One of the most popular posts on this site is a post I did a few months ago about my Top 10 London Traditions. It’s not a post that I thought would have any legs on the social media networks – it was mostly a vanity post of me sharing what I like to do when I go to London.
But then some people left some interesting comments about how they were treated the last time they were in the UK. Those comments attracted the interest of someone on Stumbleupon – this was in July. Since then, this one post has attracted nearly 10,000 hits and nearly 40 comments.
It’s the comments that keep the people coming. I’ve had several spikes of traffic to that page over the last couple months and the conversation has evolved into how Americans should behave and expect to be treated in the UK.
Capitalizing on that – I’ve decided to write a post that doesn’t sugar coat things at all. Here’s the official Anglotopia guide on how to not look or act like an idiot American in Britain.
Anyone who has traveled abroad has seem them. They’re easy to spot in the wild and don’t respond well to those around them. They’re usually spotted in large groups, not far from a giant tour bus or near a McDonalds. I’m talking about the Typical American Tourist.
They are typified, not just by their fashion sense, but by their complete lack of understanding of a country before they travel to it. Despite spending thousands of dollars to travel somewhere, at no time did they even think about learning about where they were going.
In defense of the Brits, who are continually disgusted by my American brothers, I’ve decided to write a quick guide to help Americans better deal with Britain. They may speak English, but they are completely different than you or I.
Leave Your Shorts at Home
Britain gets pretty warm in the summers, but one thing you won’t see much of is shorts. The idea of having half your legs exposed just SEEMS unBritish. What, do you think this is Thailand?
Let’s Play Spot the Gym Shoes
With practicality, we must all wear comfortable shoes when we travel abroad. But that does not mean go buy a pair of flash Nike’s to wear. An easy way to spot an American is to look for a group of people, all wearing gym shoes. Gym shoes are for the gym or similar activities not for traveling in a European country.
Fanny Pack = Fashion Victim from 1990
I’ve seen it with my own eyes, as recent as 3 years ago. People still think that Fanny Packs are still a useful travel accessory. Don’t ever wear one, ever. You’re just asking for a thief to clip it off your waist and steal your passport and money.
Language Barrier
Yes, the Brits speak English, but it’s in a completely different way and they use words differently. Try to watch BBC America a bit before you leave, try to get an ear for the tongue. No one wants to have someone scream “What?” at them multiple times because they don’t understand. It’s really not that hard to understand a British accent. It’s linguistically similar to a Southern Accent in the US, if that helps.
Look Right!
Yes, I know you were still shocked to see that they do indeed drive on the other side of the road in Britain. Because they do, that means that all traffic comes from the RIGHT when you’re crossing a street, not the left. So, ALWAYS look right before you cross a street.
Speaking of right, always keep to the right when walking up stairs or an escalator. This allows people to go by you if they are in a hurry. This is very evident on the Tube, where you will always run into someone more in a hurry than you. Get out of their way.
Complaining about the Rain
Yes, it rains in Britain. Deal with it. Otherwise, why did you go there? If you want sun, go to the Bahamas. Besides it doesn’t rain nearly as much as the stereotypes say it does. Carry an umbrella – be prepared.
Complaining about Anything, really
While complaining is a British National Pastime, that does not mean it is OK for you to complain about anything about Britain. They are quite happy to NOT know your opinion on any matter. Brits are well aware of their inadequacies and don’t want to be reminded of them.
Telling the Cabbie Which Way to Go
Unlike in the US, where any immigrant off the boat can drive a Cab, in the UK it’s a trade that require YEARS of training and memorization of every street in London. Your Black Taxi London Cabbie knows how to get where you want to go better than you. Don’t insult him by thinking you know better. You don’t. Also, NEVER take a ‘mini-cab’ anywhere, they are unregulated and will most likely not know where you’re going and may rip you off.
Tip Generously
The British do not have a Tipping culture. Never tip anyone. That means your cabbie, your waiter or bellhop. Unlike the US, Brits are paid a decent wage for their job and do not expect to be tipped. Oftentimes, they will be insulted if you do. Most wait staff in London are usually Eastern European and if you ask them about tipping, they’ll tell you that ‘Yes, you tip’ for obvious reasons. Generally there is a service charge already tacked onto your bill. It is not necessary to pay the person twice.
Talk about Politics
As an American, unless you’re someone like me, you know absolutely nothing about British Politics (and chances are American Politics as well). So, that qualifies to you to talk about nothing related to politics in Britain. The friendly bloke you just met in a pub is not really interested in what you think about the Iraq War or Gordon Brown. They don’t even really want to talk about it with other Brits. And don’t you DARE speak poorly of the National Health Service (or call is Socialist).
Stuff Your Face
Portions are smaller in the UK. Deal with it.
Entitlement
Americans seem to think that because we’re Americans, we deserve special treatment in the UK. We don’t. We’re foreigners just like the rest of the world. Remember, we fought a whole war over our independence, and the Brits are still a little sore about losing. Any special treatment we may have hoped for ended at the end of the Revolutionary War.
“We Saved Your Ass in the War”
The British are well aware of the role that the Americans played in World War II. Don’t remind them of it. The British are EXTREMELY proud of their war history and they were keeping Hitler at bay for YEARS before we bothered to get involved. We did not save their ass in the war. We were their ally in victory and we WORKED together. It was a TEAM effort.
Stand in the sidewalk and look at your map
If you’re lost, don’t stop in the middle of the sidewalk and look at your map. Step off to the side and discretely look.
We Caused the Econopocalypse
Whether you think we caused the current economic troubles or not – the fact of the matter is that the rest of the world thinks we did. You should act accordingly and expect to be treated poorly because of this. They’ll get over it eventually, but only once things have started to recover (which they are starting to, imo). Don’t talk about it, don’t talk about how it affected you, don’t talk economic theory or implicate the Brits. Leave it alone.
Do you have any advice to American Tourists in Britain?
About Jonathan
British Pound Exchange Rate
Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dreams of traveling to the UK whenever we want a reality.
Even though i’ve been an anglophile for many years (and having been saving money like mad so I can actually make the trip over), i’ve never been to Britain.
However, I’ve heard from other travelers to NEVER go to a pub and order a fancy drink, it would be considered offensive.
The idea that any alcohol consumer would go to the pub and order anything but beer astounds me
Unless you are channeling Pat Butcher and order a g&t!
Yeah? I was born in and have lived in London for 23 years and my staple pub drink is vodka, lime, and ginger ale. Most London pubs serve cocktails. And don’t forget Pimms is always served with half an orchard in it.
But if you’re American, you’re used to Miller Lite. Or Budweiser. Or – god forbid – COORS.
Beer in the UK is an experience in itself!
Well, if you’re a 20th century American, maybe. Good, world-class brews have been available in a lot of US bars for awhile.
The last time I was in the UK, the pubs were pushing the heck out of Coors Light. Why, I’ll never figure out! Think I’ll stick to my fave Tetley’s Ale!
LOL – but if they’d just get Guinness Red over here, I could go back & forth between it and Aventinus and be happy!
I can’t imagine drinking American beer even in America, much less overseas! If you’re going to drink that crap, why travel abroad??
I’m a bit of a US-o-phile and the US has some awesome bottled beers from the smaller breweries, even some draughts. There’s at least one real ale pub in my home town that sells them. Brands like Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, Anchor Steam and so on. I tend to stick with the IPAs. The US ones are actually a little stronger than the UK ones but often made with UK hops. Stores like Wholefoods typically stock these brands.
As someone who’s lived in a tourist city (York, Yorkshire, England) and travelled (mainly CA, NY and FL) the best approach to being in a foreign country is respect. Respect the people and the culture. You can act like an arse anywhere and if you do you’ll get treated as one. Finally learn and try and lose some of those preconceptions. I know I did.
PS.
- I’m not sore about the US wining the war of independence. That was 200 years ago.
- If you say you saved our arses in WWII I’ll just give you a wry smile.
- The economic mess is a global one.
- You can order what you like in a pub. Its just that some pubs are somewhat old fashioned. Find the right pub.
One of the delights in British pubs is that you can actually get cider. Yum!
I’d love a nice cold Strongbow right about now…
Just thought I’d make a note here – “cider” outside the US is usually alcoholic (US: hard cider). IF you want apple juice… it’s called apple juice.
Actually in the US there’s apple juice which is usually clear and sweet and somewhat tasteless, Apple Cider which is just plain gorgeous with spices and yummyness in it, and hard cider which hear is like apple juice that’s been fermented. they’re three distictive beverages.
We’ve ordered Pimms; orange juice and lemonade; etc. in pubs with nary a look.
If your a bloke by a pint of lager or ale or even buy a shot or spirit like whisky and sometimes a cocktail. If your a women it is ok for you to buy a wine or champaign or someting fancy like that. Just stay from white cider or super strengh lager they’re tramps drinks.
I guess it’s good to be cautious when abroad, but whether ordering a “fancy” drink other than beer causes an adverse reaction from staff really does depend on the sort of pub you go into. If you walk in and see quite a diverse group of people, and not just a couple of local types propping up the bar, then you’ll probably be fine. And even if you do get a curious look for asking for an unusual drink, you’re very unlikely to be confronted about it – most people keep themselves to themselves unless you actually try to insult them or wind them up. Just be open minded and friendly with the staff and people around you and you should be fine, even if you do seem a bit of clueless tourist.
I recently went into a small village pub that I assume has never seen anyone outside a half mile radius for years, and even there they served lates.
“Remember, we fought a whole war over our independence, and the Brits are still a little sore about losing”.
No – it’s nothing to do with any war. It’s actually cos you’re ignorant xenophobic wankers and we don’t like you.
Do you really not see the irony of stating you don’t like an entire nation of people because they are xenophobic?
Yes, the irony was intentional. Did you really not see the satire?
I didn’t see it, to be honest, Dave. Your comment sounded simply anti-American to me, and I’m not impressed by your reference to irony. Am I being unfair?
Yes, this sort of irony can often sail over Americans’ heads. It’s the difference between a John Cleese and a Jeremy Clarkson. The former only pretends to humorously dislike Americans, while the former genuinely does. It’s a fine line that is easily missed.
With that said, I’m hoping Clarkson and Rich Hall are both on an episode of QI this series.
My goodness. This was a thoroughly depressing read. And I’m from TEXAS. Thanks, Y’ALL.
Yeah, satire doesn’t work in text form. Nothing to do with British/American differences. Americans are generally unprepared for the British penchant for sarcasm, though. Fortunately most British sarcasm is delivered with a twinkle in the eye and/or a wry smile. Watch for those and you’ll minimise the chances of being caught out.
Clarkson’s an idiot. He’s so jealous of America and Americans.
Jezza should rule britian
Just as with the whole bitter about the revolutionary war thing, that’s rubbish. Clarkson hates Americans because he’s a xenophobic biggot, he holds similar views about most nations, just Americans are easier targets.
“Yes, the Brits speak English, but it’s in a completely different way and they use words differently. Try to watch BBC America a bit before you leave, try to get an ear for the tongue. No one wants to have someone scream “What?†at them multiple times because they don’t understand. It’s really not that hard to understand a British accent. It’s linguistically similar to a Southern Accent in the US, if that helps.”
Oh my word, as an Englishman, born and bred in London England I don’t think I have ever been so insulted as to have our accent compared to that of a Southern US accent. Are you for real?
There isn’t even such a thing as an ‘English’ accent, the accents can vary incredibly within a region of 100 miles. A Londoner born in Bow East London can sound completely different to that of a Londoner born in West London and don’t even get me started on the difference between a Mancunian and Scouse accent given that the cities are around 35 miles apart.
I would recommend that anyone travelling to the U.K. read the lonely planet instead for some useful factual information.
And leave the shorts at home? Half your legs exposed is unBritish!? I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous, I wear shorts and flip flops everyday in the summer as do most Londoners.
I think some more research needs to be done here, maybe try talking to some British people and not provide a list of out of date stereotypes which is insulting to us as well as to Americans travelling here.
American tourists, come, embrace the UK. Tip when you want, the Polish workers will appreciate it, I certainly did when I worked in restaurant at 16 years old, drink what you like in a ‘pub’, unless you’re in a remote village in Yorkshire where there is only beer available, wear what you want, we don’t care if you wear gym shoes, they’re comfortable for walking and you should do a lot of that as walking and getting lost in London is the way to see it and a taste for what it really is – a beautiful, multicultural, liberal, energizing, busy, mesmerising global city on an immense scale, not a Victorian ‘old gent’ Mary friggin poppins style theme park.
“Oh my word, as an Englishman, born and bred in London England I don’t think I have ever been so insulted as to have our accent compared to that of a Southern US accent. Are you for real?”
LOL – well, as a US southerner, I don’t think I have ever been so insulted as to have it said that being compared to a southern accent is an insult! And all your countrymen (that I’ve met) are so much more polite about it!
While I do think some of this list is a bit niggly (sorry Shug; have back problems, will wear sneakers, anyone with an ounce of manners will get over it), he has a point with the accent comment. There is such a thing as an overall English accent, as compared to an American or Canadian accent. We have regional variances too, but they still often have more in common with each other than what you’ll hear across the pond.
It’s all about the vowels. Find a theatrical voice coach and ask them about it sometime. I had several people (West Midlands, Yorkshire, northern Wales, and Dublin) comment that it was easier to understand me than many other American tourists they’d met, and I pick up the accent without even noticing I’m doing it. And if you look back at early Hollywood, the parts of southerners were often played by British actors (Vivien Leigh comes to mind) because they aped southern accents better than other Americans, while most southern actors were told the first thing they had to do was permanently lose the southern accent if they ever wanted a role.
I AGREE with you!!!! You have it EXACTLY right!!!!!
Yeah, i agree with you Ed Boyd. The information here is awful, its old and not all to useful in modern times. I currently live here in Durham and the only good bits of advice in this article for an American are look right, fanny pack (because they are silly wherever you are), Entitlement, stand on the sidewalk and look at your map (isn’t that rude anywhere?), and “we saved your ass in the war”.
I don’t know how it is down in London, but here in Durham we love to talk politics and compare them to world wide political views. Part of that might be living in a collegiate community, but thats how it is here.
Oh god. So much misinformation and subtle regionalism everywhere. First I would like to say I’m 16 and I’m looked down upon by the majority of 25+ in Britain even though I’m no more likely to stab anyone than the manager of the care home down the road. This is a MASSIVE problem in Britain and the alienation of youth is causing problems nationwide. Anyway, don’t avoid shorts. Shorts are IN! Shorts are great in the summer, it would look out of place to be wandering around London in trousers (‘pants’) on a hot day, considering you might drop dead of heat exhaustion on the tube if you refuse to let your body breathe.
Gym shoes are fine too. So don’t worry about that. But please, I BEG of you to leave your fanny packs behind, also don’t say fanny because it means vagina in Britain, because they are the worst thing I could imagine an American wearing ever ever ever. I will personally cut them off of you and return your belongings to you before burning the fanny pack and dancing round it.
Please stop referring to a general English accent because it DOES NOT EXIST. The accent you are referring to is Oxford or The Queen’s English. I have northern cousins and we barely understand each other. Try telling them they sound like southern American. (In Britain the southern accent brings images of racist rednecks which whilst stereotypical and very untrue is in the public mindset).
Don’t complain about anything because it’s the same as inviting someone into your home and hearing them complain about your partners cooking, it’s okay for you to criticise but not for anyone else.
The Cabbies point is true, taxi drivers are incredibly well trained and regulated. Mini-Cabs are FINE! Just look for a HACKNEY CARRIAGE sticker. A taxi with this sticker which will declare Hackney carriage and bear the name of the local authority.
Tipping is not frowned upon but my advice would be to keep the money and spend it on something else.
Talking about politics whilst probably could be acceptable is best avoided. Britain is incredibly multicultural but sadly that makes certain topics (Palestine, Tibet). Just remember you’re on holiday so just forget serious things for the time being. And please do not insult the NHS, without it many of us would be in serious debt and ill. Britain spends 8% of its GDP on Healthcare compared to the 16% in America, the average Brit finds it abhorrent to make profit from people’s wellbeing – Life and Death are not for profit.
We don’t eat as much, get over it.
You’re not better than anyone. Entitlement is actually a very noticable problem with American tourists all over the world. Even your government recommends that your American Passport does not make you above the law. Please remember it, and do not look down on people. Ever, Britain is very accepting once the ice has been broken just don’t give people reason not to welcome you.
Don’t say this because it is historically innacurate as Jonathan has stated Britain had held Germany back for years and the Battle of Britain had been won. Feel free to quote it to the French, but Britain was well and truely sufficient. We combined forces and took on Germany successfully together. ‘Special relationship’ intact.
With the maps be subtle and move into a cafe it’s less annoying for people around you.
The general feeling in Britain is to blame the extremely wealthy and the ever widening wealth gap in both of our countries. We don’t blame Americans we blame your tycoons, who you most probably blame due to greed, some small minded Brits (as there are small minded Americans) do blame you but ignore it.
Also Britain has a long and dramatic history, the actual area of America we ‘controlled’ was rather confined to the North East of your country and the Revolutionary War (The American War of Independence as we know) was a blip as the American revolutionaries joined the French and Spanish who were already at war with us. It is slightly bigheaded to proclaim we’re sore about it because it’s unimportant and in the scheme of things has lead to our special relationship. It sort of ties in with entitlement and the perceived big American ego.
In my opinion you won’t be hated for being an American but you may be disliked for the whole ‘I’m an American tourist in London and I think that I’ve visited all the UK and I’m really loud and obnoxious.’ routine so stear clear, the majority of American tourists are pleasent and lovely people who are always happy to see real culture instead of faffing about with muffins and tea.
Finally, please leave London at some point, London is in England it is not England. London is like nowhere else and barely resembles the rest of the country. Why don’t you try Bournemouth!
You are correct, ONLY the Queen’s English or the Oxford accent is “kin” to the Southern accent in the US!!!! Actually, there are regional and class differences in the Southern accent!!!! The “educated” Southern accent, and the “redneck” Southern accent are different!!!! It is due to the biased reporting by the BBC for over 60 years that people in Britain have a bad opinion of people from the South!!!!!
I will NEVER watch “Top Gear” EVER AGAIN because when they were in the US and crossed the Alabama state line, the person made an insulting remark about “being in Alabama!!!!!”
BEFORE you “put us down” come here and visit us WITH AN OPEN MIND!!!!!! The southern part of the US is HUGE compared to the UK!!!! England is ONLY the size of one state, Kentucky!!!!!
My husband, my son, my daughter, and my son-in-law went to Britain to love and admire it!!!! My husband, whio was a historian, went five times. My son and daughter went twice. My son-in-law only went once. I have been seven times. All together, I have spent so much time in Britain that I can’t give blood in the US for fear that I would pass on Mad Cow disease!!!!
My husband and I only spent three days in London of the twenty-one days we spent in England on our first trip!!!!
We decided we’d not go back to London until he was too old to drive, so ALL of the later trips were spent in the British countryside!!!!!
I have done a lot of traveling abroad. Do you know how to spot the American tourist? They’re incredibly LOUD! As American’s we are loud. I have went into many restaurants where I have been embarrassed by my fellow American because I can hear them talking clear across the restaurant! Keep it down, wether you are outside or in. The British are quiet people, unless watching football, they do not want to hear our entire conversation.
have to agree on this point, we English are very reserved compared to our American cousins so please remember this when out and about in the UK; if you are too loud its the one way to instantly lose the local respect
it’s not an anti-american thing, we also get a bit irritated with other tourists from closer countries such as Italy; they are simply more expressive than us Brits and it doesn’t feel right if a tourist is dominating the room/area
i am not saying being more reserved is better, we are just different ;o)
great post by the way Jonathan!
