7 American Habits that are RUDE in the UK! / American in the UK

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[@alangknowles]

Never talk about 1 religion, 2 money, or 3 politics.

[@alantheinquirer7658]

Especially in a pub ... where alcohol will be involved. No harm in a general discussion (or moan) but if it turns into a one-on-one confrontation, well ...

[@nowster]

"The weather and everyone's health."

[@MikeSmith-ye9ho]

4 Football

[@am4793]

Not talking about religion, money and politics is a class thing in the UK. It's taboo for the working classes. The more cultured/educated a social group, the more likely informed discussion happens about religion and politics.

[@alangaughran]

Bollocks. If you are an atheist, politically engaged "have not" what is the point of keeping quiet?

[@DazzleMonroe]

Q "Where do you go to church?" - A "Depends where the wedding or funeral is"

[@01jausten]

😂

[@Pumpherstonsmith]

Or whether its been turned into a carpet warehouse.

[@weirdscix]

Nailed it

[@angelawhitehouse8066]

A friend of mine with new American neighbours was asked if she could recommend a pastor. Being unfamiliar withe the word, she heard it as pasta. Very difficult conversation followed......

[@torfrida6663]

@@angelawhitehouse8066😂🤣😂

[@grahamlund-q3n]

On my many travels in the US, the number of times in a cafe a customer has addressed the person behind the counter with the words 'fix me!' to get an order. No 'please', no 'could you', just straight out demand. That appears so rude to us.

[@kathleendavis5727]

It is rude to many Americans as well. I am an American and was raised to say please and thank you both at home and while out and about.

[@grahamlund-q3n]

Thank you for your comment, good to hear your point of view. 'Being polite costs nothing' - something drilled into us as kids. Kind regards. ​@@kathleendavis5727

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

It can seem rude so it’s better to be a bit more explicitly polite such as by phrasing it as a request, but it’s not seen by the speaker as making a demand, but as relaying your order efficiently. The staff are there to perform a service, both parties know this, there’s no need for the customers to make a long elaborate ritual out of the answer when they ask what you want.

[@iangarrett741]

Sorry, didn’t realise you had broken down!

[@juicyfruit4378]

@@JustMe-dc6ks then they should ASK efficiently and not bark their requests - that’s still rude

[@philipknowles2912]

Jumping a queue - very frowned upon in the UK and likely to provoke an uncharacteristic reaction from even the most reserved people.

[@photoisca7386]

It is now a dying curtesy, especially in areas dominated by non-British people.

[@lara28490]

photoisca7386 is right that the invisible queue is dying out in Britain- particularly for city bus queues - but it's still a strong tradition where it matters. I live in a busy town with an over-subscribed Citizens Advice Bureau (free advice), where people would queue up for an hour or two before it opens. Because there is no seating at the door, they seat themselves around the small garden courtyard in front. When the office opened, I watched everyone silently line up in the order in which they arrived....you just know to take a mental snapshot when you do.

[@nowster]

Indeed. The tutting will be perceptible.

[@jamesbeeching6138]

See the Holly and Phillip scandal about jumping like queue to see the Queen lying in state!!!

[@didwest1249]

I don't queue at bus stops in London

[@ziggarillo]

These things are rude in the UK, however, there is an increasing cohort of rude people.

[@grahamhamilton7537]

Watching too many American programmes

[@gordon1545]

This is a thing older people say. It's not true. I was a teen in the peak era of ASBOS and all the rest, and my generation was the worst. We're all about 50 now, looking down on Gen Z.

[@3040-f9g]

If you don't say 'thank you', expect as sarcastic 'you're welcome' muttered back.

[@KX36]

even if someone doesn't do a thank you wave in traffic.

[@kourian1234]

@@KX36 so true. And clearly mouth ‘you’re welcome’ as they go past 😂

[@dcallan812]

or have a shite day ☺

[@maximushaughton2404]

I was always told to put my knife and fork together at the end of a meal to show I was finished. But I was also told, to leave them at an angle to each other, and that was a polite sign, that you would like some more, without having to ask out loud, which is rude. The not asking what you religion in Britan maybe a hang over from the reformation, where the wrong answer could get you killed.

