Ah, our American cousins across the pond. We love them, we really do, but sometimes they can be a bit… much. From their booming voices to their penchant for super-sizing everything, there are certain traits that make us Brits cringe just a little.
It’s not that we’re trying to be mean-spirited; it’s just that our cultural differences can sometimes lead to amusing (and occasionally frustrating) misunderstandings. So, in the spirit of good-natured ribbing between friends, let’s take a lighthearted look at some American traits that might make a typical Brit raise an eyebrow or two.
Loud Talking
Americans tend to speak at a volume that can make us Brits feel like we’re constantly at a rock concert. It’s as if they believe the person they’re talking to is on the other side of a football field. In restaurants, on public transport, or just walking down the street, you can often hear an American before you see them.
Overenthusiasm
While we appreciate positivity, the unbridled enthusiasm of Americans can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. Every experience isn’t “awesome” or “amazing,” and not everything needs to be celebrated with high-fives and whoops of joy. Sometimes, a polite nod and a “that’s nice” will suffice.
Obsession With Ice
Americans seem to have an inexplicable love affair with ice. They put it in every drink, even when it’s not necessary. A glass of water? Ice. A soft drink that’s already cold? More ice. It’s as if they’re trying to recreate the Arctic in every beverage.
Tipping Culture
The American tipping culture is a minefield for us Brits. In the UK, tipping is optional and usually reserved for exceptional service. In the US, it’s practically mandatory, and you need a math degree to figure out how much to leave. 15%? 20%? And why isn’t it just included in the price?
Portion Sizes
American portion sizes are legendary. A small drink in the US is often larger than our large. Their idea of a “personal pizza” could feed a small village. It’s as if they believe bigger is always better, even when it comes to waistlines.
Overfriendliness With Strangers
Americans have a habit of striking up conversations with complete strangers. While it’s nice to be friendly, the idea of chatting about your life story with someone you’ve just met in a queue can be a bit unsettling for us reserved Brits.
Wearing Shoes Indoors
The American habit of wearing outdoor shoes inside the house is baffling to many Brits. We like to keep our carpets clean and our feet free. The idea of tracking outdoor dirt all over the house makes us shudder.
Obsession With Air Conditioning
Americans seem to treat air conditioning as a necessity rather than a luxury. Walking into an American building in summer can feel like entering an arctic tundra. We Brits prefer a more… temperate approach to indoor climate control.
Lack of Irony
The British sense of humor is heavily based on irony and sarcasm, which can sometimes fly over American heads. We love a bit of self-deprecation and dry wit, while Americans often prefer their humor more straightforward and obvious.
Overuse of Superlatives
In America, everything seems to be the “best,” “greatest,” or “most amazing” thing ever. We Brits tend to be more reserved in our praise. Sometimes, things are just “fine” or “not bad,” and that’s okay.
Refills and Free Water
While free refills and tap water might seem like a good deal, it can be confusing for Brits used to paying for every drink. We’re left wondering if we’re breaking some unwritten rule by asking for a third free refill of our soft drink.
Spelling Differences
The American tendency to drop ‘u’s from words like “color” and swap ‘re’ for ‘er’ in words like “center” can be jarring to British eyes. And don’t even get us started on “aluminum” versus “aluminium.”
Date Format
The American month/day/year format is confusing for Brits used to day/month/year. Is 10/9 September 10th or October 9th? This seemingly small difference can lead to some significant misunderstandings.
Advertising Prescription Drugs
In Britain, advertising prescription medications directly to consumers is illegal. So the abundance of drug ads on American TV, complete with long lists of side effects, can be quite shocking to British viewers.
Gaps in Toilet Doors
The large gaps around American public toilet doors are a source of constant bewilderment for Brits. We prefer our privacy when answering nature’s call, thank you very much.
Cheering for Everything
Americans seem to cheer and applaud for just about anything. Plane landed safely? Cheer. Waiter brings your food? Cheer. It’s nice to show appreciation, but sometimes a simple “thank you” will do.
Overuse of “Awesome”
In America, everything from a delicious meal to a mildly interesting fact is described as “awesome.” We Brits tend to reserve such powerful adjectives for truly awe-inspiring events, like a solar eclipse or the birth of a child.
Fake Smiles
Americans often maintain a constant smile, even when they’re not genuinely happy. While we appreciate politeness, we Brits prefer our facial expressions to match our actual emotions. A fake smile can come across as insincere to us.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