As a Canadian, living in the US, and engaged to be married to an Englishman, just wanted to add this comment for Americans. If you do wear a fanny pack – DON’T CALL IT A ‘FANNY” PACK. In England (and the rest of the UK) a” fanny” is a private part of the female anatomy – anatomy which men don’t have, if you get my drift! The Brits call them a “Bum Bags”! Don’t say ‘Fanny” anywhere!!!
So what the the dj say on the radio when he plays that BeeGee’s song?
What BeeGees song?!?
I agree about Americans’ tendancy to be loud. I was in the Musee D’Orsay in Paris a few years ago when I heard an American literally yell from one end of this long Museum to the other. Most people whisper in museums. Same with the Metro; American boarding were loud, and ignored the stares that the behaviour wasn’t appreciated. It’s not just in the UK, but other countries, too, that Americans can draw unappreciated attention to themselves this way. “Indoor voices”, people!
I agree! Traveling abroad does make one very conscious of your fellow country men. Restaurant’s are where I notice it especially. I purposefully try not to be rude and crass, but for every person like one of us, there are three perpetuating the stereotype. Ahh, frustration!
Hey, we don’t even like our own “lager louts’ because they are loud, too. The difference is, most lager louts are also drunk and foul-mouthed, whereas even the loud American tourists are at least polite!
Returning to the States after a year living in Britain, even in the airport I was overwhelmed at how loud my countrymen were. My ears had grown accustomed to the low speaking volume of most Brits. There are two sides to this coin, however, as in pubs, I often strained to hear and understand what was being said and was often forced just to smile and nod, simply not being able to hear. This was not age as I was 21 at the time. So to Brits who think Americans poor conversationalists, they may not be hearing your conversation.
Yes totally agree with being in a Restaurant and you know they are American.
I was so embarrased as these 3 Young American Women were so loud and flirting with some Young British men just minding their own business.
Also checking into a Hotel in Paddington the American Group were so loud, with their wants and likes, dislikes i couldn’t stand that either.
I commend the Anglophiles that show we respect where we are visiting.
As an American who has lived here for 3 years, some of this is true and some of it is utter nonsense… it’s too much to put in one comment but if you ever are willing to consider a rebuttal… tipping is a critical piece of misinformation btw. We tip 10% here and most restaurants do not have a service charge. Most taxi-cab totals are rounded up at least to the next pound and perhaps another is added. I could go on. But I’m with Jackie, the above stereotypes are mostly caricatured but the truth is that Americans are recognized because they speak loudly.
agree on tipping…
don’t tip in Pubs unless trying to chat up a barmaid or something
but in restaurants we do tip 10% unless the service/food is poor
in cabs we usually round up to nearest pound but if the journey is a long one (say to airport) then a 5-10% tip is good
As a Brit, I would agree with NFAH on tipping. Have a look at your bill (check) in restaurants. If a service charge has been added, then fine. If it hasn’t and the service was good, tip 10-15%. If the service was lousy, don’t pay the service charge. We are firm but fair!
In taxi-cabs I ALWAYS round up to the nearest pound, or more if it was a fare over £10. And I agree with Jonathan that London cabbies are geniuses!
In pubs, although tipping itself is ‘not done’, if you are buying a round of drinks for people, it IS acceptable to say to the barman “and one for yourself”. They will usually take about £3.
I don’t tip bellboys (unless I have put them to some trouble), valet parking people, chambermaids or other hotel staff.
A good article in general, but as a born and bred Londoner I thought I’d add my thoughts on tipping as I think the article is a little off.
A little rule about tipping. It’s not at all accurate to say that the English don’t tip. In fact one of the most confusing things is to work out who you should and who you shouldn’t tip. Even the English struggle to work this out sometimes. So here goes:
– Don’t tip in a pub…Although in more expensive bars in most large cities you will receive your change on a metal tip plate of some sort. tip if you want to, but do not feel obliged, they are trying it on and hoping to catch the tourist. Drinks in London are expensive enough and simply pouring a drink does not qualify as “Service” in my eyes.
– But DO tip in any bar where a waiter/waitress takes your drinks order at your table. The same rule applies here as at a restaurant (see below)
– Do tip a cabbie. It’s totally expected that you should round up to the nearest pound but use discretion. £7.40 = £8.00, but £7.90 should equal £8.50. A 10p tip is more offensive than no tip at all.
– Do tip your hairdresser. A £1 will be fine in most cases
– Do tip in a restaurant but check your bill first. Most places add a service charge of 12-15%. At the bottom of the bill will be either “service charge £x.xx” or the statement “Service not included”. If it is the latter, then please tip unless the service has been awful.
– Do tip the takeaway food delivery guy. A £1 will do fine
– finally, use your common sense. If someone gives you great service then tip them, but I can’t think of any situations outside of these above where I would ever tip and never, EVER tip a policeman, no matter how nice they were at giving you directions to the Tower of London
I know this post is a year old, but I’m surprised to see someone suggesting people should tip their hairdresser. I’d never heard of this before I went to the US. It just seems.. odd.
I always tip my hairdresser about £3 for a cut and a fiver or so if highlighted. Even as a kid i remember my mum giving my a couple of quid to give to whoever had cut my hair
On the topic of gym shoes:
After spending half my bank account on plane tickets and hostel reservations, I was not going to buy new shoes just for the trip. I sported the ugliest, white, beat-up trainers and the only person who cared was me. In fact, although my feet survived, I was mortified about my lack of fashion sense most of the time (most women wore strappy, cute little things that wouldn’t have held up to much walking at all). In retrospect, I would have bought a nice, dark pair of comfort shoes (that is, if I knew where to get them under $100!)
Dear Shawn,
Bring your $100 to a British designer outlet store! A few weeks ago I bought my husband a pair of beautiful black leather brogues with leather soles worth around £300 for just £55 from the Charles Tyrwhitt outlet store in Bicester.
Perfect for sightseeing, dining (but not hill-walking in Devon, Jonathan, okay?).
DO NOT come to bicester village again, we hate tourists for clogging up our little ‘Town’.
As a born and bred British person living in London, I think – on the whole – that’s a good list. Especially standing on the right on escalators and the whole ‘fanny pack’ thing (although don’t call it that here – it’s rude).
One thing I do disagree with is tipping. It’s true – we don’t have a culture where everyone *expects* to be tipped, and you certainly don’t need to in *most* situations, but we never find it rude. We certainly don’t get paid extremely well, but you only really tip in restaurants. It’s common to tell a cabbie to “keep the change” if you give him £10 for a £8 or £9 fare, but don’t feel rude asking for the change! It’s standard to leave about 10% of the bill as a tip at most restaurants (although do check the bill for a “service charge” – if that’s been added – you don’t need to tip.) If the service was slow or bad, don’t tip! Only reward them – they’ll get paid anyway!
tipping hairdressers is also entirely normal – and they get lousily paid.
Good call on the war thing. A simple solution would be to tell your fellow countrymen to forget anything they have seen in a US-made war film, *ever*. Most especially that “Enigma” disgrace.
We sure as hell wouldn’t have managed it without you (thank you), but it would have been nicer if you’d have got your asses out of your comfy sofas a year or two earlier. Waiting for Pearl Harbour to happen was a bit of a mistake
You have evidently forgotten about how the UK “pacated” Hitler ” for YEARS!!!! Remember when the PM came back from a meeting with Hitler, and announced “Peace in our time!!!!”
Roosevelt gave all the help he could to Britain, short of declaring war on Germany!!!!
Roosevelt wan’t as prepared for the war as he SHOULD have been!!!! He sure as hell had PLENTY of advance warning!!!! But then, that was BEFORE the days of intercontinental ballistic missles!!!! The president of the US, and the American people felt safe because the Atlantic Ocean was between them and the Nazis!!!!!
IF the news media had been THEN like it is TODAY, Roosevelt would have been CRUCIFIED because of all kinds of things!!!! He evidently had NO PLAN if the US was attacked about WHAT we would do!!!! Therefore, Nazi submarines sank scads and scads of shipping off the east coast with TREMENDOUS loss of lives because there were NO black outs!!!!! Also, My father, who was an officer on a tanker that took airplane fuel to Britain from Lake Charles, Louisiana, saw ships blow up in front of him, and ships blow up in back of him in the Gulf of Mexico because of NO black outs, and the Nazi submarines!!!!!! He told me that “once he got around the tip of Florida, he “felt safe!!!!!!” My father died February 28, 2012, at the age of 94.
If you British had had the Atlantic Ocean between you and the Nazis, instead of just the distance between Dover and Calais, would you have acted any differently than the US acted?
On my last trip to Britain in 2006, my companion and I were in a pub in a small town in Kent and a young man who couldn’t have been any older than 22, upon hearing our American accents when he went to the bar to order another beer, approached us and asked us if we were Americans. When we told him “Yes” he said, “I want to thank you for saving us during WWII!!!
I was gobsmacked!!!!
Strange you want to live in Dorset, it’s probably one of the most boring counties over here. Maybe I’m just biased because I’ve lived here most of my life but if it wasn’t for the coast and maybe Monkey World it’d just be a place where old people come to live out their final years in pointlessly small villages with “quaint” pubs. Which reminds me, further advice to any foreigners visiting English pubs in small towns or villages – it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, if you’re not a local you will receive the obligatory deathly stare from just about everyone as soon as you go through the door. Oh and the drinks are far from cheap, and bartenders don’t appreciate haggling even if different people serve them at slightly different prices in the same place.
Definitely agree with Jenivere about Dorset. It’s a lovely place for a long-weekend if you like walking and drinking ale in cute pubs, but really wouldn’t want to live there.
I like boring.
I just thought I should mention- you say that if you’re a foreigner, you’ll get death looks when going into a local pub in a small village or town, which is true. But you’ll also get this death look if you’re just from a different part of the country (or the Union). I recieved looks like this when I went to Cornwall, Dorset, the Lake District, Wales, etc.
I lucked up – I left my map book and we got lost going from Machynlleth to Huddersfield, and a fantastic lorry driver and a bunch of great people in a Bala pub wrote us town-by-town directions how to get there, complete with odd traffic notes to watch out for, and the driver gave us his cell number and said to call him if we got lost again. I hope they all have good luck for the rest of their lives!
On the whole, I was impressed with how polite almost everyone we met was, especially after being told (by both Americans and British people) how rude everyone would be. Just didn’t really run into it up north.
You’re quite right, I think. I’m a Yorkshireman and I’m convinced we’re friendlier than those down south. When I travel to Newcastle (a hundred miles further north), they’re friendlier than us Yorkshire lot. Latitude breed friendliness.
Being from England (and living in the US for 4 years now) and having worked in the service industry i can tell you that waiters definitely DO want to be tipped and yes they get paid minimum wage and tips DO make up a huge part of their take home. No waiter would be insulted by a tip, nor would a cab driver, bell man or anyone else. Brits dont tip AS MUCH as in America but it IS expected!!!! Oh and i dont think anyone is ‘sore; about not winning the war over independence – we are pretty much over that! In fact a lot of us party on July 4th!
Otherwise – agree with everything else!
Hello. I agree with Lucy wholeheartedly. The only time we wouldn’t tip in a restaurant would be if the service was bad, otherwise add 10% to your bill all the time. (If service is included they usually state that on either the menu, or the bill.) With regards to the war of independence, I don’t think anyone is ‘sore’ at all, it is just such a long time ago.
Well done. As a Brit I think I can safely say this is a pretty accurate picture to paint.
Though a few things to add:
- Keep it down, no one likes it when you’re loud.
- Do not shout at me when asking for things. Most Brits are very willing to help with directions or give a little bit of tourist information, but be polite, otherwise some sharp British wit may come your way.
- Also, try not to crowd the tube, at rush hour this will not be appreciated. We’ve all got to cram in that little tin can, so please, move over and let people on.
May I wish any American visitors a warm welcome and a good time if they follow these handy tips!
A very interesting blog that did make me laff. I’m an ex-pat American who has lived in London for five years, I have a few corrections though:
- Black cabs have the ‘knowledge’ and charge for it. Times have changed and why should anyone pay for the knowledge when there’s GPS. There are great mini-cab companies, such as Addison Lee in London, that use GPS and cost considerably less, plus you get door-to-door service. These mini-cabs are completely legit (though unavailable during the month of Dec because everyone is using them to hop to holiday parties after work). Just to clarify, the EVIL mini-cabs are usually waiting outside bars or clubs and will charge four or five times the price of a black cab. Yes total rip offs and can be dangerous. Look up Addison Lee on the Internet and you have a car waiting rock-star style when you leave the pub.
- The UK culture is evolving when it comes to tipping for good service. If you’ve enjoyed a meal tip a pound or two at your discrection. Likewise if there’s some change left from your drink, leave it for the bartender or if there’s some extra change from your cab bill round up. Up until just this year, restaurants were not required by law to use the service fee to pay staff. Even with the change in regulation you know the restaurant staff are making no money.
- Reality check: An American just off the plane is going to stand out. Brits say ‘holiday’; Americans say ‘vacation.’ And that’s just the beginning! My advice is to work it! Play dumb American, make friends have a laugh and really enjoy yourself. If you really want to have a fun read about British culture, buy ‘Watching the English’ — a fab book that will make you laugh out loud.
With regards to the author’s obession with Dorset. I’m sure that you’d find quite a few people in Dorset who would rather swith their lives with you
Cheers,
Ed
‘Tip a pound or two’ if you’ve enjoyed your meal! Are you having a laugh!? you might as well leave 10p. Stick to the 10% or non-obligatory service charge rule and that’ll keep you right. As for the Addison Lee plug, yes I’ve heard they’re very good but there are others. Easier to look out for cabs registered with TFL (Transport for London); they have to display a ‘tube’ logo sticker in their window. Black cabs are expensive and can be a law unto themselves – try getting one to take you south of the river when the pubs shut.
Some good points, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to disagree with your tipping advice. Compared to the US, it is fair to say that we don’t have a tipping culture. However it IS customary to tip taxi drivers, waiters (but not if a service charge is added) and bellhops. Along with hairdressers they’re the only people that receive tips. But don’t feel obliged if you’ve had bad service. No one will chase you down the street if you don’t tip.
Oh and wear what you like…no one cares. Really.
Have you actually been to England?
England does have a tipping culture – you should always tip waiters/waitresses and hotel porters, and cabbies too if you’ve had good service. There’s no need to tip in pubs and bars though, although the custom is to buy the barman/barmaid a drink if you think theyve earnt it.. Bearing that in mind, it’s a fairly awful xenophobic slur to say that eastern europeans lie about it being customary to tip – you should take that comment back, its pretty offensive.
Plus, minimum wage in England is a joke – and that’s what most of these people will be earning. If you work in the service industry, tips are essential to help you make ends meet.
I’m a Londoner and came across this post via Twitter. Love it. It really made me giggle! As well as standing on the right, may I suggest a few other helpful tube tips:
1) NO EYE CONTACT on the tube. And definitely no conversation. Unless very discreet and whispered. One certainly must not converse at standard American levels.
2) MOVE DOWN THE CARRIAGE. It’s not necessary to stand right by the doors. The trains are small and there are lots of us and we’d all like to get on the first train to arrive. Move down the carriage and make some space. You’ll have plenty of time to get off as long as you keep a discreet eye out the window so you know where you are (as a tourist if necessary it is acceptable to make your way towards the door at the previous stop – but NOT while the train is moving. You’ll probably fall over or annoy someone reading the paper by trying to squeeze past)
3) IGNORE THE MAPS at the bottom of the stairs. We know TFL put them there to help you, but when you block the way by stopping to look at the map it drives us crazy. Get one of those little leaflets they hand out instead and memorize your route prior to travel.
4) Don’t take the tube between LEICESTER SQUARE and COVENT GARDEN – they are virtually the same place. It’s about a 5 minute walk. Although if you are wearing shorts, gym shoes & a fanny pack please do. It entertains us greatly.
Why should a Country have so many “RULES” to go by w/o someone thinking you’re an idiot or having anti-American feelings or being laughed at? In America you can come as you are, no “rules” to live by that if you dont abide by you will be laughed out of the place. Ive seen some pretty idiotic things done & said by many nationalities. Everybody’s different, so just quit judging Americans and get to know a few, and then maybe you’ll have some fun!!
They’re not RULES – they are simply advice, as it happens from an American to other Americans. If you don’t want to stand out…do this..If you do, then fine. But expect the same positive and/or negative outcome that you would in any other country (positive – offers of help if obviously lost, negative – rich tourist ready to be fleeced).
Great article by the way (except for the tipping mistake).
PS. Nobody even gives the war of independence a second thought (we have lost lots of territories over the years), and strictly speaking we didn’t lose – as it was a civil war at the time (but that’s being overly pedantic)
Enjoy the UK (not just England), and make sure you get out of London (I recommend visiting any of the ‘shires’.
Jazz, buddy, you are lying to yourself if you think Americans are all nice to tourists. Haven’t you heard any Japanese tourist jokes? In the US, even if you are from a different part of the country you can be snubbed by locals. You don’t want to stand out in NYC as the bumpkin from the sticks. It’s the same kind of thing… you don’t HAVE to know this stuff to visit London, but it saves you from being the but of a joke, and gives you some useful suggestions.
A good list, although I agree with the others who have pointed out that the bit on tipping is incorrect; yes, we don’t tip willy nilly as in the States (if a pint costs £2.98 in a pub and you hand over £3, you take the 2 pence back or put it in a charity box), but when it comes to restaurants and cafes, as long as a service charge has not already been tacked on, then we do add on 10-15% always. And yep, no one really gives a toss about the American War of Independence – everyone knows it was actually a strategic retreat so we could concentrate on Australia because they have nicer beaches. Er, and kangaroos. (Tongue is firmly in cheek at this point). Oh and finally, I agree, the thing that does riles Brits, even when it is said in jest, is the “We Saved Your Ass in the War” thing when so many people over 40 still have grandparents who fought and died. And you were 2 years late after all.
I work in one of if not the best hotel in london and the above comment that we are paid a decent wage may apply to waiters and receptionist but it is not the same for the porters (bellhop) or concierge. the law allows restaurants and hotels to pay you less than minimum wage if you have the ability to earn tips. also service charge goes into the pocket of the companies and if you visit a chain restaurant even the cash goes in the companies pocket.
We do not take extortionate back handers like the american concierge as we care where we send people and we honestly want you to have a good stay and are not like every hotel that i have stayed in in new york where everyone is as fake as pamela andersons tits!
if you want a genuine guide to enjoying your time in the uk simply do one thing and that is be a good person. honesty will always shine thru. if you approach things with the intention of having a good time you will do.
“
Oh and to suggest that we are “sore” about the war of independence is like asking america why it took so long to abolish slavery ? at one point we owned 70%of the known land on the planet America could not even keep Vietnam in check. and you gave poor mexicans mortgages this economy is your fault.
portions are smaller because we are smaller. they increase the further north you go.
otherwise just dont be an ass and you will be fine.
I’m an American. I live in California. I once lived in Europe. I loved it, but I prefer home, of course. I’ve always felt that to discuss a nationality as if it were a person — loud, dressing funny and — horror of horrors — not understanding local culture (!) is a sign of low intelligence. People generally travel in order to gain knowledge and understanding of local culture. I feel there could also be a meeting of minds; a sharing of cultures, if each side tries to understand, rather than condemn, the other.
I’ve often traveled without being recognized as an American. I would be willing to bet there are many Americans who travel on the downlow. Don’t be so quick to judge us all by our loud and ignorant countrymen and women – we don’t much like them when they’re here either. Give thanks that they are only visiting you.
Also, it’s small, but irksome — it’s the Yank thing. In America, the only “Yanks” are those who are born and bred New Englanders. I know; I’m one, and with apologies to the rest of New England, I’d like to speak for the group and say “knock it off”. As a group, we are all Americans – not “Yanks”. Thank you.