[@terryhunt2659]

Re getting a restaurant bill soon after the food is served . . . Another reason this is not done in the UK is that it's common here not to decide what further course(s) one wants (if any) until after the main course is eaten, and whether or not to order further drinks (coffee, brandy, etc.) until the final food course is finished. Servers routinely ask when clearing after each eaten course if further courses are wanted (and if not, the diners will anyway ask), will add the further items to the bill as the meal progresses, and will not present it until everyone has confirmed they want nothing more, so that it's definitively complete.

[@walneygirl]

There may be a generational aspect to this. Not quite the same thing but there's a particular café I'm very fond of, run by a Scottish-Italian family (father from Salerno, mother and three children all Scottish-born), where you order your meal at the counter and they bring it to you. I've noticed that if the younger family members serve you they instinctively go to take payment immediately unless you ask them not to, whereas the parents are laid back and let you pay when you're done. Which is good because after you've had the meal you ordered, you might well be tempted by the selection of excellent cakes and pastries they bring in from an Italian-owned bakery nearby.

[@JustMe-dc6ks]

You can still add to the bill, they’re just leaving it with you so you don’t have to wait for them in order to pay when you’re finished. They’re not telling you they’re done with taking your order or to hurry up and leave, they’ll check back to see if you want anything else. They’re just giving you the option to pay as soon as you’re ready to leave. It’s actually more efficient for both sides that you don’t have to wait for them when you’re done.

[@HuntingViolets]

They usually at least ask whether you want dessert before bringing the bill, I think. (U.S.)

[@TheEnigma64]

​@@walneygirlI think that in general, if you order at the counter then payment is taken at the time of ordering, if there is table service then payment is taken when the meal is finished

[@bex-fl-1]

@@JustMe-dc6ks Yes. And most Americans don't spend 3-4 hours eating a meal, so they're not thinking that anyone wants to stay that long.

[@neilfoster814]

Another thing us Brits find rude is eating an entire meal just using a fork. We regard that as uncouth and bad table manners.

[@julietannOsfan1972]

I can never understand why they don’t use a knife & fork. I’m also often surprised at how much they put in their mouth at once. So rude.

[@georgedyson9754]

I don't think anyone would have an understanding! They would just think 'typical American being rude' 😀

[@Gregdotgreg]

Definitely right about religion. And money is another one. People would rather talk to strangers about their medical problems than religion or money

[@caw25sha]

American: have you got a lot of money? British person: I've got piles.

[@danielriley7380]

@@caw25sha😂😂😂

[@jaygee5693]

Some people like to talk about their medical problems way too much. When you ask someone "How have you been?", or say "I hope you're well.", you don't really want to have to stop for 10 minutes to hear every detail about their ingrown toenail infection.

[@andrewdale3695]

Never, ever, refer to someone's football team as a "franchise"

[@Poliss95]

@andrewdale3695 Unless it's MK Dons.

[@AD65]

Jesus, who does that ?????

[@brettbuck7362]

You mean soccer, not football, right?

[@gordon1545]

@@Poliss95 Was about to say exactly that. Franchise FC!

[@gordon1545]

@@AD65 Americans. All major sports teams there are franchises that can be moved across the country and renamed at little notice, and frequently area.

[@michael-gs6kh]

Someone once told me that he had annoying neighbours and then added " now I know how Canada feels!"

[@jackx4311]

Brutal - but funny!

[@slake9727]

It's like we're living over a meth lab...

[@BBKing1977]

As a Canadian, I appreciate this sentiment. 😂

[@01jausten]

I live in Germany. We’re direct too. However, being rude is being lacking in respect for others and showing arrogance towards others. You are not more important than anyone else. Be polite and respectful towards others. I don’t want to hear your conversation, I obviously ask with a “please” and say “thank you” afterwards.

