food compared to British equivalents is noticeably higher.
You left out talking too loud. I’ve got both nationalities but it is the thing that really pisses most Europeans, not just Brits, off about Americans visiting Europe. It’s like being hammered on the head.
We all live close to each other here; keeping your voice down is good manners.
No2 Why are they called ‘bathrooms ‘ when there’s no bath?
No4 I’ve never called anyone ‘Sir ‘ since I left secondary school aged 16 in 1952.
The USA is not a “former colony of the UK”. Thirteen former English colonies simultaneously declared independence on 4th July 1776. The Articles of Confederation were not presented to Congress until October 1777 Article 1 stating “The name of this Confederation shall be ‘The United States of America'” and these were not ratified by all thirteen states until 1781. The UK did not exist until a quarter century after the Declaration of Independence when the Act of Union (with Ireland) was passed in 1801 creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
7 should say sadists.
I was horrified that a tip was expected even when the service was rubbish.. until I heard what the staff were paid. It shouldn’t be legal to pay people so little.
9. Completely!
10. “Mercans” do not understand “lift”.
The modern UK was formed 1922. Not 1801 after Ireland split.
The words ‘awesome’ and ‘blessed’ used at every opportunity – usually unnecessarily. Their mouths full of teeth – a visit to an orthodontist in their teens would sort that out over here, and would stop them looking like horses. Cheese with every meal in some form or other – whether you want it or not! And, worst of all, lukewarm tea, made with water from a tap. I’d even rather drink their awful, weak coffee than to have to drink their tea. My late in-laws lived there for seven years, and I’m sure they could add more.
So says the Colonist.
It’s always baffled me how Americans manage to get “al-oo-mi-num” out of “aluminium”. Can anyone explain it? Also “erbs” instead of “herbs” ????????????
Incorrect Michael Byford. The first Act of Union was 1707 when England and Scotland were joined creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The Act of Union 1808 was when Ireland was drafted in to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/legislativescrutiny/act-of-union-1707/
I like to see the price shown pre-tax. You are then constantly being reminded that the government has their fingers in your pocket.
Americans love to use the word ‘AND’ in a prolonged way, and then they pronounce it ‘AYEND’. Then there is no ‘U’ in ‘COLOUR’, and many, if not all other words of the like. But the strangest thing is that they cannot pronounce the vocal ‘O’ as in ‘HOT’. It’s like they’re saying ‘HEART’ (minus the ‘R’). It doesn’t shock me, but it is annoying.
“John Bitmead
August 7, 2021 10:41 pm
No2 Why are they called ‘bathrooms ‘ when there’s no bath?
No4 I’ve never called anyone ‘Sir ‘ since I left secondary school aged 16 in 1952.”
Because it’s where you WASH and it derives from the British “wash closet”.
Re No4, it’s called MANNERS
I especially hate the American obsession with driving and refusal to provide better public transit.