When you visit my country — try to enjoy it. Stop wenching about the “fast food culture”; the volume, size and sheer energy of the U.S. We like it that way. If you don’t – stay home. Seriously. We love you as cousins, but we don’t really need you here unless you want to have a good time. And hey, we really don’t think about the wars…. We have moved on. You may be still be living with it, and for that we are sorry – it sucked, no doubt. But here, it’s the 21st century. Get off the boat, party and enjoy our craziness!
With much affection – Aurora
It sounds to me like you’re the one being an ass!!
Hello all.
Fantastic list! And most of it was very true! I am English born and bred, though I am from the far north of England, so it would seem a completely different place to London. Look up the North South divide if you will be traveling around the UK. Could give you a bit of history, we have a lot of it I’m afraid.
I have been to London on a few occasions and sometimes I feel like I’m visiting a different country. The Tube thing… London is the only place that does the escalator thing… You best do as your told. Stand on the far right as far as you can squish yourself. You will never be able to out-power-walk a business man in a suit carrying the weight of a small child in laptop bags and accessories. It is a weird law of nature.
Tipping… Recently there was a bit of a hoohaa (to out it mildly), with regards to very large well known restaurant chains using the tips given to the waiters and waitresses to bump up their hourly pay to the minimum wage. (Which ain’t a lot!) Thankfully, this has been stopped, so if, and only if, you think the service you get in a restaurant is worthy of tipping, do it. It will probably make their day. And they will go and tell their parents and friends about the mega friendly Americans who tipped. (Ahhh.)
Pubs. “Want to go to the pub after work?” Is probably the best sentence to hear in the work place. Pubs are like some Holy Grail type church to a lot of British folk. If you go in a pub that has very old photographs, horse memorabilia and A LOT of brass hanging on the wall, chances are your in a very old pub. Going for a beer/lager/bitter will probably be your best bet. You will get funny looks from the bar man if you order a JD and Coke. He will ask why you want to dilute your whiskey.
If the Pub serves food, go on a Sunday to get the full on Sunday roast experience. Sunday Dinner is a British institution. Dinner on a Sunday can be eaten at anytime between 12 and 6, so if you are meeting up with an English mate for dinner, check what time. (This is another North/South working/middle class divide with regards to what time and meal lunch, dinner and tea are.)
Some pubs have Quiz Nights. Go. They are a great way of meeting people and you will have a lot of fun.
If you are coming to the UK, welcome! Come on in! Just relax, have fun.
If you have a Question, I don’t mind you asking.
Just get on to my Twitter.
P.S Sorry for the ramble.
“You will get funny looks from the bar man if you order a JD and Coke. He will ask why you want to dilute your whiskey.”
Or why you want to drink JD rather than a nice Scotch…
You took the words out of my mouth. Glenfiddich please! Although few pubs where I am stock that, unfortunately. And it’s damned expensive.
Here are some more (and yes – I have seen all of these, some MANY times):
Don’t clap between movements at classical concerts. Clap at the end of the piece – and wait until the orchestra and conductor have finished before you do!
Don’t clap and yelp when a famous person comes on the stage in the theatre. It’s not The Cosby Show!
DON’T DON’T DON’T clap and yelp at a really tense, dramatic moment during a play at the theatre – e.g. when a character played by a famous actor dies. (YES I HAVE SEEN THAT!)
Don’t omit the \road\, \street\. etc from addresses when asking the way. If you want to go to \Liverpool\, it’s a town in the north of England, not a railway station east of the City. \Tottenham\ (pr: Totnam not Tott-ayn-haym) is an area about 5 miles to the north east of town, not an intersection/tube station at the end of Oxford Street! Don’t complain if you get sent somewhere weird if you don’t follow this suggestion.
Don’t insist on being given tube/cab directions if a British pedestrian insists it’s only a few minutes walk away. We have legs. So do you.
Don’t stand on the tube complaining in a loud voice that there are no Brits in London. Those black and Asian people all around you are Brits. And, very probably, so are many of the white people trying to look as foreign as possible.
Don’t complain in a loud voice about how The Tower of London, Hampton Court, etc doesn’t have air conditioning or aren’t open at 11pm at night.
Learn to speak English before you come here. There are plenty of websites which tell you which words are different. Use them.
There’s more, but anyway…
“Don’t stand on the tube complaining in a loud voice that there are no Brits in London. Those black and Asian people all around you are Brits. And, very probably, so are many of the white people trying to look as foreign as possible.”
Ah….I think you’ve touched on something latent and quite important here. Thank you.
I beg to differ about the tipping and service charge issue. The service charge goes to the restaurant as means of helping them to cover for their expenses, it does NOT go to the waiting staff. I usually refuse to pay the service charge (which is 10% in most restaurants and is optional) and instead give the amount to the waiter instead. I don’t tip if they don’t give good service though.
I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and been to England 2X. Most often, I am confused for being European (in just about any city I have visited) vs. an American. I can tell you that wearing “gym shoes” is absolutely done by Europeans. Perhaps not the way that many Americans do in the States but if you go to NY, you will be hard pressed to find people in anything other than sneakers.
There are plenty of fashionable “trainers” as they’re called in England and people wear them all the time.
http://brilliantbritain.blogspot.com/2009/01/what-do-you-call-these-sort-of-shoes.html
What a great page (I found it via Twitter). Yup, the tipping thing is a challenge… so do what you feel is right; no-one will be offended if you give them something – especially if you come from a tipping culture. Avoid mini-cabs that don’t have signs on them… but black cabs will be a little more expensive (I found out that a black cab will cost the cab driver about the same as a Mercedes!).
The pub is definitely a cultural thing.. and well worth experiencing, especially the British pint as it will taste unlike Budweiser, Coors, or Miller Light. Anchor steam beer is possibly the closest thing… and that can be miles off too!
You will learn that the shorts don’t work, especially if you are from colder climates.
London is a world away from the Western parts of the UK (Devon, Cornwall, Dorset) and is also worlds away from Manchester, Newcastle… oh and Wales and Scotland. Florida is about the same size as the UK… but there are huge differences between north and south.
But hey, that’s what makes the UK such a great place to come to!
I’m a Brit, working in London, just found this page by accident. Some of the “rules” & comments here are a little odd – I can imagine that some country pub landlords might thing you were unusual if you ordered a cocktail, but ordering a JD & Coke is hardly unusual in London.
About the taxis – in London the drivers of the black cabs have a very lengthy and arduous training. If you’re travelling to somewhere well known, (e.g. Picadilly Circus), then look at your map, and chose a nearby but small insigificant street, and get the cab to take you there. See if you can catch him out – they know everything.
Mini cabs are normal in most other places in the UK, and they exist in London. They’re not a rip of. The warnings you hear about are about unlicensed minicabs (basically a bloke in a car). They are known to cause problems sometimes, and are best avoided. If you’re out in town late (e.g. about 3am) though, you might find you have no way to get home. I’ve used unlicensed cabs before – negotiate the price before you set off, and only do it if there’s a group of you.
GSEJ
One of my pet peeves is hearing my unfortunate fellow Americans yell “‘Scuse ME!!!” as they bang around in shops or on the tube, etc. I just cringe with embarrassment. Hearing the Brits say “Sorry” or “Pardon” in a low voice so as not to disturb anyone else is so much more courteous and civilized.
I honestly don’t mean to appear rude to the author, but has he actually ever visited the UK? Nearly every point is substantially wrong or simply woefully out of date.
Shorts – no problem, can be quite stylish
Gym shoes – we wear them as much as any European country
Tipping culture – Yes, we do have one, but on a different scale from the US. Tip waiters, barbers, cab drivers and many others. The exception which comes to mind is bar-staff who shouldn’t expect a gratuity.
Mini-cabs – they HAVE been regulated in London by TFL for several years
Entitlement and recent wars – Brits are far more concerned at the USA’s late arrival in both world wars and then being shafted economically by lease-lend than they are about the frankly inconsequential war of independance
Please spend time amongst the natives before opining so incorrectly – TIA.
While you certainly won’t be popular with any Brit if you say ‘if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking German’, to imply that Americans will be treated poorly in the UK because of the global economic situation is false.
People working in the UK tourist industry will be fully aware of the importance of American tourists to the UK economy and you will be treated the same, if not better, than any other nationality.
Anyone else you meet will know that:
a) you didn’t vote for the bankers or…
b) know that even if you knew what they were up to would have been poweless to do anything about it or…
c)be unaware of the correlation between the bankers’ behaviour and their livelihoods, so they won’t hold it against you anyway.
Just to add to the previous points…
If a place-name ends in ‘ham’, it’s pronounced ‘um’
Clapham = ‘Clappum’
Birmingham = ‘Birmingum’
Durham = ‘Durrum’
Also, never ever describe anything as ‘quaint’, even if it is.
Tips for the tube:
stand on the right and walk on the left on escalators
let people off the tube before getting on
Oh indeed! I find this infuriating in Chicago as well with trains, buses, and elevator cars. How is this not more obvious?
Ehrrr….pardon me, but as an American who has lived in London for 2 years now I’d like to throw in my 2¢…
Brits are indeed an extremely diverse crowd. There are absolutely loads of ‘em who wear trainers and even shorts in the summer. Walk into any H&M/Top Shop/Primark… shorts abound. And trainers are totally normal here, though perhaps in slightly cooler styles than what we’d normally wear back home.
Everyone complains about the rain….it’s to be expected, so why shouldn’t we as well??
And tipping is done, mostly at restaurants; at pubs, you can always order your favourite barman/barmaid a drink, especially if they’re pulling you pints many times over.
Any who says Brits don’t gorge? Ever been to a post-pub chippie or kebab shop???? People are far from being dainty and polite about their late-night snacking.
And for the record, there are many Americans out there who don’t flaunt their entitlement, soapbox their political beliefs, rehash WWII stories, and stand on streets with maps unfurled in frustration. Anyone who’s been to a big city sees tourists doing this everywhere….not just Americans. And to be fair, I could create a list denouncing the frustrating things bout “stereotypical Boozy Brits on holiday” as well…
You’re quite right about “boozy Brits”, I’ll not deny it. But the thing is, those Brits are a particular type of people, who tend to only go abroad for one thing (to get smashed and to eat fish and chips like the ignorant chavs they are), while the rest of the holidaying Brits don’t get noticed because of their aforementioned quiet nature.
Having said that, I can understand entirely that because of the amount of trouble people cause, the only impression you would gain of British holidaymakers is of lager louts.
And fanny pack wearing, loud, entitled Americans aren’t a particular kind of people just like the “boozy brits”?
I wonder if in Norway, boozy,noisy young males are called lager umlauts!!
working in a face-to-face customer environment, the one thing that really bugs me about Americans is that when I ask for a “post code”, they always ask me “what’s a postcode?” and I have to repeat “your Zip code”.
I don’t think that postcode is that hard a concept to understand, that any intelligent adult wouldn’t be able to figure out from the name itself that it is a code identifying where to deliver your post.
You may say then ask directly for a postcode, I can’t actually distinguish American accents from Canadian ones, and Canadians have postcodes so who am I to assume?
Ah but you see the problem is that Americans DON’T get the “post” delivered. What we get is the “mail.” Yes, even though it comes from the “post office,” no one puts it together. The “post” is a large piece of wood standing up somewhere. So asking someone for the code for their post just doesn’t compute, at all. // I once overheard a British couple try to order “chips” at a hamburger stand in the US. Apparently neither they nor the employee knew that the word they wanted was “fries.” He didn’t know what they wanted and they were unable to come up with another term. Really. It was quite mutually hopeless.
It may interest American readers to know that in the UK “fanny pack” is a slang term for a tampon.
Nobody here wears them any more, but in the 80s they were known as “bum bags”.
(Yes, I know that name’s not much better.)
And I should clarify here that the word “fanny” means something else here. Which may in turn clarify why “fanny pack” means “tampon”.
Wow – the comments on here have been incredible. Thank you so much for chiming in everyone. Definitely have post ideas for the future to clarify some things (Tipping deserves it’s own post!). Come back and see us again soon!
Wow, can I just say, I spent a good 10 minutes asking a TfL worker in the tube about getting to Tottenham Court Road? I was pronouncing it completely wrong, but I didn’t know it and we were both just getting frustrated!
I have to say, this is a fun and somewhat informative article for people who are self-conscious about their American-ness. But most people who act all “tacky tourist” aren’t self-conscious in the least, so I doubt they will read this or that this will help them at all (you yourself pointed out that some people just don’t take the time to educate themselves a little on the place that they are visiting).
But if you are busy being self-conscious, you risk not presenting your true self to your new English friends, and what is the point of that? Saying “vacation” instead of “holiday” is not a crime! Your accent is a dead giveaway anyway, so embrace it! People should learn about other cultures but not necessarily forsake their entire identity in a misguided effort to “blend in.”
As a student for a year in Leeds, I grew tired of a bus full of people stopping all conversaion and fixing their gaze on me (even momentarily) when I got on and and gave the fare I needed in my southern American accent (usually 30p at the time). Even the driver would look up at me which he did with no other boarders. So after a while I faked a Yorkshire “thuh-ee” and the whole process went smoother with less attention focused on me.
Oh I forgot one really important one!
England is not the UK. Scotland and Wales are different countries. It annoys English people, let alone Scots and Welsh people! Please try to get this right.
Oh and on the place names, don’t let people wind you up.
Gloucester = Gloster
Leicester = Lester
Worcester = Wooster
But…
Dorchester = Dorchester NOT “Doorster” !!!
Oh Tigger, pleeeeeease don’t forget Northern Ireland too! Home of The Giant’s Causeway and James Nesbitt!
Anna.
Yes it’s just the same when people refer to the US as America when in fact America is the almost the whole Western Hemisphere.
I don’t think you’ll find the Mexican/Canadian or South American people referring to themselves as simply “Americans”. Yes, we all live in North & South America – agreed. But we’re the country which took on the name of the continents – maybe we lacked imagination — don’t know.
It’s a bit precious to bitch about calling ourselves “Americans”, don’t you think? Much of the world calls us by that name. I suppose we could start calling ourselves United Statesians….. but it has no ring, does it?
From a Brit perspective I’d just add a couple of points
On tipping, its not true to say that tipping is not expected in restaurants (though it is not in either pubs or fast food places). As you say many restaurants have added a service charge but there has been a lot of controversy over this recently as restaurants (particularly chain restaurants) have been using the service charge to make up the minimum wage rather than passing onto the waiting staff as a bonus on top of wages, so in effect the consumers reward for good service was going to the business not the individual. As of 30 September the law has been changed to prevent this (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8283150.stm) so you can now tip waiters confident that the money will actually go to the individual concerned – a usual tip would be around 10% of the bill for good service.
On taxis, there are licensed mini-cabs (controlled by local authorities) and these are perfectly safe to use (they will have a plaque usually on the back bumper (fender !?) with their license number and licensing authority and should also display Driver ID inside) – the difference with black cabs being that you cannot hail mini-cabs and they are not allowed to pick up or tout for trade on the streets (never accept a lift from anyone claiming to be a mini-cab who tries to do this – its illegal and the driver will almost certainly be an unlicensed). However, they can be pre-booked by phone (in London you can text you location to Transport for London and they’ll text you back phone numbers for local companies). Mini cab drivers do not have to pass “The Knowledge” though and these days generally rely on GPS systems, nevertheless they are useful though as black cabs can be reluctant to travel too far from the centre, unless its a lucrative run to the airports, and there’s a lot fewer of them around late at night. Indeed, outside London and the cities, you won’t find black cabs and mini-cabs will be all that’s available.
*The British are well aware of the roll that the Americans played in World War II.*
That would be “role.”
As an American living in London, I agree with a couple of your points. But I highly doubt that anyone here is still “sore about losing” the Revolutionary War. Yes, it’s one of the most important events in US history, but it’s a drop in the bucket in the history of Britain.
The US ‘War of Independence’ (as Brits call it) is a drop in that bucket of our history.
However, the main reason we don’t like talking about it much is because we lost, and we don’t like talking about times we’ve been beaten – this is a national fault, in my opinion. Even William the Conqueror (1066 and all that) still gets bad press from some quarters because he was French, and beat the ‘heroic’ Anglo-Saxon Harold! That was almost 950 years ago!
There are plenty of times we’ve ‘lost’ that are glossed over and tactically ignored: the Boer War at the turn of the 20th century; a time in the 17th century when the Dutch invaded and sailed right up the Thames. I imagine there are many others that I can’t think of, because we’d rather not, as a nation!
WWII is getting annoying, as our media do hark on about it – which anniversary is it this time?! Some of our grandparents did fight in it, but some also fought in Korea, the Falklands, Iraq, and other wars/battles, and we don’t keep on about those (yet!).
If we won, do talk about it: Nelson, Agincourt, etc!
May I add a bit of London pub protocol advice for holidaying Americans? If the atmosphere among the locals seems a little cool towards you, remarking “Jeez, how about those French!” will crack the ice and get people talking warmly to you.
Well said, sir! A pint for my friend here!
I would agree with NFAH that tipping is not unheard of in the U.K. It’s okay to tip your taxi driver although it is not required, neither is tipping the pub’s bartender (if you feel you must, buy him or her a drink instead). Tipping in a sit down restaurant is acceptable as well.
Don’t be so self-conscious! You’re here on holiday, enjoy it. We know that the vast majority of Americans who travel are the OK ones, the stereotypes never leave their home state apparently. Wear what you want to wear, tip how much you want to, and don’t be scared of being a tourist. You’ll have paid a lot of money to get here, no point in wasting time pretending to be a bored local.
One thing I will say is it’d be nice if you turned the volume down a little on arrival. The majority of the people in the restaurant/pub/theatre don’t wish to hear every aspect of your conversation. And as for the wars? We’ve mostly forgotten about the one for independence, but if you’re dense enough to suggest that we’d be speaking German without you then you’re fully deserving of the berating you shall recieve. We are definitely appreciative of the help you guys gave in bringing about the end of WW2, but you did not turn up and win it on your own.
London is full of very annoying people, both local and visitors. It’s not difficult to avoid being one of them!
I am having trouble identifying almost any of this. If we are talking about London, then do and wear whatever you wish – it’s London: everyone else does.
No need to tip-toe around on eggshells – no one cares, and if you are a bit louder than the people at the next table (who are quite likely Italian, French, Spanish, Polish, Brazilian, Norwegian, Dutch or German, or a combination of these and more) so what?
If you really don’t want to stand out, just copy what everyone else is doing: when to clap, when to tip etc, but then, you are intelligent enough to have figured that one out for yourself already.
Sorry, but the OP and many subsequent posters seems to inhabit a 1950′s version of England that I am experiencing some difficulty locating on any of my maps…
Have fun! Cheers.
I have to say I find these comments a little too much. As an Anglophile of long standing and having been to Britain four times and counting down the days to my next trip in June, I refuse to worry about what I look like, sound like or order in a bar or restaurant. That said, I’m polite, speak in a moderate voice and appreciate good service wherever I go. I come to Britain because I love the history and it is a beautiful country. I find people are people wherever you travel and I refuse to apologize for being an American or for the current financial crisis. I work hard, live in a modest home and treasure my time in your country. I love to read this blog for it’s great photos and inside views of life in Britain. Enough of these “idiot American” comments. Place is beginning to sound like a Fodor’s forum.
I hope you didn’t think I was endorsing the “idiot American” comments – I entirely agree with you. Just be yourself – people will not faint at the sight of a pair of shorts!
Being a British and living in my country all my life, this list of ‘things not to do’ is completely absurd.
1)Never once have I heard anybody comment or dislike people wearing shorts, if anything Brits will get their shorts out as soon as some sunshine appears in the sky. This is a ridiculous comment, do you think we still live in the dark ages?