[@thefollandgnat]

The Germans are too honest to be polite, the English too polite to be honest.

[@philiprice7875]

loud girl on the bus trying to pay for something on her phone, i realised this and took notes of her name address debit card and ccv # she finished i got out my phone and at same volume said "HELLO, I SAW YOUR ADVERT ON EBAY DO YOU STILL HAVE THE ELEPHANT FOR SALE? OK GREAT CAN YOU DELIVER IT TO GAVE HER ADDRESS AND CARD DETAILS THEN SAID £500 FOR EXPRESS DELIVERY" the bus was laughing their heads off

[@zandvoort8616]

House tour - no way! I don't want anyone to see my place, especially upstairs and the bedrooms! Americans also can't hold and use a knife and fork properly

[@aliservan7188]

hahaha What!? You need to explain that

[@arthurvasey]

@@aliservan7188I think the OP means knife in left hand, fork in right hand!

[@tomhalla426]

I had a broken arm, so I had to eat Euro style. It was awkward. And holding a fork tines down all the time is even more awkward.

[@cleverclogs2244]

@aliservan7188 Every tool in the World has been designed with an optimum way of using it in mind - for efficiency and safety - the traditional British way of using knives and forks isn't to make life difficult, or to be petty, but is to maximise control, efficiency, and to allow elbows to be kept close to the body. Americans tend to eat like a 4 year old experiencing cutlery for the first time - it's extremely jarring and actually embarrassing in formal situations.

[@tnit7554]

@zandvoort8616. Yes. They are overwhelmed with knife and fork.😂

[@simonsmith8149]

Another restaurant thing in the UK that can come across as rude (although it is quite often done) is for the waiting staff to clear some people's plates, while others on the table are still eating - generally it's considered polite to wait until the whole table has finished before clearing anything. I could be wrong, but I would imagine that perhaps in the US waiters clear as and when individual's finish ?

[@nokomarie1963]

They ask.

[@jackx4311]

In my experience, the server always says something like "Can I clear away some of these empty plates?" - and it's seen as polite, not rude; and certainly not a hint to customers to "Finish your food and clear off!"

[@windyfarmer.6095]

In even a small group some may not want a starter course, just a main, some may not want a dessert, others may not want coffee. Your wife may even tell you that you have had enough, the waiters have to juggle all the timings, they ask every one when they want their course/s served, ( also are you really taking your wife's advice). And all that with several different groups of diners .

[@stephenp5836]

Yeah they can’t wait to clear your plate. It’s so rude for the customers still eating, who just feel rushed.

[@brianbeales6520]

Here in New Zealand it is considered rude for table staff to ask or just move in a start clearing the table until the last person has finished their meal. Even if the cutlery, is in a considered finished position upon the plate.

[@missharry5727]

I work for an advice charity in England. A few years ago we had a visiting American student for the summer who helped with the phone calls. Other people in the same room found it really hard to concentrate because she was so loud. She had a notice stuck over her workspace saying INDOOR VOICE! But she just couldn't help it. It was a relief for the rest of us when she finished her stint and we could hear ourselves think again. I didn't realise how true the "loud Americans" thing was until I met her.

[@nickd4310]

One way to address that would be to turn up the volume on her phone. If she hears a loud voice, she will unconsciously lower hers.

[@jmi5969]

@@nickd4310 I'm not sure this will work... my reaction would be to speak louder to match the incoming voice.

[@nickd4310]

@@jmi5969 It's not intuitive, but it actually works. (I have worked the phones too.) You can try it out yourself.

[@chriswilliamson3769]

Placing the knife and fork the way you describe, - knife on the right, fork turned upwards beside it, is not just an odd custom, it’s actually a sign to the waiter that you have finished eating. No matter how busy he or she is, a good waiter will spot this and come to clear the table as soon as they can. It’s much more civilised than trying to catch the water’s eye by raising an arm or waving, which they may not appreciate.