2)Gym Shoes!?!?! Nearly everybody, especially the younger generation wears ‘gym shoes’ although we call them trainers, maybe older generations will wear them less, but this is another completely ridiculous comment!
3) Politics – although we may not appreciate being told our politics is wrong Britain has a very politically involved culture, and I do not understand why people would be offended by this.
4)Nobody cares about the war of independence, and nobody is bitter, British history is so vast & eventful Americas independence is one of least concern and was insignificant compared to what was occurring in Europe at the time. Most British do not even know when it occurred. All we know from it is from American TV shows.
5) Looking at a map??? London is full of tourists, nobody cares
This article feels fairly offensive to me and seems to paint a picture of Britain in the 1950′s, not the 21st Century, Britain has changed alot, and although there may be a few stuffy old men around, I do not think this is a fair representation. If I were travelling over from the US, do not worry too much about any of these things and just have fun.
a few points
1, If you want to know about the English mentality read Notes from a small Island by Bill Bryson.
2, Get out of London, try exploring other parts of the country, If your lost, ask a local.
3, being “loud” is not a crime although moderation is advised.
4, If in doubt about what to order in a pub, choose a Guiness or Jamesons, or both.
5,The only thing we, as Brits, may find hard to understand when you speak are place names like leicestershire, Gloucestershire and so on.
6, Try tagging along with Brit friends and you will soon pick up everything you will need to know about England ( we do like a moan ).
7, Wear what you want, we don’t care. As long as you say thatnk you and please we will forgive you almost anything
Apart from that enjoy yourself, don’t forget we get all the American tv shows so we do understand you.
Mr T is correct – especially (7). If you bump into someone on the tube and apologise (regardless of the phrase you use, or the volume), most people will appreciate it. I don’t think people are offended very often by people wearing shorts, and any bartender in London who gave odd looks to people buying JD & Coke better have a very large stock of odd looks to hand.
As has been pointed out, noone here is sore about the revolutionary war. Those who know about it are more likely to be a little annoyed that their ancestors didn’t leave and revolt rather than stay and submit.
There are aspects of current US foreign policy which are a sore point with many in the UK – I have heard loud american voices delivering lengthy justifications of various acts on the tube, but I don’t think there’s much point in advising against that – surely anyone who’d take that advise wouldn’t need it.
Most of the American tourists I’ve met have been very polite and friendly. Keep coming!
Oh – and do visit other parts of the UK. London is pretty different to the rest of the country.
Hello old chaps!
Forgive me for troubling you with a spot of the old hard-sell (if one wants to call it such!), but I thought it most appropriate to advertise my services here in good faith on your thoroughly good show of a website.
I am a traditional Dorsetshireman, reputedly a descendent of King Arthur of Avalon himself, and I have never considered leaving this other Eden in all my humble life.
Aside from my normal gainful employ of making cider and hay, I have ‘outsourced’ (I believe this is the fashionable term!) into undertaking guided tours of the more hidden aspects of Dorsetshire not always manifest to the fleeting visitor.
I am currently taking bookings for the 2010 season, so if any of you folk from across the pond would like to know more about my tours (including how the hay is really made!), as well as testimonials from past tour groups, then I beseech thee to contact me on:
jpawatson(at)hotmail.co.uk
Tally ho!
James P. Arthurian-Watson, Esq.
I think Americans are rather hard on themselves in respect to how they are perceived by the British. I meet quite a few tourists from the US and am always impressed by one aspect of their behaviour, and that’s their sheer bloody enthusiasm and determination to see the things here that they’ve come to see. We Europeans are are rather jaded and cynical lot when it comes to our history because we’re surrounded by it daily. For Americans it’s different. Coming from a country that is still quite young in comparison with Europe, our places of interest are new and novel to them and I enjoy seeing a group of Americans enthusing over some historical spot that they’ve only read about in history books. I don’t think they talk too loudly either, it’s us who are so reserved and quiet whilst they’re just behaving normally. And Americans please – wear what the hell you want, you’re on holiday. As for 1776, most British kids, and quite a few adults would be very surprised to learn that Britain had ever included America in it’s dominions, let alone fought battles there. As someone else has mentioned, we have a fairly colourful history but what was a war to America was just another skirmish among among a hundred others for us. Last thing – in London make sure you see the V&A. It’s the best free museum in the world.
” Coming from a country that is still quite young in comparison with Europe, ”
Can I just point out that every place on earth is exactly as old as all the other places?
The UK obsession with “history” is quite irritating. We have the same amount of history as the US or any other “new” country.
Yes, the dirt on the ground is the same age everywhere, but the cultures of Humanity are another matter entirely.
Maybe the dirt is the same age, but I can’t dig in the ground over here and find the remains of a Roman hypocaust. One of the reasons I want to return to the UK is the history, and the fact that people don’t seem to think something is wrong with you if you find the past interesting. If that’s all you have to be twiddled about, you’ll be fine.
Being English and having only learnt about Anglophile today (I was pretty shocked!)so heres my 2pence
I dont think most of the above is true, although the standing on the right on elevators is just a tube thing, being from Manchester I was even shocked about that… Although I luckly had a few people who severly warn me before visiting London.
I do agree with a previous post London is a completely different place from the rest of the England… There is more to England then London!
Although we are part of Great Britain please stop calling us Brits we all live in different Countrys with different cultures, being from England I am English it goes the same for the Welsh, Scots and Irish and it annoys us rotton!
Having been a barmaid in my working past I found people who didnt say ‘and your own’ (tipping) rude. In the northwest it is usually 20p/50p the barmaid will take and if they know you tip will be more willing to serve you faster… if you dont you will be made to wait!
I do agree that we are quieter and politer the our American Cousins, please thank you, excuse me will get you very far in this Country as my Mum always says manners dont cost a thing! Including on a nights out no matter how w*ankered you get!
Last if you have a clubbing night out in England it is a must you take your drunken self to a kebab shop order the most greasist thing with extra chilli sauce and chips. (Chips are fries in the UK, fries are only in Macdonalds. Crisps and our version of American chips)
Let’s make a deal. I won’t call you a brit if you don’t call me a yank. Some of us Americans take just as dim of a view to this as well.
Okay, first time to the site.
I think maybe we can all agree to drop the “yanks” thing and the “brits” thing? Neither are particularly accurate.
Most of this blog seems like self-deprecating anti-Americanism to me. Sure some people are loud or stupid, but it’s not just an American trait, it’s just (sadly) human nature for some people. Some people are louts, and they garner most of the attention. As an American born and raised in New Jersey (yucch), I
and lastly,
1) nevertheless am soft spoken – people often have to tell me to speak up
2) familiar with circles (traffic) something some English believe to be unique to them perhaps? Circles are not fondly looked on here though
3) I have always preferred to say “Sorry” rather than “Pardon me” or “Excuse me” for some reason, supposedly a British trait
4) I hate it as much as anyone else when people stop dead in the middle of the sidewalk, pavement, elevator, or what have you, or otherwise block your way
5) am not fond of shorts but as mentioned upthread, this isn’t really a problem
6) would have not intention of traveling a couple of thousand miles just to complain
7) have already done a fair amount of studying British/English culture and geography
8 love the dry sense of humour, (and their spelling
9) Why on earth should I mention something as stupid and rude to the English such as us “saving” them in WWII?! That’s just idiocy. If anything I’m impressed by how the English singularly held out against Germany for so many years. I’m very fond of my cousins across the pond and desperately want to visit there someday. I want to make friends, not enemies.
It’s almost as though, in an attempt to put British peoples on some kind of pedestal, some Americans feel the need to denigrate themselves. I don’t get it. That’s not the path to mutual respect and a good healthy relationship.
Interesting. I like Americans,though I agree with the comments about how loud they speak. They speak VERY LOUDLY and through their nasal passage, like a whine. So when an American speaks, everyone looks up, confused and astonished at the noise. Also some Americans seem more interested in talking about America than the place they’re visiting.
As a former barmaid, there are certain times when you should tip, mostly when it’s busy. If you don’t, chances are you’ll be made to wait, and may not get served at all. Usually you’ll say ‘have one for yourself’. In years gone by this meant have a drink yourself and the barmaid would take the price of a drink. In the seventies, you could buy half a pint for ten or twelve pence, and as time went on this remained the ‘price’ taken by a barmaid or barman if you say ‘and one for yourself’. So well into the eighties and early nineties this was the case, although these days they would probably take 50p or a quid. If they take two or three pounds, don’t tip them again, unless it’s the only way to get served, which it may well be.
stumbled across your site and I am enjoying reading it immensely.
There is however an inaccuracy in the 15 tips section as it applies to the use of minicabs. These are in fact regulated and are often much cheaper than the equivalent black taxi. The trick is to make sure that they have the second taxi license plate on the car which identifies it as a taxi and also identifies the licensing authority (normally the city in which it operates Manchester,Salford, Leeds etc.)
I am English and last year became a US citizen also and so have a vested interest in fostering closer ties between what are now my two countries.
I’ve just spent a very pleasant hour browsing the site when I should really have been working – the perils of discovering something new in the run-up to a deadline
As someone who used to work in an extremely busy pub, I’d like to throw in an alternative possibility regarding the ‘tipping bar staff’ debate. If you’re served by the same staff all night then you can maintain the relationship through politeness without tipping during each round; consider helping to collect the empty glasses together as they ‘do the rounds’ or even bringing them back to the bar as you order, for example.
If at the end of the night you’ve had a good level of service and appreciate the efforts of the staff, consider appending the following phrase on to your final order:
‘..and one for yourself’
Many staff won’t be allowed to keep their own money behind the bar in case there are allegations of skimming the till, so a drink in kind can be very welcome at the end of the night whilst relaxing after a shift. The cost of that drink would probably be the same, or less, than you’d have paid in tips and most bar staff will select a small drink out of courtesy rather than attempt to bankrupt you
After being almost mowed down by a horde of LOUD German tourists, being bored to tears by Brits, I am still thankful for the addition of tourist money to the general economy. Those of you on the other side of the Atlantic should feel likewise. What would you do if we stopped coming? I imagine you would sell a lot less tacky postcards! Americans are not all loud and rude and citizens of the UK are most certainly not all polite and charming. Get over yourselves.
Good heavens. Do people really care what the brits think of us? If so, perhaps we could knock off those “reality” shows that make me utter with disgust.
I think it’s ridiculous to worry about the majority of these points. We are tourists, take it or leave it, and we are promoting your economy by visiting. We put up with you when you visit. Obviously the only ones that are going to bother reading this post are the ones that would treat you with the same respect and courtesy you are describing, so I hate to say it, but I think you’re reaching to the wrong audience.
I have visited London on a number of occasions and can confirm that it is indeed a strange place, a VERY strange place! Londoners would sooner poke themselves in the eye than offer you any form of friendship, in fact if your mouth broke out on fire they would be loath to piss in it for you!
Best advice I can give is visit England by all means but give London a miss!
Dear McGregor,
I disagree. I’ve never had anyone refuse to help me in London – in fact, the most remarkable thing happened to me in London (and in many parts of Europe as well): if I even looked a bit lost, someone would stop to offer their assistance! I don’t know if that’s unusual, or if I just look pitiful most of the time, but it was lovely.
Aurora
I find some of the posts extremely interesting both in the article and in the comments. Stay out of the way, don’t wear the fanny pack, we can spot you because you wear gym shoes, you’re loud, no eye contact, don’t bother using the subway between these two stations….AND, most importantly, DON’T STOP in the middle of the sidewalk to look at your map!
I live in (midtown) Manhattan and these are things I silently wish tourists would follow! Some Americans, some Brits, some Italians, some Germans — whatever. Sometimes it just comes down to the fact that you’re a tourist in an unknown place.
I’ve visited England solo several times, always beginning my trip in London. I’m polite, friendly, dress appropriately in “tourist black,” cheerful, and always grateful/delighted to be there! Each trip I have met interesting and helpful people…on the streets, trains, B & B’s; I’ve also been stopped by tourists and asked for directions!! Can’t wait to return.
My advice is similar to others – keep your voice DOWN on the tube! Before you are going to converse in a public place, look around. See how all the Brits who are talking have lowered their voices? See how you can read your book without someone shouting in your ear? Isn’t it nice?
The only time I ever saw someone talking loudly into the phone on the tube (something annoying as hell, but common in the states), she had an American accent. The Brits were so polite, they didn’t even glare at her.
I’ve had the same experience as Laurie – never have I been to a place where people are as friendly and helpful as London. It feels like home.
I was fortunate enough to live in the UK for about 7 months, and my rule of thumb was to observe the behaviours of those around me and blend in as much as possible. I was so afraid of being characterised as an “ugly American” that didn’t want to speak to people! I made a lot of Brit friends there, and they are generally very warm and friendly folks. Londoners can be a bit more curt/unfriendly, just as New Yorkers can be characterised as “unfriendly” compared to people in other regions of the country; but if you follow the rules outlined above and blend in, you’ll be fine. Some Londoners may even offer to help without you having to ask!
One more thing I should add to your rules: observe for bicycle lanes on the paths in the parks. If there is a bike lane, there’s usually a line down the middle of the path. Make sure you’re walking on the correct side. We were almost run down by an irate cyclist in Hyde Park once because of this!
On my last visit to London I found the best way to blend in was to not dress like a tourist at all. I wore jeans and comfortable (yet stylish) shoes, and carried my tourist gear (map, camera, etc.) in a leather tote that looked like something you might use for work.
Sorry, Brit living in London here.
Alot is VERY true (please please stop LOUDLY complaining about lack of ice in your water / the portions being small / how we’d all be speaking German if it wasn’t for the Americans etc etc!!), but the tipping one is a little strange.
Bar staff don’t expect a tip, but you can be sure that Waiters do.. Check your bill for a (generally 12.5%) service charge, if its there you can choose to leave nothing, but many places don’t include service, and WILL expect a tip.
Black cab drivers always appreciate too.
Be reassured that NO ONE will be offended at being offered extra money!
I’m quite sure the locals aren’t too keen on hearing American tourists going on and on about how “quaint” everything is. And, wherever we go on the planet, may none of us ever be heard to unfavorably compare anything there to what we have at home.
A few random things for your trip to London…
Jaywalking is legal in Britain. Expect to see people walk out in front of cars, buses and so on and nearly get killed. Londoners are indeed very taciturn people (That’s the best way of telling when someone isn’t local in London – they’re friendly and helpful).
Oyster can work out to be very expensive for short stays, so don’t fall into the trap. If you’re only there for a day, you’re better off buying a £5.30 (I could be wrong) day ticket. This allows you travel on any bus, train, tube or DLR in Zones 1 and 2. Anything outside of that area is a little less touristy. Do not buy £4 single journeys on the tube! They’re the most expensive rail fare in the world per mile or so I’ve read.
A tip for travelling by bus would be this… You board at the front doors, and leave at the rear doors! Don’t be tempted to not pay to travel on bendy routes unless you can afford the fine.
If you’re here on holiday, do visit the new Westfield Centre at Shepherd’s Bush. It’s huge. If you want to buy something, they most likely have a shop there that sells it. If you like that sort of thing, take a trip to the Bluewater Centre, which you can access within 15 minutes by 140mph train from St Pancras (and a short bus journey).
Hello. And Bye.
It’s like a dream come true, an entire site dedicated to the Anglophile!
Yet, while feeling somehow validated,(I only know two other people who properly understand why, “Doctor Who” is fabulous), I also am finding these posts most saddening.
I worked for 16 years in the casino industry in Nevada, as a pitboss, and I grew up in San Francisco.
I have worked with, and interacted with, most nationalities.
My parents traveled the world, and often. I was usually at boarding school during their trips, so I have not, yet, been to England.
My best friend, however, was born in Blackpool, and later moved with her family to Australia, so I have an advantage, there, as she is quite “instructional”, and in our early years of friendship, 15 or so years ago, was terribly straightforward in, “sharing” what I, as an American, (albeit, one raised surrounded by other cultures in an international city), needed to know.
So that’s me.
Here is what has upset me about these posts.
I’m not loud, nobody I am friends with is loud, and nobody in my family is loud, unless it is in private.
Americans with manner’s?? Could it be??
There are 320 million, “Americans”. We are all different.
I have known many English, Irish, Scottish, people.
Some are loud, some are quiet, some are rude, some are insulting, some are well educated, some are idiots.
I have never considered a person or a group as a representation of an entire country; good or bad.
How can a small group, and I mean up to 200 or 300, represent an entire country? I like to think of myself as somewhat critical in my thinking, and somehow, the 5 or 34 or 98 Americans you have seen in your country just doesn’t seem to be viable as an accurate sampling.
So some morons like to spout the American line, wrongly, usually, and inaccurately, and in the wrong places. So what?
Don’t you have idiots in your country? Would you like me to decide those UK people are all stuck-up and arrogant, because of a few visitors I once met? Is everybody in England polite, well-read, intelligent, diplomatic, and charming?
Neither are we, and we hate it as much as the next guy when those brain-damaged people travel abroad. I, for one, would like to be on the panel that decides who is allowed to visit England, because I would like to have the path well-laid for an agreeable reception when I arrive.
When a visitor, here, has made a mistake, or has not understood a culture difference, everyone I know would be more then happy to assist with kindness, and warmth, so as to alleviate any possible embarrassment.
That’s called courtesy, and hospitality. I feel quite pleased when I speak to a visitor. How wonderful they have come to see my beautiful country. What a compliment. I hardly care what shoes they are wearing, or if they make a mistake. I am much more interested in who they are.
The day you think you can describe every American’s faults and mistakes in a few words is the day you forget no matter what country we live in, we are all individuals, and much more alike then we are different.
Rant over.
I do still love England, though, Can’t help it. Love it.
Best to all.
Jen
Crap, there are some serious grammatical errors in my post-not to mention the mind boggling, “we are all individuals and more alike then we are different”
I meant that we are individuals and have different qualities as individuals, but no matter what culture we may be from, we all dream, and worry, and love our families, and hate traffic.
Perhaps I should forget trying to clarify.
*sigh*
Oh, and Maisie, I, nor do any of my friends and family, speak through our nasal passages, like a whine. I would happen to know that some British people speak with an entirely unpleasant tone to their voice.
I should imagine this would be the case in every place on Earth, and that one could locate an irritating, and perhaps nasal-passage whine sounding voice in every corner of the globe.
Maybe it would be better if you said, MOST Americans instead? Not all of us are idiots or insensitive to the cultures we are visiting. The next time I go, I’m not watching BBC America to get some tips on sightseeing, that’s why I’m going, to learn and see. What better history lesson than one given by a Brit while you are there? I’m asking questions because I am genuinely interested, not because I’m trying to be a bother (or is it bovvered?). Maybe British people mistake our excitement for stupidity. I know the first time I went, I was nearly dancing with excitement! I was happy to be there! Couldn’t you take that as the compliment it was intended to be? I love the UK, warts and all. Americans are mostly friendly, happy people. I wanted to submerge myself in British culture to get the most out of my experience. Why would I hang out at a McDonalds??? Geesh. Give me some credit. I want a proper fry-up not an Egg McMuffin. Ok, ok…I made the mistake of asking for ice in my diet coke at the Waltham Mall…bad American, bad! I loved that first trip because I got drunk on the whole British experience and I am forever enamoured of the UK. Sorry, but since you lot don’t do airconditioning, I’m going to wear proper and decent shorts (hiking shorts if I must) in the summer. And really…I saw women wearing shorts on one of your 80° days. I had my first Guinness Stout, extra cold and my first Pimms and the most delish G&T I’ve ever had. I watched, in a pub, a football (soccer) game. Just like ours and even more rabid. I love to hear all the different native accents…north, south, east and west. Delightful! Why can’t you just let us respectfully enjoy your country and say…”another satisfied customer”?
Please don’t be soooo loud. No we all don’t want to know what you did with Aunty Mary in the Cotswold last year! We also don’t want to hear how its much bigger and better in America when you couldn’t possibly compete with out beautiful quaintness and history.
As we are leaving for our first trip to England in 6 days, we have to say we have learned a lot about Americans on holiday in England. What not to do as well as what to do while visiting.
We can’t promise we won’t be loud, we are VERY excited to finally afford this trip. We can’t promise not to stop in the middle of the path as we may be so lost we don’t even know where the middle of the path is. We can’t promise to tip properly as British money may still be VERY confusing even after we’ve traveled in the country for our 10 days. We can’t promise to not wear shorts as some of us don’t tolerate heat as well as others. We can’t promise not to wear “tennis shoes” as some of us have sore feet when we wear more stylish footwear.
What we can promise is to have a good time in your beautiful country and hope that you will forgive us permanent and terminal case of “Americanitis”! We hope that you will be glad as we came as we will be to be there.
a couple of Love to Roamers
Have a great trip!
Here’s some good American advice on how to enjoy yourself abroad: Fuck the haters.
Do you feel superior to a German tourist who wears black socks with sandals? Do you talk to a Japanese tourist like she’s an asshole because she can’t identify in English the place she is asking you for directions to? Do you get annoyed with the Aussie tourist who wants to explain to you how much tougher rugby is than “gridiron”? Do you lose patience with the British tourist who thinks he’s an expert on US politics but doesn’t really understand what Federalism is?
No? Then don’t let other people’s inhospitableness get you down.
Hi,
I live in London and this is spot on actually. The easiest way to spot an American in the street is to look for ‘mom jeans’, a hoodie and stupid gym shoes- as stated.
I’m american but I’ve lived in London my whole life so I know both cultures well and English are treated better in the US than American’s in the UK.
One other one to say is that if you say you’re american you’ll automatically get called ‘a yank’. They will ask why you’re not fat. They will also tell you that Bush is stupid and as a result all Americans are stupid.
S
I am loving this site! Just have to say my husband and I are fierce anglophiles, we travel to London at least twice a year. (I so miss getting full miles from BA for the cheap seats, used to be able to go more often.) For those of you that haven’t gone — go in the winter. I swear it DOES NOT rain as much as people say and when it does, it usually stops soon. The price is cheaper in winter and I’ve actually done a seven day six night, full English breakfast, four star, flight included for two for as little as $1800.00 INCLUDING taxes! Trust me, if you have access to a computer, you can make it happen.
RE: The tipping issue, my husband and I are in the casino industry and as we make our living from tips, we pay it forward. No one has EVER been offended and almost all have been appreciative. As here, when you tip well, you get great service.
It’s hard not to stand out as American’s, but it can be done. Do what the locals do. Watch and learn! One of my favorite experiences was being approached by a French family for directions while walking in Hyde park. They said I looked and acted British, yeah!
Have a great time, remember not everyone does everything the way we do it here. And for gosh sakes please, please, please, never loudly proclaim “That’s not how we do it in America!”.
If you’re asked if you would like to go to the New Den decline the offer politely look at your watch and say ‘ Gordan Bennett ! is that the time best be off ‘
I’d just like to say that I’m sure you’re a great guy, but as and American ex-pat of seven years, I have to be honest, your list here sucks. It is breathtakingly smug, arrogant, and oh-so-wrong on many counts and I think you are trying way too hard. Let people be themselves. Ugly tourists exist in every nationality and they are usually the ones who lack the self-awareness needed to heed any advice. No shorts, no trainers? Are you kidding me? Tell that to my British husband please, because it’s news him. I’ve travelled pretty extensively all over Europe and this piece of advice you’ve given does not even compute. I’ve seen sneakers everywhere I’ve been. The Italians are particularly stylish in this area. And advising people not to talk about politics because they aren’t as clued up as you are? What?? Who are you? What’s wrong with having a discussion? An exchange of ideas? A meeting of minds? Reading The Times and watching QT is one way to educate yourself, but so is talking to the man on the street. It doesn’t have to be contentious! Furthermore, I have not once initiated a single conversation with any Briton about the war in Iraq, but on more than one occasion I have been pulled up in pubs by complete strangers upon hearing my American accent, so don’t tell me nobody here is interested. Portions are smaller: Sometimes yes, sometimes no; depends on where you go, just like in the U.S. I for one have never been able to put a proper dent in a portion of fish and chips at my village chippy. The War of Independence? They don’t care. I mean they really don’t care. I’ve never heard it discussed here. Ever. Dissing the NHS? Yeah, it’s a bit of a sacred cow for a lot of people, but that doesn’t mean everyone in the country is so enamored– but you’re right, it would be rude for any visitor to attempt any sort of critique. Also, my shorts and Nike wearing husband tips– not as much as we Americans– but he still tips.
You seem to be doling out advice so as to cater to the sensibilities of a xenophobic ogre who cannot cope with outsiders invading his turf. Of course you’re going to stand out from time to time, but so what? What must go through your head when you see groups of Japanese tourists in American cities? Are you equally as incredulous at their conspicuousness? What is the harm in looking the part? Why do you want to make people self-conscious? Honestly, the mind boggles.
Re: The loud American comments. I too have heard the sometimes booming voices of my countrymen but it should go without saying that we’re not all so boisterous, and you’re kidding yourselves if you think every last British subject is a reserved gentleman or lady. I’ve been to the city centres on a Friday night and after football matches. I know better. So do all those continental cities overrun with stag and hen nights as well as the flight crews for Ryanair and Easyjet. Loud voices will tend to catch your ear more often when the accompanying accent is a foreign one.
I’m aware that I’ve come off pretty harsh in this comment, but I’m honestly sick to my back teeth of my fellow Americans who think the have to apologize for the rest of us. “In defense of the Brits, who are continually disgusted by my American brothers…” Why? You sound like the nerd in school desperate to get in with the cool crowd. They don’t all feel that way about us, you know? As you say, the British are generally aware of their own shortcomings, including those of their own tourists, and will usually refrain from throwing stones from their glass houses, and those who don’t, don’t deserve my attention. I know how to behave, apart from this message, I am actually very polite, but I have no interest in walking on eggshells because of a few misanthropes who should probably be looking to relocate to somewhere in the Outer Hebrides.
Oy vey, and have a nice day.
Good post. The thing about visiting any country with a load of pre-conceptions is that you wont be content until you find examples to justify them. So, if you expect to find British people prissy, sensitive about the NHS or any other thing then there is a good chance you will get your wish.
There is an unfortunate tendency among my countrymen to try and start a conversation with a foreign tourist by blurting out a ” friendly” insult to show they are willing to be intimate and chummy. It is a mild wind up to see if you can take a joke. Unfortunately these tend to be crass stereotypical comments that merely leave the unfortunate victim bemused and bewildered. Please accept a blanket apology in advance.
the best advice i can offer to anyone hearing a stupid, fatuous comment is to have a stupid comment ready in reply, eg:
-Yeah – anyway where can I get a decent curry round here thats the only reason I came
- I actually met with the Queen yesterday and she said the opposite
I came across this after it was linked to me on Facebook – interesting page, however this list is at best out of date and at worst complete misinformation – no offence.
The main thing that stuck out for me is the comment about the war of independence. I understand why Americans like to crow about this since it is the only example in history of Britain and “America” at war and the short and sweet of it is that America won, and doesn’t like the idea of the British not being particularly bothered about it.
To the British public, it’s a non-issue. No one cares about it at all – we don’t have a national chip on our shoulder about it and never have done. If it’s brought up in normal conversation no one feels the need to reaffirm their national pride or spew some patriotic spiel to clear the air.
The only time it will cause a Brit any ire is when Americans try to force a reaction; the goading we Brits find ignorant and arrogant as it seems most Americans only know the ‘Team America’ version of the war which is where they sent us packing through sheer force of American pride; when in fact it was only with significant help from the French, Spanish and Dutch that the British colonies won their independence form Britain. Our irritation is then mistakenly interpreted as some sort of ‘sore loser’ complex, as demonstrated by it’s inclusion in your list.
You’ve said it yourself, the British people come second to the country itself when you visit; (which is odd in some senses since most people would say a nation IS it’s people), so I think perhaps your view of us is not quite in line with reality.
It might interest you to know that it is generally held in Britain that the American war of independence was simply a civil war between the British and their own people. Also, the British public of the time were heavily against military action and were in favour of American independence. So while Americans view it as their greatest military victory, us Brits view it as a civil affair which ended in the way the British public had been demanding from the start. If any nation should be familiar with it’s government making decisions that do not align with the desires of it’s people; it’s America!
As a result, no sourness has been passed down to the current generation. Brits are often taken off guard by the American desire to prove themselves better than their parent nation. It’s just not on our radar at all.
As someone else said here, we are so unperturbed by it that we readily celebrate American independence from Britain along with Americans. Come to London on the 4th of July some time – you might be surprised.
Wow. I spend a lot of time in the UK and have to say that I disagree with you on a lot of these things.
On tipping, I know many British restauranteurs who would disagree with you vehemently.
On politics, I am often bombarded with questions about my views on American/British/World politics when I travel to the UK. People are trying to feel me out to see if I’m a Bushie or not. It is frankly quite annoying.
When it comes to us trying to prove ourselves to our mother country, I just don’t get it. Pundits in the UK are obsessed with how we feel towards them to the point of misrepresentation, such as saying we were turning anti-Brit because of the Gulf disaster, when nothing could be further from the truth. BP isn’t exactly in our good graces, but the British people didn’t cause the spill. Also, we have no mother country we are a melting pot. Great Britain may be a part of that history, but it has long since ceased to have influence over us in the way it does Canada and Australia.
I really love the UK, but just because you love the UK doesn’t mean you have to be willfully ignorant of the diversity of thoughts, actions and beliefs of people in the United States. We are not all the same, we are not so easily fit into the same mold. I would think someone from here would have taken the time to understand this complex and nuanced society.
For goodness sake!
It’s your holiday – sorry vacation – so wear what you like. No-one in Britian will turn a hair.
Do tip people if they deserve it. Waiters in Briatin are no richer than the US.
And dont be afrid to complain about the service. We Brits are too up tight to do it ourselves. Believe you me you are doing us a favour if they have to up their game.
Dont ever, ever, ever belive that someone is a taxi driver unless they are in a cab rank. The real taxi drivers will soon deal with any imposters.
Some points I think would be useful…
1) On the Tube (that’s The Underground to everyone else) in London by no accounts should anybody make unnecessary noise. Doing so will ensure a painful and brutal homicide by other commuters, no Londoner likes the Tube.
2) In a queue for coffee please God decide what you want by the time you get to the front of the line. Not doing so will result in looks that could melt stone. In the UK doing this on a train station (especially in London) where people are in a hurry will also result in murder.
3) Please, please, please don’t go on about the 1700′s War of Independence or WWII. Two topics guaranteed to rile the British are these, we don’t care about the War for Independence (although we often use it as an excuse to have a free boozy party). However we especially dislike the memories of our servicemen during WWII and also WWI being minimised or deemed insignificant. THAT really pisses us off.
That’s the funny thing about us. We can take endless stick from other nationalities about Britain, the British people but we can also dish it out. However start attacking British history or our traditions and you may as well write your will and build your own coffin. The brutality of the insults and quips that WILL be directed at you seriously hurt.
Generally funny article. I was warned before traveling to the West Country last summer about what to do and not do. I found the people to be warm and friendly. Standing in a que for the bus or in Asda, every time someone would talk to me about Obama or comment about Obama.
The whole thing about shorts…as it was a hot summer I saw more pale naked British legs and chests than I care to see again.
I agree that most Yanks are loud and a lot are rude. An example of this was going through customs,the EU que was orderly and quiet, the US que was loud, no order and people pushing in front of one another. That is one aspect of the US I did not miss.
My friends who are Brummies…wear trainers everyday.
All and all a funny article love the picture and yes plenty of us Yanks stick out when we travel, but so do Brits when they go to Spain.
The only advice my English friends gave me was to NOT podge the que.
I am mortified! I didn’t know one was not supposed to tip the taxi driver. I love Britain and all things English in particular. I’ve traveled there a lot and have generously tipped the cabbie every time I got out of one. (Not to mention everyone else I thought deserved one.) The only thing I can say in my defense is that nobody ever refused to take it! I wish I had all that extra money back. By now I could afford another trip!
I’m New To This Site And I’m Confused To Wether it Is An American Or British Person Who Is Writing This Article. My First Guess Is That Its An American Cause You Guys Call It A Sidewalk But Then Again It Might Be A Brit As This Article Seems To Be For Americans They Could Just Be Making Sure They Understand. Either Way I Find This Article Very Inaccurate. People Like To Be Tipped I Wouldnt Know Cause I Dont Work In uch An Industry But I Suppose They Would Appreciatte The Extra-Cash. And As For The Shorts Thing If YOU Had Been Watching The News Then You Would Realise That A Couple Of Months Ago They Were Talking About Everywhere They Went People Either Had Their Shirts Off Or Were Wearing Shorts And Bikinis In Normal Parks Trying To Soak Up The Vitamin D In The Summer. And Those Comments Who Wanna Trade Us By Us Not Calling Them Yanks And They’ll Stop Calling Us Brits. I personally Dont Call You Yanks And I Dont Know Anyone Who Calls You Guys Yanks And None Of Us Really Have A Problem With You Calling Us Brits, Its Just A Way Of Abbreviating The Term That Generalises us.
I HATE being called a Brit.
Why do so many people think they can speak for people they don’t know?!
Aside from the misspelled words like colour, the refusal of pronouncing words properly, the inability to understand more defined and possible much more educated peoples accents, along with the annoying ignorance of how to say the last letter of the alphabet (ZED!), my greatest shock in moving over here (from South Africa) was that they don’t have VINEGAR with their CHIPS!
The funny thing is that over here, everyone i talk to knows barely anything about their own country, never mind about the rest of the world. Few have even left their town and could care less about even local news. I got so tired of saying that South Africa isn’t a giant safari, that I simply joined them, telling any fool who asked, that I had a pet lion, and we swam together in the river in my garden. I wonder why them am I the only one in maybe 300 Km who can speak four languages… excluding lion of course.
Arrogance, ignorance and constant exaggeration seems to pretty much sum up the daily dawdling they call life here.
Yet here I am, for my own reason, and also obvious reasons to get away from the hell that is South Africa. Until I find a place that is truly as green on the other side as it looks.
I think it’s strange that Americans think that we care about the War of Independence. I mean it happened hundreds of years ago and it’s not like you invaded us, we lost a small part of our empire that we would have ended up losing like the rest of it eventualy. The thing i imagine probaly annoys most English is being constantly accused of having a chip on our shoulders about it.
If you guys have a good look at English military history you’ll see our main enemy were the French, we have been at war over 35 times since 1066-
Just found your site – very interesting! I am English, lived in the UK all my life but have travelled to the US several times.
On the whole a lot of good advice on here. Tipping seems to be the main confusion. We were chased down the street in Colorado after we didnt quite tip the right amount, and screamed at in Cheers in boston after we didnt tip to the waiters satisfaction, despite doubling the tax. In the UK this will NEVER happen, so dont fret about it. But I always tip black cab drivers – as someone else said, if its £8.50, round it up to £9 etc. I have never in my life tipped a barman for serving me a drink at the bar. It would appear the law has changed regarding restaurant staff, but if I have had amazing service i always check that the wait staff do actually get the tip I leave in the service charge thats added to the bill. if they dont I have refused to pay the service charge, and handed the waiter cash instead. If the service was fine and there is a service charge added, just pay that.
As a lot of people have said, please dont say you saved our asses in WW2, even in jest – most people find that deeply offensive. As for the War of Independence, I dont think most Brits even realise we were involved, so any ribbing will be lost on them.
We generally arent as outgoing with strangers as you guys – doesnt mean we dont like you, dont take it personally! I would say of all tourists, we like you the best – you speak our language, kind of
So try engaging us in conversation, or asking for help – you may be pleasantly surprised.
And dont just stay in London. Take a trip out to Hampton Court Palace, an amazing sight – have a walk round Henry VIII’s palace!!! Try the Eden Project in Cornwall. Arundel on the south coast, a lovely little old town with good shops and restaurants and a castle on the hill. If you want shopping, get a coach to Bicester, fantastic designer shopping though the prices probably arent as good as youre used to. And Oxford – youve got to go to Oxford. Here for a while – head up to Scotland, Edinburgh is lovely. Golfers – Turnberry or St Andrews.
Just come and enjoy!!
I’m American and plan on relocating to England in the near future thanks to my wife’s Irish passport.
I’ve always gotten along really well with English people I’ve met in the States. My best friend’s family are from Manchester and I’ve also formed a kinship with my next door neighbour who’s from Brighton. I have a great appreciation for British humour and their brand of football.
It’s best not to ask too many personal questions of English locals such as “Where are you from?” or “What do you do for a living?” You can rub people the wrong way asking those sort of questions straight away.
I suppose I am the opposite of an an Anglophile, I was born and bred in Manchester (well Cheshire actually) but love American culture and really don’t understand a lot of the comments here. Yes as a nation we have our quirks but as a general rule we are easy to get on with.
I’ve read that US people have problems with our boilers (immersion heaters), if you have any problems, contact your landlord and get them to explain it ot you – they might not be used to it but at the end of the day you are paying for it!
Comments Like – ‘my greatest shock in moving over here (from South Africa) was that they don’t have VINEGAR with their CHIPS!’ astound me – where on earth were you getting your chips from, vinegar is a necessity with your chips in Manchester, in fact if you go a bit further north you can order scraps ( bits of batter left over from frying fish).
Yes, in many ways I suppose we are a bit backwards, however we are a friendly nation, and I have never heard a bad word said about visitors. OK Americans can be loud, but who cares, you may get the odd look in your direction, but so what.
For anyone thinking about visiting the UK, we are a friendly nation with a diverse culture. Yes, if you go to small towns in the middle of nowhere it might be a bit like ‘An American Wherefolf In London’, but i’m sure the same applies to the US (Deliverance, Southern Comfort, (bit exaggerated but You get my point)).
My best advice is be yourselves, if you’re loud by nature maybe tone it down but here are my best tips:
1) London is not the be all and end all of the UK, I personally hate it, I feel that the people don’t reflect the country in any way.
2) Travel, travel, travel. In my many years of living here (35 years (OK maybe not so many as to be a critic)) I have been to most counties and a lot of places of interest. Go off the beaten track. Visit the Lake District, in all my time as a traveller I still find it hard to find anywhere as beautiful.
3) Research, a lot of places of interest aren’t immediately apparent ( prime example Alnwick Castle – beautiful!)
4) Don’t take any negative comments from posts to heart! – Don’t forget these are peoples personal opinions – what they hate you may love!
5) The NHS, yes the waiting times aren’t great but I had to have a surgical procedure that would have cost the earth – people ridicule it all the time, but it’s nice to know it’s there if you need it as opposed to relying on insurance!
6) Visit the north, OK the weather isn’t great, but you’ll get a better feeling for the country – northerners are generally more friendly – you’ll hear a big thing about the North/South divide, it does exist to a degree. Northerners are generally more agreeable and more likely to invite you to the pub for a pint, and yes a pint after work is normal.
7) Tipping: I can’t speak for the south, but generally in the North we tip 10% for a waiter service and in a taxi we round up – however if you are skint/ brassic/ poor, etc, don’t worry – a cabbie will not be offended ( I had to pay a cabbie in pennies the other day and he wasn’t bothered in the slightest).
One final note goes to Jonathan and Jackie Thomas, great site, if you’re in the UK and need somewhere to stay (up north) then please feel free to contact me (it’s not the Ritz).
If anyone needs any advice with regards to moving to the UK then please contact me.
Thanks.
Graham
doofjohnson@googlemail.com
Oh this is brilliant!!! I love it! As I’m sure you’ve already read above, ignore the tipping point, but I’m not going to bother going into details – I’m sure you’ve already seen.
I am half English, half Canadian, but lived in England nearly all my life. (Cambridge) I have to say, the only main point I have to make is don’t be too loud!!! If you speak in an American accent loudly, you’re a stupid tourist, but if you just speak in an American accent, nobody cares. But you would do well not to say you were essential for the war. Nobody cares about it, but if they think you do, they will too. The same applies for Germans. We will start being patriotic either during the football when they beat us (German: “We beat you in the football!” English person: “Well who won the World Wars?”) or if it happens to come up in conversation and the other side is being defensive about it.
The only time we are loud is during football. I think lots of English people take pride in the fact that we may totally reject anyone from another country during the football world cup! You will still see England flags up for weeks after we’ve lost, and all if you are an American who’s come to England any time in the few months after we drew with the USA last summer, you really don’t want to make it obvious… :S Really, there were no hard feelings about it, but nobody wanted to admit that, so (at least where I was) they were openly hostile about it (don’t worry though – only with looks). And as for the NHS etc, yes, everyone complains about it, but you are only allowed to do so if you actually are English! Everyone will suddenly be wildly in favour of everything English if they hear a foreigner complain about it. We can be quite patriotic.
I would just like to mention as well that if you are going to Cambridge or Oxford (and I’m sure there are similar things in other places) there is a lot of rivalry between the universities. Whatever you do, though you can buy them, do NOT wear a T-Shirt or whatever that has the other place written on it *winces*. And please do try out punting, it’s great, but look at what other people are doing and copy it. In Cambridge, you punt from the back of the boat, and in Oxford you punt from the front.
Good luck, hope we don’t disappoint you all when you arrive! I find this site so flattering. It’s as if we are cooler than everywhere else, which I only TRY to believe, but never really quite manage…
Pippa x
As an American who lives in London and is married to a Brit, I found this article amusing. But some of it was a bit off-key.
Shorts are acceptable, but good luck getting a warm enough day to wear them! I’m from So. California, so I know heat. It doesn’t really ever get hot enough in England for me to wear shorts. And the whole shorts-with-leggings thing doesn’t work for me. (You know who you are, ladies!)
British portions aren’t that small. And if all else fails, there are plenty of frigging Pizza Huts to satisfy gluttony (And don’t tell me only Americans eat there, because I know plenty of fat Brits!)
Finally someone said it! Yup, fanny=vagina. And don’t call trousers, slacks, jeans, etc. pants, either, as pants means underpants in the UK. Those were two things I quickly learned on my first (of many) trip there.
It seems as if a lot of commenters seem to have misread the title of the original blog post or have failed to understand the sweeping generalisation made as being just that.
They are not personal attacks on specific Americans and the author seems to be suggesting some hints on how to distance yourselves, if you are Americans travelling to the UK, from the _stereotypical_ image of Americans abroad.
For my part as a English guy (Londoner), having dated a girl in NY for a few years before moving to Switzerland and now have settled in Singapore my comments would be only these;
If you start complaining about things in the UK to natives then expect to get comments back that are likely to be more insulting. It is a pastime for a lot of people in the UK to insult each other, usually in a fun and friendly way (in some places known as friendly banter). This means that a lot of people are well versed in creating and delivering insults in the UK. The British also tend to make a pastime of pointing out their own weaknesses but don’t take too kindly to a stranger helping to locate these weaknesses for them. If you are friends then it will usually be ok but, again, expect to get some abuse back, hopefully good natured.
Most of the following comments are mainly about London from my 30 odd years living there and I am clearly not speaking for all Londoners :-p.
Shorts are rare until the sun comes out and then it is anything goes. Girls in bikinis and guys topless in the cities parks. Unfortunately this usually only lasts for a few weeks a year.
Trainers (gym shoes) are usually worn by the younger people but there is no rule stating this is not acceptable for anyone else. They do not tend to be adorned by day-glow colours or strobe lights though.
I tend to wear comfortable shoes (not pipe and slipper yet though) like those made by caterpillar now days but certainly try not to wear brogues even when working for 10 years in the ‘financial mile’.
Fanny packs others have explained about. Very old fashioned (my 60 y/o father still uses one) and commonly known as bum bags, due I believe to the fact that the bag was worn with the bag part to the rear and so over the bottom. Calling them fanny packs will get you a strange look, a smerk, or an ‘oh your American’ type smile.
The Tube and standing on the right is just a part of being considerate to others who may be in a bit more of a rush than you. People failing to do so in Singapore is a bit of a pet hate.
Not so sure about complaining about the rain, I would have thought complaining about the lack of a decent summer would be higher on the list. Commenting on the weather would be fair but not so much about complaining.
As far as complaining about anything else then as above, be prepared to get abuse back.
Black cabs are generally for tourists and people in a big hurry. Most people I have known would avoid and call a local mini-cab company. They are listed in the telephone book which if you are lucky may still be in the public phone booth. They usually have cards stuck around in phone booths for mini-cabs (and other things) or you can ask your hotel reception / local friends to recommend. Never pick up a mini-cab on the streets especially if you are a female travelling alone. At least booking from a mini-cab office your route is likely to be recorded and more than just you and the taxi driver know where you are going. This is specifically for London and I am aware other places have different systems with mini-cabs in the UK. I have used mini-cab companies for 20 years in London without a problem but never picked up a mini-cab who was waiting at the side of the road, usually outside a club or pub.
As can be seen from the various comments, there is a lot of different opinion on tipping. For my part it is simple…. Tip for good service, don’t tip for bad service. A tip is a show of appreciation to the waiter or waitress for good service given. A waitress or waiter supplying good service will get better tips and therefore, in an ideal world, better income than a bad waitress / waiter. Due to this I find it incredible that people tip regardless of service in NY. As can be seen from this thread, most people who would be on the receiving end of a tip are at odds to explain why tips are required. If I was being ignored in a bar because I did not tip the barman then I would find another bar and complain the the manager / brewery. Saying that, back when I was not married with 3 kids, I did offer ‘and one for yourself’ to a few barmaids although it never got me anywhere
.
Talking about politics is fine for the most part although many people may find it boring. Criticizing is likely to get you abuse unless you are sharing your views with friends.
Stuffing your face will just be playing to the stereotypical ‘lardy’ American image but if you must then order two portions.
Entitlement… this is not too uncommon for British abroad to also have. So much so that the Foreign office has been displaying a film noting that just because you are British, don’t expect to get special treatment abroad. Americans are generally liked if they are able to calm their enthusiasm (only needed for those who get a bit overenthusiastic by British standards).
Commenting on winning WWII about saving our butts is likely to be met with anything from disbelieving stares to questions about “why you waited 2 years to get involved whilst eating popcorn as thousands of our soldiers were dying and shouldn’t you be ashamed” to a punch in the face. Whilst it is clear that sitting around doing nothing isn’t exactly what happened to the educated, aircraft supplied by pushing them over the Canadian border for example, obviously the educated would not be making such a silly comment in the first place.
Stopping in the centre of the street (side-walk) is just displaying a lack of consideration for others and every nationality has people guilty of it. Just be mindful to provide the least inconvenience to others and you will be appreciated for it for the most part.
The economic meltdown is not the fault of the American public directly and anyone who suggests it is clearly is devoid of the intelligence required to have a reasonable discussion on the subject.
One other comment about what not to wear….. plaid trousers have not really been in fashion for many, many years in London unless worn by a stunningly hot model and lets face it, a bin bag would look good on a lady like that.
To sum up…. most will be friendly especially if they know you are American. Treat others with respect and if you tend to get quite loud and enthusiastic about things, try a little moderation. Read a little about the different use of English to avoid misunderstandings. All fairly standard stuff fro most people whether they are Americans or British.
To those who have suggested that they should wear and behave however they like, be prepared for quite a few negative reactions. Just think, would you want people coming from other countries and doing whatever they wanted in America with no consideration of your country or culture ?
RB
As something of an Anglophile I am looking forward to, one day, visiting the U.K. But, I have to admit to being a little put off by this blog entry. I appreciate all the encouraging comments; you’ve made up for the initial negativity.
Anyway, it seems a lot of feelings have been hurt on both sides of the pond. So I propose we make amends by each of us saying one thing we really appreciate about the others country. It doesn’t matter if anyone agrees with you, just that you are thankful for it. I’ll start…
David Bowie
There’s no reason to try to hide the fact you’re American in England…just keep your voice down, resist the urge to tell complete strangers your entire life’s story on first meeting, and for goodness’ sake, NEVER take the last biscuit at tea.
I’m American, and it only took a while to figure these things out.
…okay first of all, we are Americans, from America. Fanny packs are fanny packs here. It’s natural cultural and linguistic drift people, get over yourselves. The word for gift in German, for example… is not GIFT. And the English word GIFT to Germans means poison. Extending courtesy is common sense, but have a care toward common ground here! Mother of pearl… I am gonna wear a fanny pack, and call it a fanny pack, if I please. It’s like telling me to wear a burka when i don’t belong to religions that require it. not gonna happen. I have my own belief system. Respect can be shown by both parties in ways that encroach on neither. Learn to be more tolerant, on BOTH sides of the fence. GOOD GRIEF! Critical thinking put in context! What has become of this???
I wouldn’t stop Americans from calling anything by any name, but in Britain the word fanny means something completely different. Don’t EVER use it here. For any reason. The English are great people, but NEVER call them Brits. When we first came here it was a culture shock, and for tourists who are here, generally for a few days at a time, it can be a bit confusing. This is only a guide, and there are some errors in it, but you can count on one thing: NEVER ask a BRIT about his FANNY BAG. Most likely you’ll get a slap, or a ‘what?!’. And the likelihood of having your bag snatched is no greater in London than anywhere else in the world. Americans come here to soak in the culture for a little while, check in on their roots, and thats nice, but be sure to watch your speech, your volume and your body language. With the English, they take as they find. Be nice and they’ll be nice to you. To the site writer, I suggest you check your opinions before your post. You certainly know how to annoy a lot of people, and how to get things wrong. However well intentioned you might be. By the way, here’s a tip.
no we pretty much did save their ass’es in the war even before we were involved we were involved ie ….shipping , war materials and even some americans were fighting before the us entered. true enough england has plenty to be proud of in ww 2 but the fact remains without us they would be speaking german right now.
Please, do not feed the trolls.
And because I like the idea posted upthread of appreciating gifts from the other’s culture:
Terry Pratchett, John Cleese, and Doctor Who.
You know, I think there is something that is being missed by all the discussion about the US war of independence 200+ years ago. For Americans, it is a seminal, defining moment of the country. Do we often fail to understand the other side of the story? Of course. Do we often (especially in school) gloss over the help we received from other countries? Yes. But, would there be a United States of America without that war? Probably not. THAT’s why we talk about it all the time–it marks the beginning of who we are. No doubt other countries, countries younger than Britain, talk about their beginnings as well.
Also, don’t discount the degree to which we are, quite simply, charmed and interested in how our countries and how the people in them are different.
As an American working for a British company, at this moment sitting in one of our London flats watching a British drama on TV (based, oddly, on a Swedish book), I’ve done my share of observing and questioning and wondering about our similarities and our differences.
Accents are fascinating–in the US we have diverse accents, but probably fewer of them than in the UK. Why is that? Why are there different accents between locations that are so close together?
And then the ways things function inside a home–the differences are significant, and it makes me wonder how they either illustrate or determine how we live our lives differently. In the UK, you turn off the power at the outlet, whereas we don’t in the US. Are Brits more careful about electricity use than Yanks, or is there some other reason? The humidity in the UK seems to have created a bigger business in anti-frizz haircare products and also in moisturizers that are lighter than we find in the US–how does that difference in climate affect personal care? Do Brits use less hot water than Yanks? The faucets (taps) tend to always be separate ones for hot and cold, and the water heaters are tiny. And then the refrigerators! Although not the case everywhere, for the most part it seems like refrigerators in the UK are substantially smaller than in the US. Freezer space is especially smaller. Is that one of the reasons why chilled foods are so much more popular in the UK?
One thing we do have in common–no matter how many television channels there are, there is almost never anything decent on to watch.
I am an American who has been to England and who loves all things British. I have been laughing about the “loud” American comments. Have any of you been around any Germans lately? They speak very loudly, which was good for me when I lived there since I’m hard of hearing. I have been all over the world, but when in England, I feel at home. The people are nice and polite. I’m sure there are cranky people everywhere, but after having lived around the jerrys for years, I was so glad to be in England, that I felt like weeping.
Another thing that Brits love to mock is Americans saying “Have a Nice Day!”
Worth noting – the history we are taught in British schools tends to be focussed on WW1 and 2 … so not only are most Brits not ‘sore’ about the Revolutionary war, most kids are ignorant to it having happened! Scary but true!
I think i learnt more about US history from the Simpsons than from school! ;o)
One more thing that I don’t think anyone’s mentioned, but I’ve seen Americans (and others) using the V sign when ordering 2 of something. Try to avoid holding your index and middle finger upright, with the back of your hand facing the other person. It’s a mild insult.
It’s OK to hold up 2 fingers if your palm’s facing the other person.
It really doesn’t matter what you do as an American. As soon as you open your mouth the accent will pop straight out, all the listeners preconceptions (good or bad) will fall into his head and you’re right at square one again.
The only benefit to this article is to enable you to hide yourself in the culture to prevent the one twat in a million from punching you – “‘cos yanks are all wankers wot!”.
Personally, I know Americans who I’d happily let my daughter have babies with, and I’ve met a few who I’d like to drop into a meat grinder by the inches… dick first. Same as over here to be honest.
The tipping thing is off, If you go to a nice restaurant and the waiter was polite and helpful and there wasn’t a service charge, it’s always nice to leave a £ or two.
If you are going to generalize an entire people , you are just as good as the ignorant sops you are talking about. There are perfectly well educated Americans that like to travel and live abroad. For us to break away from the sloppy stereotype that all Americans are stupid, loud, and obnoxious, we have to start focusing on the positive and not the negative. Do you believe you are making anything easier for American’s living abroad? There is already enough going against us when we travel, leave it be. The tourists you are writing this column for will never read it. Why do you think they are like that in the first place?
I have been to England twice and planning to go again in the near future when I can afford to. There is a difference between a traveler and a tourist. A traveler knows the history, customs and even the language before taking a trip and blends in when he or she gets there. A tourist goes over not knowing anything, expects to be entertained and treated like you are at an amusement park. They travel around in groups and never blend in. I am a traveler. I have studied British history since I was a kid and grew up in the 60′s when British accents were common over in the States. When I hear a slang term I don’t understand I simply stop the person and ask them to translate that word for me. I have a hard time with people with thick accents like the Welsh and some Scots because they talk to fast or under their breath and all the words run together. I have to ask them to slow down or speak the Queen’s English, but I don’t go HUH!! Every where you go whether it is in the States, UK, or anywhere else each area has their own slang and way of speech. All the English speaking nations have different ways of expressing themselves, you simply have to do your homework and learn their slang, just like they have to learn ours.
As to tipping, I was told to tip when I was there the first time. An Australian girlfriend told me that they don’t tip in Australia and she didn’t tip a London cabby and he cussed her out. I tipped the two times I was there and no one complained or told me differently. I will have to ask some of my British friends about this.
When I go to the UK, I blend in. I don’t go over there as an American. I am a traveler. I go by myself and socialize with the people there and make friends. I actuallly have had American tourists come to me for directions. I was terribly embarrassed the first time I was in London when I was walking through my hotel lobby hearing this American southern lady yell to the top of her lungs, “This ain’t like America. You don’t have this and you don’t have that and so on.” I waved to the porters (who knew I was American) to not let her know I was there and rapidly left the lobby with the porters laughing at my antics. When I went back the second time, I took my mom and told her if she pulled that ugly American routine, I would put on an Irish accent and leave her to fend for herself. That I wouldn’t put up with rudeness and I meant it. You don’t go into someone home and criticize, why would you go to another country and do the same? When you travel to another country, you can’t expect the same things you see in America. It is a different country and they do things differently than we do. If you don’t like it, don’t go.
I’m using an iPod Touch, so I apologize for any awkward spaces etc. in advance.
I’m from New England (Southern New Hampshire, and about 40 minutes north of Boston, to be more specific) and I’m going to be visiting my former exchange partner from Germany from 4 years back with a few friends in July. Since the UK is on the way, we figured “what the hell?” So, we’ll be taking a week long trip there before visiting Germany. While the article did seem informative, I’ll take the advice of the native British posters here. Especially with the tipping and socialization aspects.
I imagine we’ll have a bit of an ‘edge’ over most other American tourists. A lot of the locations here are named after English towns and cities (lots of ‘cesters’, ‘hams’, ‘chesters’ etc.), and the New England culture and way of life is definitely the most similar to overall British culture than the rest of the U.S. – but still with its own distinct, unique flair. So far, we’ve decided we’d spend time in London and Manchester, but we’re trying to think of some other places to visit as well. We’d like to visit the countryside, even though it’s pretty similar to the more rural areas here, and a few smaller towns and villages, and maybe visit Scotland and Wales if we have the time. If anyone here could point out a few good places to visit, that’d be greatly appreciated!
I’ve gotta say: I’m wicked excited to visit the UK. I love a lot of the music that came from there (Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, The Sex Pistols, G.B.H etc.), and I love history, so visiting an area like the UK with a very rich history is right up my alley. Any suggestions for good historical sites to visit other than the obvious ones would be appreciated, as well. I’m pretty well informed about the UK – I understand the difference between ‘English’ and ‘British’, and that England alone isn’t the UK. The overall culture and mindset isn’t too different from my area, so like I said earlier, I imagine we’ll fit in rather well and enjoy ourselves without too much trouble. Hopefully have more than a couple brews, shake a few hands and chat up a few cute English Roses.
Oh, and by the way – Yankees are from New England. Most Americans don’t mind the term, but a lot of Southerers get a bit raw (bat shit crazy, in some cases) about being called Yanks, due to the time period of 1861-1865 ha!
Any and all advice and help will be welcomed with open arms.
RockaRolla, Do London on foot, museums are free and so are the wonderful parks. Find old pubs in the West End and drink hand-pulled ales, they are very varied in their flavours. I’m from London originally (and I love New England btw, worked in summer camps for 3 summers as a student) but I now live in Northumberland, the last county in England on the London to Edinburgh road. We have the most castles in England, Lindisfarne Island (or Holy Island as it is more commonly called) is the birthplace of Christianity in England. It has a remote castle and the ruins of a monastery. The Northumbrian coast is stunning, wide, flat, golden beaches with some of the biggest dunes you’ll see anywhere. And you’re likely to have one to yourself. Northumberland is the least densely populated county in the whole of England. You are also just north of the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire here so we have Hadrians (roman) Wall which straddles wild rugged countryside across the country from Newcastle in the east and over Cumbria to Carlisle in the west. Northumbrian hospitality is as good as anywhere in the UK. The food in pubs is amazing and not expensive. Beer is a lot cheaper here too than in London. Visit Newcastle on the way up. It’s quayside area is beautiful and historic and if you get a chance go and watch Newcastle United play at home. Great atmosphere and the stadium, St James Park, is slap bang in the middle of the city. Could go on forever eulogising about where I live now but I’ve got to get ready for work. Enjoy your trip!
Rocka:
We like to use the phrase Yanks because we know it grates on the ears of many from America. It’s our revenge for their use of the phrase Yerpeens. Or Brits. That one’s particularly irritating because we are four different nationalities here. I wonder how many Americans would like to be asked: ” And which part of Mexico are you from? ……oh…..you’re not from Mexico?…. how can this be, it’s on the same land mass…”
I spend a bit of time showing foreign visitors round my home town, Americans included and one thing has always impressed me about the latter: their sheer enthusiasm to see all the things they can get to. They don’t give up! The London bit is pretty easy, Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, The Tower of London etc but once you’ve seen those you need to be on a train out of there. There are some of the best museums and galleries in the world in the City but in the summer they can be incredibly crowded and so thronged that it’s difficult to get round them, so you see very little. London is just too expensive and it would be a pity if you miss out on our country’s attractions outside it while you have the chance. Britain is small, but not that small and it takes time to get from one place to another, so you really need to weigh up where you want to go in terms of it’s importance to you.
There are plenty of plenty of places in rural areas that look like the set of Midsomer Murders and sitting in a village pub at midday with a pint and a Ploughman’s Lunch is a very satisfying experience. This is probably the best map to use to get around as it folds up pretty small. You can buy it in America:
http://www.thesavvytraveller.com/insights/geography/europe/great_britain_ireland/2maps/ordnance_survey/routeplanner/1home.htm
The Northwest is just over 2 hours away from London and there’s a good bit to see there: Manchester and Liverpool. Scotland is the same distance again with plenty of places to visit. Wales and the West Country are a lot easier to get to. We have a good rail infrastructure here – not that cheap though, but there are some good deals on tickets. Make sure you ask the man in the ticket office for the cheapest way to make your journey. See this link:
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Bit of advice on hotels: stay in the cheaper chain ones. There won’t be that much difference in price from private ones but the standard is always better. You only want a shower and somewhere to lay your head for the night. It might be an idea if you use MacDonalds or BurgerKing or similar if you want something to eat when travelling. Cheaper and standard products. Restaurants can be expensive with vastly differing quality. Pub food isn’t bad though your meal have been prepared earlier and microwaved. Often best to stick to a sub sandwich. Britain has undergone an enormous catering renaissance in the last decade but it’s traditional dishes are always the best.
Pubs: Most are dedicated to serving young blokes fizzy lager and nothing else but there are also still many older type pubs where you can try more traditional cask ales. Be warned, they don’t taste anything like American beer. Some are pretty strong too and remember – a British pint is a quarter more than an American one if you’re going to drink a lot.. Ask any older bloke where you can find a more traditional pub. On that point, I hope you’re not defeated by our accents. Some of them are very thick and you may find them impenetrable.
Lastly, don’t pay any attention to the idea that Americans are deemed to be loud and boisterous and walk around whispering – it’s really just a hackneyed stereotype. I’ve met many American tourists and found them perfectly normal, ordinary people and no different to any other nationality when on holiday. I hope you enjoy your visit here and get to see all the places you want to see – you can always come back if you don’t! If you’re uncertain on anything, just put your question on here and somebody will answer it..
I am English and live near the Lake District (North). I’m finding these comments completely fascinating because although I understand the self-deprecating humour about Americans being too obviously American, I honestly wouldn’t notice by appearances alone.
I think the segment on tipping is debatable even between British people. For me personally it depends entirely on the service received, but I generally like to tip hairdressers, waiters, taxi drivers, and take-away delivery people. I don’t usually tip in a pub if I’m only ordering drinks at the bar, because it’s generally quite expensive anyway, plus if it’s busy, the bar-person will already be taking the next order as they’re handing over your own change.
I know a lot of the information provided here is very London-centric. The historic and cultural appeal is clear. In fact, my boyfriend and I have booked a weekend trip there in June, but even so, I will be behaving just as ‘touristy’ as any American visitor as this will only be my third time there.
A lot of foreign tourists I have met on my own travels often mistake me for a Scot or Geordie (Newcastle resident), which I don’t find offensive, but it is quite hard to explain where you live to people who have little geographical knowledge of the UK and ask “…and how far away is that from London?” (About 5-6 hours on the train actually!) – This applies to any foreigner, not necessarily an American.
I find Americans and Canadians in general to be very open and friendly people. Brits can be reserved at first but I notice that if An American accent is heard, it will usually be met with curiosity and genuine interest, so be prepared to be asked many of the same questions about where in the US you are from, how long are you here for, what do you think of England so far etc…
I feel sorry for the people who’ve had bad experiences here because it’s true that there are ‘undesirables’ in every country who are quick to judge, as a Brit abroad there are always people who assume I am tight with money, will always moan, and hate the French. (None are true!)
The weather – Very unpredictable. Don’t bother buying an umbrella, just let it rain on you, because either way you’re going to get wet. It’s very windy up North so you can waste money on a really nice umbrella that’ll only get destroyed.
The food – Try everything.
Best advice – Be open-minded, go off the beaten track, enjoy yourself.
Hope this helps,
Helen (Saving to visit NY & Vegas some day!)
I find the information very fascinating as many Americans feel the British do much of the same when visiting Orlando, Florida.
I cannot recall the many times I have had a tourist walk into me as they were walking on the wrong side of the aisle. Also, many of the tourists insist upon stopping dead within their tracks to look at a map or some sort of note they have taken with them.
Often many residents around the Disney area associate British tourists with large white rental vans or white rental cars.
Lastly, the football jerseys as well as the floral print screams tourist. I have seen quite a few British tourists who are dressed in floral shirts and I am unsure if they were them because it is Florida and they had read online that this is our fashion; it most certainly is not.
We have what we call “British Tourist Season” when waiters and waitresses dread having their job. I am unsure if many are unaware of the fact that waiters depend upon tips in order to make a living.
Also, people who are visiting must realize there are people who live nearby Disney and do not need to cater to your every whim.
Why do many British people stand within a long queue when there is a much shorter queue? Standing in a very long queue when there is a much shorter queue only a few steps further marks you as a tourist.
No, we do not serve mayonnaise on our hamburgers at McDonalds.
The British tourists are thought as being loud, rude, and careless of their surroundings; of course not all.
Lastly, I have seen my fair share of British tourists wearing bum packs, the 1990′s called and they want it back. I do not know why tourists like the idea of making a pick-pocketer have an easier life.
I only point out these observations as they are quite similar to the stereotypical American tourist, funny. Each country comes across as a tourist when visiting a location they are not familiar with. Oddly enough, many American children are required to learn the many continents and countries of our globe and many do know the United Kingdom comprises of more than just England and understand London is a city, not a country. I have met wonderful British tourists who are curious about the culture whereas I have also met the complete opposite side of the spectrum. I cannot label all British tourists as this as some do not fit the genre at all.
So what’s a ‘shire’ then?
posted in the wrong place. Doh! But it was in reply to someone saying – ‘Don’t just go to London (agree) try one of the shires’.
The most realistic post here yet. I’m English and when I go on holiday abroad with my wife I would much rather go where the majority of other tourists are ABB (anything but British). Your archetypal ‘Brit abroad’ is as boorish and embarrassing to their country as your counterparts are to yours. It’s natural to feel this way. after all, why go on holiday at all if it’s not to experience something different in your life. That’s what it’s all about; switching off from the norm. It’s what makes you relax. Being from London and having worked and travelled all over the States, I would have to say in our defence that Orlando is a honeypot for British tourists and the worst of our kind are bound to stand out. London is a large, multicultural, multilingual, tolerant global city where pretty much anything goes so be yourselves. You’ll fit in. It’s what makes London what it is.
I don’t know where you got the idea about the ‘No tipping culture’…!! As a London cabbie we regularly recieve and welcome tips from all nationalities (Oriental people being the most generous). Also in restaurants – Though the habit is no where near as prevalent as it in your country.
To not tip a cab driver is to consigned yourselves as a talking point in cafes up and down London, recalling the ‘tight Yank c***s’.
All this makes me want to do is forget about going to England. Shelling out tons of cash for what would (for me) be a once-in-a-lifetime event, only to get judged and hooted at, really doesn’t sound like a fun time. God forbid I say “vacation” instead of “holiday”! What, do you get a one-way ticket to the Tower for that? So I’m over 40 and have prescription orthotics in my shoes. I pretty much have to wear Nikes, or forget about doing all that walking. But no–you get thrown out of the country if they see you wearing them! You know what? I don’t go to other countries to judge the residents on how they talk and dress. I’m more interested in finding out about them as people. But apparently Brits are not interested in people who don’t dress and speak the way they do. (By the way…are these rules posted at Customs? Seems to me you should let follks know they’re about to get their hands slapped for wearing the wrong shoes when they first get to your country, rather than letting them find out the hard way.)
It’s a shame…you might actually enjoy getting to know people from other countries if you can ever get past the superficial judgements.
This post is meant in good humor – it should not discourage you from visiting.
Teresa, don’t let this stuff put you off. I’ve lived in England for about 7 years now, and although I live up north I have visited London many times. I am pretty confident that the only people who would harass you about your shoes and vocabulary are not worth associating with anyway. And they are not representative of the British. Sadly jerks are an international phenomenon, I’m afraid. As others have pointed out there are plenty of loudmouthed and rude Brits, with shockingly poor dress sense. But most people I have met are friendly and polite, even in London!
The main reason, in my opinion, to avoid looking and acting like an obvious tourist is to avoid unwanted attention from pickpockets and the like. Hence stepping to the side of the street to consult your map, figuring out which tube stations to change at before you get on the train, and so on is not really about inconveniencing the natives but about appearing confident and aware of your surroundings. This advice applies to any big city, be it London, Chicago, Rome, etc.
It works both ways, Teresa. I a English, living in California and I have had to change the way I pronounce certain words in order to be understood. In England we get a lot more exposure to American English via TV and films – movies. Yes I have also had to adopt American words instead of the English in order to be understood. The English tend to recognise American versions better. I have to have subtitles on TV to follow, really, and my American husband appreciates subbies on English films and programmes. As yet I refuse the change the way I spell or my grammar (despite the red squiggly line under various words). I am proud to be British and want to hang on to my speech and spelling as much as I can. By the way, why do Americans use so many euphemisms? Why can’t you call a spade a spade? I go to the lavatory and I wipe my bottom with loo paper. (I avoid the Restroom unless I want a nap and bathroom tissue is a mystery to me.)
Also, NEVER let someone from a restaurant call you a cab. We ate at an Indian restaurant in London only a few blocks from our hotel. Since it was absolutely POURING when we were ready to leave, the waiter asked if we wanted him to call us a cab. We said yes. A plan ordinary van with a Russian sounding driver turned up. He had no idea where he was going, even though it was only a few blocks and then charged us £17!! Evidently they are in cahoots with the restaurant and split the fee.
Also, stay away from Indian restaurants. They will totally oversell you on food. We had that happen twice. There was so much left over, we could have fed India for a week! They advertise dinner at £10, but by the time you get out of there, you’ve spent close to £25 per person. They are total rip-offs!
“Remember, we fought a whole war over our independence, and the Brits are still a little sore about losing.”
We actually don’t care about the American Revolution. We’re literally not at all bothered. It does irritate us when Americans assume that it was such a big deal and that we’re still upset about it. It’s a big part of American history, but a miniscule part of British history.
“We Caused the Econopocalypse”
Also, while the US does get some mud thrown at them over the global economic crisis, I’ve noticed that Gordon Brown is a far more popular target over here.
Note to gay men – leave your ugly flip flops in the USA. Shoes and trainers are fine in most bars and pubs. Flip flops are not!
Most Britons are actually happy to judge others on their merits, not their nationalities, just as Americans and others generally do. Come with an open-mind and others will treat you the same way.
The best way to fit in and be welcomed is to not be a wanker (douche-bag, in American). Simple.
Oh, and don’t think that ‘British’ and ‘English’ are inter-changeable – Britain is England, Scotland and Wales – nobody here appreciates that ignorance.
Oh yes you do tip cabbies – always. In restaurants check if service is included first. Hairdressers are tipped, too and maybe luxuries like spa treatments.
Everyone should read “Watching the English”. It is the funniest thing I have ever read and even funnier as a homesick Brit living in America. Spot-on.
The big thing to understand is this. We are an incredibly multicultural society and the vast majority of us will willingly embrace people of all races and cultures without a problem but at the same time most of us hate everyone and everything in a non-specific way. If you can understand this you’re well on your way to understanding the entirety of of the british culture.
Also do tip (although only generally in restaurents) we may have slightly higher wages in service industries but cost of living is higher. Check your bill because a lot of place do add a service charge or gratuity but not all and most brits will tip 10-12% (higher for very good service but generally not much more than about 15%) for cabs and other services like that it’s reasonably common to say something like ‘keep the change’ or ‘just give us back X’ (for eample a taxi journey costing £9 if paying with a £20 note you may ask to just recieve £10 change) this is as much about avoiding havng to carry around large amounts of shrapnel (otherwise known as low value loose change) as rewarding good service.
I think all the mixed info on here will just confuse the Americans they will spend all their time walking round scratching there heads wondering if they are doing right or wrong lol so now we should start telling them about all the different terms in different towns for food & things like that, I’ll start with barm cake, muffin, bap, barm Joe, tea cake, bun. This will really confuse them lol
Are there really Americans traveling around out there and talking about the revolutionary war? Seriously? I can’t even imagine a situation where that would come up in conversation. Unless the conversation started out with ‘So, what are the first few chapters of your history books about?’ Unfortunately, it is true that most Americans wont be very familiar with the war part of that revolution and how desperately we were losing it until help from other countries came along and a few crazy mountain men who decided to hunt the English from the bushes rather than go to war with them. The history texts read a bit more like romanticized period dramas about Paul Revere and salty Earl Grey.
As a side note, can I make a formal request that we in America adopt a more quiet and reserved demeanor? I live here, and everyone is so loud it’s painful and everybody insists on watching television (and of course it must be watched at ear-bleeding decibels). Even just sitting in my living room with my own mother (sorry mom) I have to resist the urge to beg her to take it down a notch. And I’ve never even traveled outside this country, that’s how loud we are, we violate nature itself. I’m so thrilled there are other poeple (albeit oceans away) who share this opinion. Yes! I’m not crazy… well at least not for thinking this anyway.
EASY: DON’T BE LOUD. Don’t stand in the way of a busy walkway…anywhere. Get out of the way on the tube to let people get in & OUT. Stand on the right on the escalators. No gym shoes. Don’t wear bright colors. Be friendly but not in your face. Learn the word differences before you go. (You ask for the toilets or loo not the bathroom). No tipping for drinks in the pub. Smile. No complaining. Every once in a while you will run into a crab butte. Ignore it & move on. They are here too. If you take a day trip, listen to the tour guide!!! Don’t talk to the people around you, & if the guide & driver are good TIP THEM at the end of the trip. Be polite & courteous & respectful.
After all ….It is their country & we are MERELY GUESTS!
I am an Anglophile. The tipping thing confuses me, because in two British comedies I remember bellhops receiving tips, and expecting them (Mr. Bean on Holiday). I’m confused now. Would someone kindly explain?
Just wanted to show that not all Americans are idiots, though my husband could tell you that I do spend a considerable amount of time complaining about the dumb lazy Americans who travel to non English speaking countries and don’t even bother to learn the language, and then have the audacity to complain about people from other countries who do the same thing when they come here. But I’m getting off-topic. Here’s what I mainly wanted to say:
Though I am American, I do know the difference between British and English, thank you very much. I don’t use the word “Brit”, though I might say “a British person” if I am referring to someone from that wonderful island in a general way. I am perfectly well away that Scotland and Wales are not part of England. And, though no one has commented on this yet, it is none the less something that bothers me, I know that there is a huge difference between an English accent and an Australian accent. Though I’m ashamed to admit that I have a much harder time distinguishing between an American accent and a Canadian one. Perhaps because I live in the South, it all sounds northern to me! My point though, is that I spend a lot of time reading about other countries and cultures and am fasinated by it all. I don’t like it when British people(speaking generically here) change their vocabulary when talking to me. I know what trousers are, so you don’t have to call them pants. I could list dozens of other examples.
However, getting back to the fact that I like to complain about the idiot Americans of the world, I am well aware that many of my fellow countrymen find British speech(speaking generically again) completely incomprehensible. I find these people annoying, and so if someone from England feels he must change his speech for my benefit, I feel that he’s lumping me into that category, and I get offended. But then I got offended when I went to Germany and people spoke English to me, so maybe I’m just strange.
Funny what a total hypocrit I am though. If I ever went to England, I feel an overwhelming need to blend in, and yes that includes changing my vocabulary too. So I guess I am a little strange. Oh well, that’s what makes the world interesting!
The list doesn’t work as well in the 21st century as it would have, say, 25 years ago, when I, a New Englander, happily attended a convent (girls parochial) school in the British Midlands, the only Yank out of 250 girls. I live in Washington DC now, where, come summer, there’s never a shortage of boisterous British teenagers and 20-somethings in athletic shoes standing in the middle of sidwalks peering at maps. The younger generation in the British Isles seems to be getting louder and more materialistic to me, while Americans traveling in the UK have become lower key and more savvy than they once were. A new, IPOD clutching and more cosmopolitan generation of travelers is crossing the pond both ways without a second thought, with everything from hostels to canal boat rentals booked in advance. Also, since you find far more Americans living and working in the UK than you did, and more Brits in the US, at least in the economically lackluster 80s, there’s a lot more cross polination on many levels. Cultures that began to diverge in the 17th C seem to be moving closer together in an increasingly globalized world. My teenage nephew, who runs around in a Manchester United jerseys in East Coast cities in the US, reports that ordinary Americans can be surprisingly well informed about the team’s fortunes. Social hint: If you enjoy home improvement/DIY projects,gardening, owning a dog or are interested in state/public school reform issues, you’ll never run out of British people to have long chats with. If you want to talk about WWII, perhaps best to ask what somebody’s grandad did than express an opinion about American invovlement….
Yeah, I guess the grim reaper in “The Meaning of Life” got it down in one sentence: “All you Americans ever do is talk…” And thats another thing us yanks do too much, bring up Monty Python way too much. Am I allowed to say “God save the Queen” as I sign off here? IF so….
Your advice is so true!!!!! I have been to London twice and Can Not wait to go back!! I loved every minute there and it is amazing how much the Brits and Americans are so much alike!!!! Although you would never hear any of them say so. I loved the British humor best of all!!!!
Well…. I’m a very outgoing, talkative, friendly and often-smiling american gal. after spending a ton of time in england for business and pleasure, I must say the men in general think I’m great….the women-not so much!! At first I tried to remain composed and serious, but soon I gave up and just smiled at everyone-no matter. We value cheerfulness and warmth in America and it takes strength to stay yourself among those who think you’re just silly
I often think of myself as a “smile” ambassador when I’m in the UK….lol
The writer of this (blog?) has taken much liberty with his generalization of American tourists. He seems to describe American tourists the way he wants them to be viewed by others. As one who travels to England annually (at least), I have never been received poorly, and hope I never run into this fellow; I may shatter his view of American tourists. As a side nots, although I do not wear them myself, I have seen many people in England, young and old, wearing both shorts and sneakers.
We’re American and we’ve seen the worst our fellow countrymen have to offer when they travel abroad and not just in Britain.
Thank you to everyone who spoke up to set the misinformation in the OP straight. The tipping thing made my head spin when I was in the UK several years ago. I was advised to avoid shorts and trainers, and I did for the first few weeks, but as it was summer and rather hot and I was doing a lot of walking, I finally gave up trying to wear the ‘right’ things and opted for comfort instead. I never got dirty looks for what I was wearing, only when I unintentionally acted like an Obnoxious American.
Speaking of Obnoxious Americans, I was in the UK for study abroad and wanted the ground to open up and swallow me alive more than once because of how other Americans acted: LOUDLY singing outside a pub around ten in the evening, being loud in general, dressing like skanks to go out at night, getting completely wasted on a regular basis, dismissing pretty much everything they were told about British etiquette and quirks,…the only reason I didn’t chew them out and/or beat them down was I knew it wouldn’t make any difference. When I was talking to my parents when I got back, I was commenting on Obnoxious Americans and the attitude those people have about how America is the Best Evah and that things should be done in England like they are in America, and my father voiced his agreement with the latter sentiment. *facepalm*
I have been to England seven times, beginning in 1989, when my husband and I spent a month there. I bought a 3 mile to the inch atlas, and I rented an automatic mid-sized car. I knew pretty much where I wanted to go, since I had “taken a trip to England each January in my armchair” for YEARS!!!! When we left here, the only reservations we had were at a hotel in London for the last four nights!!!! We landed at Heathrow, picked up our car, and headed for Windsor Castle!!! I meant to stay in Guildford, but when we got there, it was “rush hour” so we kept on driving east along the A25. We stopped at a Harvesters and had a LOVELY meal, then headed south towards Brighton. We stopped at a couple of pubs along the way to ask about a local B&B. Neither my husband or either one of the other couple who was with us would go inside, so I did. I went inside each of them, and told them we had just arrived that morning at 7 AM, and hadn’t had any sleep for 12 hours!!!! The first place we went to was closed and there wasn’t anyone there. I don’t know if the people at the pub deliberately sent us on a “wild goose chase” or not. I prefer to think not. The next pub several miles down the road, the proprieter wanted 45 pounds a night for each room. We ended up driving all the way to Brighton, and when we got there to the seafront, we turned left, and then turned left again at the first one-way street going north. That street was full of B&Bs, so we found one that was 25 pounds a night. We continued onto to Rye, by way of Burwash and Kipling’s house, to Royal Tunbridege Wells, Scotney Castle Garden, etc. to Dover. Our friends left us a Dover because they had booked a 5 day trip to Paris. Then we went back across West Kent and Sussex to Bath, stopping at Petworth along the way. We went to a part of the Cotswolds, spending the night at a B&B in Burford that was built before Columbus discovered America, before going to Belnheim Palace the next day, and heading north to York. I won’t go into the rest of our trip, but we had a FABULOUS time, and spent an average of less than 24 pounds a night on B&Bs. The only “snarky” person in our ENTIRE month there was a tour guide at Petworth, who looked down his nose at me when I told him the places we’d been the last few days. He had the attitude that “One COULDN’T appreciate what one had seen in THAT short a time!!!!” Of course, he didn’t know that I have a university degree in history, and had been studying England and English history for YEARS, and my husband had a Ph D in American history with an area in British Empire History!!!!
We met a couple on top of a turret at Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, from Chicago, and they told us they were staying at a self-catering cottage nearby, and it was FAR cheaper than staying at B&Bs, not to mention having more privacy!!!!
So, I bought a Self-catering cottage book that was put out by the ETB (I think) and from then on, we rented cottages. I told Jim we could visit London again when he was too old to drive there!!!! Unfortunately, he died of cancer TOO YOUNG in 2001.
We went to England in 1992, and stayed in a cottage for a week in Sandhurst, Kent, and then in a cottage in Burford, Oxfordshire, because we had fallen in love with Kent and E. Sussex, and the Cotswolds. We took our daughter, Amanda, who was a university graduate with us to England in 1994, where we showed her everything we thought she should see outside of London, because going to London is EASY, but renting a car and travelling around the country-side is less easy!!!! That was the first time we rented Valerie Ernst’s cottage in Tenterden, Kent. When we went to the “Caxton” the last night we were there, the landlord, upon hearing Jim’s accent when he ordered our beers, told him, “Your money isn’t any good in my pub!!!!” That was because he grew up during WW II near an American air base, and he told us the Americans gave him and his friends bubble gum and candy bars!!!!
We went to England again in 1996, and spent a week in Valerie’s cottage in Tenterden, then we spent a week in Devizes, which was WONDERFUL because it seemed like everytime we went somewhere along the A303 from east to west, we saw Stonehenge appearing off to the right just over the crest of a hill!!!!!
After Jim was diagnosed with cancer, and we were told he was in remission, we took our son with us, who was in the US Navy when were there in 1996, sitting off the coast of Liberia in the LSD, USS Portland, with 300 Marines onboard. We spent two weeks in Tenterden, where Amanda and her new husband joined us the second week. Amanda’s husband had never been to England, so he was confused bu the differences in terms, etc, even thoush he is a VERY intelligent lawyer, and he was THRILLED that every little village had a C of E church because he is an Episcopalian!!!! But, he was confused by the sign at Canterbury Cathedral that had the “times for confession!!!!” Then Jay, Jim, and I spent the next week at our favorite cottage just off the High Street in Burford, Oxfordshire.
I went to England in 2002 and spent a month in Valerie’s cottage in Tenterden on the High Street. I was in Rye on July 4, and at the C of E church there, an organist played a song for me in honor of the day, but he didn’t know “My Old Kentucky Home” which I requested because I have lived in Kentucky for many years.
In 2006, I took a lovely young woman with me who teaches elemtary school in Nashville, and was the daughter of a VERY DEAR FRIEND!!! She had never been to England. We had a GREAT TIME!!!! She drove the automatic transmission car I I had rented, and we spent two weeks in Tenterden in Valerie’s cottage on the High Street We were at the “Caxton” late one afternoon, and a VERY young man went to the bar, and upon hearing our accents as we were talking to each other, came over to us and asked us if we were Americans. When we replied, “Yes” he said, “I want to thank you for saving us during WW II.” I was GOBSMACKED!!!!!
My husband, my children, my son-in-law, my friend Lynn, and I ALWAYS acted when we were in England as if we were guests, so one is courteous and thoughtful to one’s hosts!!!! Of course, we NEVER discussed politics, and NEVER critized!!!! The FEW people we mentioned to that my husband wrote a book about Kentucky and the War of 1812 didn’t EVEN KNOW the British burned the White House, and a lot of Washington D.C., and that the British were DEFEATED where Wellington’s brother-in-law,who was the commander of the British forces, Packenham, was killed and his body was taken back to England in a barrel of rum after the Battle of New Orleans!!!!!!
There are a few other treasured memories I have of our trips to England. Jim and I were walking down the street in Lacock village, that is owned by the National Trust in 1992, and a lady came us to us, hearing our American accent. She told us that when she was growing up, there was an American base during WW II nearby, and she had “lots of fun going to dances there.” One day on the High Street in Tenterden in 1996, I was going shopping wearing a Liz Calirborne jacket and pants, and unfortunately, on the back of the jacket was “USA” because that’s the year the olympics was held in Atlanta, and ALL the collection that year for the Spring was red, white, and blue, so I had “grit my teeth” and bought the knitted matching pieces I needed to take to England . A LOVELY white-haired lady accosted me as I was waiting to cross the High Street, and she said, “I LOVE your outfit!!!!!” Jim and I figured during WW II she MUST have known some American GIs, and even though she’d rather runnaked along the High Street than to speak to a fellow-Brit who was a stranger, she KNEW we Americans speak to PERFECT STRANGERS!!!!!
Maybe people are MORE welcoming when there are two women, I don’t know, but in Cranbrook, Kent, at a pub, a man who owned an antique store on the High Street bought single-malt Scotch whisky for Lynn and me, after we told him we had NEVER had single-malt whisky, and then showed us around his antique shop!!!! And, a bartenderat a bar close to the Brighton Pavilion gave us a strawberry flavored Belgian beer that was FANTASTIC!!!!
Number 1 should have been ‘ignore this list’. I’m not trying to be funny here, but being English, this list looks ridiculous, and is guaranteed to make you stand out as an ‘idiot American’, or worse get you a smack in the head in a pub! In fact, I find it a pretty patronising and insulting list, more likely based on watching too many Hugh Grant films, or those strange stereotypes the US has of us, which to people in this country are bizarre mostly.
In case anyone is wondering…
We wear shorts in England. People in our countries have no problem showing legs… for proof go to any pub on a Saturday night where there are young ladies around.
We wear trainers too. In fact they’re more common than shoes in most places.
Of course it rains here. It does in the US too. That’s how plants survive. It is not a tropical rain forest however.
Complain all you like, but bear in mind one thing… WE complain because we live here, and get annoyed with how things are done, just like yourselves no doubt in the US. We just take exception to foreigners visiting our country and pointing out what is wrong with it… the same as you would!
Tipping: What would you think if someone didn’t tip you for service in the US? The same goes here. It’s rude not to tip, unless the service is bad. And so you know, restaurant workers are paid terribly, especially waiting staff. We do not get good wages.
Linguistically similar to Southern US speech? Are you serious? I really cannot understand this point at all.
The friendly bloke in the pub actually DOES want to know your opinion. And he wants it to be the same as his. This is the done thing when grumbling.
Trust me, nobody in Britain has anything against people from the States because of the war of independence… honestly nobody cares, and I’ll bet a massive number of young people here have never even heard of it. Of course assuming we do care about it and have some trouble forgiving you actually is an offensive stereotype.
World War 2, the one point I really agree with on this list. You can by all means say ‘we saved you in WW2′. You may either get a gruff response or lose teeth depending on who you say it to. This one I will agree with, and the main reason is because the US was a neutral country, which didn’t actually want to help us (and public opinion was very against it), and only entered the war because they were attacked and then had war declared on them by Germany. We on the other hand were having the shit bombed out of us with no military support from the US. until 1942. Remember we went to war with Germany in 1939. Just a little useful history there. We also hate your war films which rewrite history, making out that the US did things we actually did (such as U-571, the Great Escape, etc).
The NHS is pretty badly run, and it is not something we are in love with. Don’t confuse us with politicians. They love it. By all means voice your opinions on it, because we know it’s a corrupt system. Oh, and it is socialist (British Parliament since it’s institution was built upon moderate socialist principles).
Oh and this thing about ordering fancy drinks…. no we don’t find it offensive. We find it funny.
What you have to realise is that a lot of British banter is based on sarcasm and the national sport of ‘Taking the Piss’. You’ll simply have to grow to understand this for yourself. I’ll post some genuinely helpful points next.
Ok here’s some genuine tips from an Englishman, which should help you, based on things I’ve seen American visitors say and do. For some reason Anglophiles have a romanticised view of England, so we should quash some of the stereotypes:
1. We don’t hate you. A lot of Brits have a problem with the US, but not people from the US. It’s not personal, but based on the culture we’ve had enforced on us from America, such as our new race relations problems, TV, language, money-loving, etc, which has all crept in since WW2. And don’t forget, the USA has a pretty domineering and selfish foreign policy. We know it’s not your fault, and we (usually) like American people, and everyone else for that matter.
2. This is actually linked to the above, and has come about due to the internet forms built by US companies: THERE IS NO SUCH COUNTRY AS THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK).
There are four countries here: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is the large landmass of England, Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom is the realm covering Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and has a shared parliamentary system. The British Isles is the whole collection of islands. Sadly, British people are now buying into this stuff and think their country is the UK.
3. Things are expensive here, especially commodities like petrol. As I type this the current price is 10 USD per gallon (unleaded that is, the cheapest fuel). Be prepared for the prices, and yes, we hate the rip-off too.
4. Don’t try to act British or act as if you are an expert on being British or the country you are in. Because we know you’re not. And it makes you look stupid. And when we’re seemingly being nice about it, we are in fact taking the piss. Taking the piss is a national hobby.
5. We take the piss out of everything including ourselves. It’s one of the strongest things about the British character. It’s how we get through so much. We learn to laugh at them, and it helps us bond and relax about things. Sadly this is being lost as we become more like the US culturally. But it is inherently British (hence why it is the same in Australia).
6. Although you don’t want to fake any of the British accents here (and there are many), try to learn the correct pronunciations of things. Otherwise it gets confusing. This is particularly true for places and names. For example, the US pronunciation of Edinburgh would be ‘Ed-in-burg’. Here it is ‘Ed-in-burruh’. Nobody uses the word ‘po-tar-to’ for potato however. No idea where that joke came from, but just so you know.
7. Learn British slang, but make sure you definitely know it’s meaning. And try to only use the common words when you speak. If we hear an American say he was ‘just going up the apples’, it would make you look stupid. Even in England, rhyming slang is rarely used in normal speech, and even when it is, unless you are in, or from, East London, it just sounds sad.
8. Never call anything ‘quaint’.
9. Never start comparing our tourist attractions/countryside/buildings and so forth to those back at home in public. It’s just rude, and if we wanted to see what big houses in Texas look like or the Grand Canyon, we’d go there or ask.
10. Be careful using the word ‘fanny’ to describe your arse (which incidentally you call ‘ass’, but to us this is a donkey).
11. Generally, we don’t care for US sports. Baseball is basically rounders to us. American Football is like a strange version of rugby with men wearing armour for some reason we are not sure about. Basketball is more popular, but it’s still only netball with bouncing
12. From point 11, learn when people are being sarcastic. It’s done in a subtle way.
13. Certain places are not named after the places they are in, but after people. I’m sure most will obviously look up things before travelling, but I have had these discussions with US friends before. For example, Buckingham Palace is in London, not Buckingham. It was owned by the Duke of Buckingham. Leeds Castle is nowhere near Leeds, it is in Kent.
14. We don’t use kilometres. This stereotype has to go once and for all. In the pub, drinks are in pints, halves, glasses, etc. I have seem someone once ask for a half-litre. He was laughed out.
15. Yes, it does sometimes annoy us that the bad guys in films are usually English.
16. Most are aware of this already, but not all of our police are unarmed. Some do carry firearms at certain places, and armed response officers are in all towns and cities.
17. Roundabouts are pretty easy to navigate to be honest. Mini-roundabouts are a waste of time however, so don’t go to lengths to drive around them.
18. You will be in Britain, not in mainland Europe. Remember this distinction because it does tick some people off.
19. Chandler bing in ‘Friends’ described England as a ‘romantic’ country. Chandler Bing is lying to you.
20. British stiff upper lip: Do not believe it. This only exists when things are really wrong or shocking, such as terrorist bombings. Most of the time, we’re just like you.
SOME Americans go to England to see what we’ve been reading about and seeing on TV and movies all our lives!!!!! We go there, not to praise the US, but to LOVE England!!!! We are in awe of the country from whence our forebears came!!!! We go to England to “worship at the altar” of Shakespeare, Austen, Churchill, to see the fantastic stately homes and gardens, and to see the FABULOUS countryside and villages!!!!!
Your “new race relations problems” can’t be blamed on the US this time because you did it all by yourselves!!!! I remember a lovely English woman I met at Broadlands in 1989, and she told me she was “afraid” to go to London anymore “because of the blacks!!!!”
The vast majority of people I have met in my seven visits to England are really, really nice courteous people, and I LOVE the English people!!!! I only met two people who acted “superior” or were rude amongst ALL the people I met!!!!
Linguistically, the English language as pronounced by “the upper classes” IS most like the Southern accent of “upper class Southerners” so GET OVER YOUR PREJUDICE AGAINST WHITE SOUTHERNERS!!!!!! You OBVIOUSLY have NEVER been to the South!!!!
We NEVER mentioned the American Revolution, but whenever we seldom DID mention the War of 1812, we found the English AMAZINGLY ignorant!!!! But then, to the Engish, that was a “minor” war when compared to the Napoleonic Wars, even though Washington and the White House were burned by British troops!!!! My husband, who was a historian, wrote a book about the War of 1812, and I had an ancestor who fought at the Battle of New Orleans. If you want to find out about that battle, go to utube and access Johnny Horton’s song that’s entitled The Battle of New Orleans. It turned out the battle was fought AFTER the peace treaty was signed, but if Wellington’s brother-in-law, who was killed in the battle, had defeated the Americans at New Orleans, the British would had said, “Never mind the treaty, we’re going to take over as much of the US as we can!!!!!”
An interesting side note to this is that Wellington refused the command because he said the US couldn’t be defeated.
I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!!!! They ACTUALLY released a version in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland of Johnny Horton’s song “The Battle Of New Orleans” where instead of the Americans winning the battle, the British won the battle!!!!!! On utube it says the British government FORBADE them to release the US version, but that is untrue!!!! It was changed because the producers thought the British buying public wouldn’t buy a song that celebrated a US victory over them in 1815!!!!!
Talk about GREED!!!!!
I guess I SHOULDN’T be surprised!!!!!
I’d like to thank the British folks still responding to this blog as I’m leaving for London on May 4. My first trip to Europe and a dream come true to me. I knew a lot of those er, tips, had to be wrong.
I plan to act just like myself while in London; an acerbic, funny, respectful and compassion person. I wear shorts, athletic shoes (needed as I’m going on a large amount of walking tours and two bicycle tours), jeans and boots. I don’t mind rain (in fact, I like it). I lived in Seattle and Portland for going on 14 years before I moved back to California.
I will ask something though. I’m a little bit freaked out by some blog and news stories I’ve read about how some (note I said *some*) of your compatriots have an aversion to overweight people, even violently so. There was that horrible one about the middle-aged woman brutally attacked on the train in 2009, I think it was. Now, I am a round person but I’m pretty athletic and don’t take up two seats on trains or whatever that attacker’s beef was when she went off. There are millions of people in London, all shapes and sizes, but I have to admit I feel a little bit self-conscious. I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder. This might seem superficial to some but it isn’t to me. I’m talking about personal safety here, not shouted insults.
Any thoughts/reflections on this?
Can’t wait until my feet touch down on English soil and I can say, “London, I am in you!” Thanks.
Tonya – you have no reason to worry. Unprovoked attacks on strangers in the UK are, thankfully, very rare – it’s just that they make the headlines. To put it into context, I have just returned from a fantastic holiday in the US, but I was not put off going there by the media reports of the number of gun-related deaths that happen there!
So funny
We love Americans Really. Do tipp in London especially, Shorts are worn nationwide matybe not though
On a high street in London.(it’s abit different and posher there)
We are quite quiet in our opinion unlike our image of you who like to be very vocal….?? I couldn’t say
Hey your trip this year looks great . There are some great paces to see here. I wish you a happy trip. All I would say is if I was choosing (and I live here) God its very difficult but the Highlands of Scotland are breathtaking ( and I have travelled the world) xxx
Nessy
Thank you Martin and Vanessa, very kind of you. I hope to see more of England in the future, as well as Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
I dont have i problem with americans generally. But there are numerous things that really annoy that some American’s do.
1. as you said saying ‘we saved your ass in the war’ utter bollocks. the Americans were working with us and if anything did less than us.
2. Americans think that we have bad teeth and have bad breath. we just dont get fake teeth like americans and our breath doesn’t smell bad (well most of us).
3. Americans think we are like in Mary Poppins. we dont all ware theses fancy clothes, just drink tea, float on umbrellas.
4. The accent. American people mostly see people from London. So they havn’t seen some accents like a scouse accent or a geordie accent. we dont all have ‘cute’ accents.
5. In restaurants i have had many bad experiences with Americans. They have been loud, rude and dont seem to understand that we dont want to know what they think about certain things.
6. They think that everything the Americans do is perfect and everyone else needs to change.
Ultimately i know that not all Americans think this of the British, but i have come across a lot that do.
War of Independence? We’re sore about that? Bollocks. Many people in Britain probably haven’t even heard of it.
Here’s a big one. Don’t call it “England” unless you really mean England. Its a tricky one, and you can’t win, but as a Scotsman I hate it when people refer to the whole of the UK as England. England is only part of it. The biggest part, but still just part. Don’t take that to mean that everyone in Scotland hates England either (and no we’re not at war, despite what Braveheart might indicate). I’m British and Scottish. Some Scottish (or Welsh, Manx, Northern Irish etc) people will tell you they are not British. Don’t argue with them.
Joel says that you should criticise the NHS, the article writer does not. I’m stuck in between. Most people in Britain love the NHS, even though we know it is not run perfectly. I’m less of an ardent fan…we don’t want the American system (pay up or die), but a little outside criticism might help people think about improving the system.
Just my tuppence-worth
Please don’t ask an English man if he speaks English as I, a Londoner, was asked by Two Americans in Covent garden,
For a good day out go to Brighton & visit the Royal Pavilion, & walk in the Lanes