[@ianm452]

--- or snapping your fingers at the waiter!

[@flitsertheo]

Crossed knife and fork could be considered as the crossed bones on a pirate flag. A sign for the waiter not to expect a tip.

[@sahhull]

@@flitsertheo The crossed knife and fork also means you are not finished yet and dont clear the table.

[@philiprice7875]

@@ianm452 old story waiter on the QE2 some one snaps his fingers waiter goes up to him says i am not a dog dont snap fingers at me pal

[@sigmaoctantis1892]

I'm Australian, my mother was a waitress. She taught me that with knife and fork together the plate is "closed". You have finished eating. With knife and fork apart, the plate is "open", you have not finished eating.

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

In Australia it's very common to be in a store where people gather near the counter but not in a specific queue and when the staff ask "who's next?" you turn to someone who was there before you and say "are you being looked after?" Quite often that person has already been serves and is waiting for their items to be prepared but you would never push in front or not be considerate.

[@danmayberry1185]

Yes, I have seen it work beautifully. It's the honour system with witnesses.

[@rawschri]

I've been using that technique in bars for decades, if you're asked, and you know it's not your turn, you say " No, this gentleman/lady was before me ", this will guarantee the barman/maid will remember your courtesy, and you'll definitely be served next ...

[@gazzertrn]

Aussie rule , great people .

[@Summers-lad]

Same here in Britain.

[@bex-fl-1]

It's the same here in the US, at least in my experience. I don't know where this young woman is from, but I don't agree with most of what she's saying. Possibly because she's so much younger than me.

[@fleuriebottle]

I’m in the UK. I will show friends and family a tour only if I just moved.

[@graceygrumble]

Yes, housewarming parties start with a tour.

[@matchmade44]

I don't think this supposed prohibition on UK house tours is that common, even in the buttoned-up south. When first time visitors express interest in the layout of our not particularly remarkable bungalow, we do offer them a tour, and some even ask for one. Unless the "closed up" rooms are in a truly disgusting condition, we're generally fine with this. Interior design, efficient use of space, "flow", "character", development potential,visit furnishibg, colour etc are all very interesting to Brits - witness the multiple "property porn" magazines and TV shows - and is a staple topic of conversation with home visitors, along with tips about builders, suppliers etc.

[@nowt1002]

On the restaurant/eating thing, another difference is the teeminology. In the uk the instruments you use to eat your food with are called cutlery, utensils generally means things used for cooking such as fish slice, whisk etc.

[@susanashcroft2674]

Or I have heard people from the US call cutlery Silverware, which to me sounds like a display of say trophies, trays, christening/wedding ornaments or a fancy canteen of cutlery from a case. The way they use a knife or mainly using just a fork can be seen as rude, especially at a restaurant, where there may be several courses and the cutlery is set out in a particular way.

[@HuntingViolets]

We say cutlery in the U.S. too. Although some say utensils or silverware (or plasticware for disposable cutlery, but kind of as a joke sometimes). I say cutlery.

[@jaygee5693]

In a working class New Zealand family, we set the table with the "silver", or the "tools".

[@ianmoseley9910]

Changing seats in a plane without telling the crew means your bodies might not be identified in the event of a crash.

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

Oh aye! Morbid but true 😮 ❤ from Northeast England ❤️

[@coleydiizzle]

This, I came to the comments for this.

[@man_eating_monkey]

Unless the flight attendants actually update the airline’s ticketing database database remotely, telling the crew wouldn’t help either in that regard.

[@annstuart7076]

I was moved by a flight attendant into a seat in the emergency seats- without taking my name

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

@@annstuart7076 I wonder if you were ever identified 😂

[@benhodkinson6467]

To my knowledge it is not normal to use a knife at all in the US….. and those who do use a knife will often put down the fork, to then free up the hand to use the knife. It is PAINFUL to watch.

[@annfrancoole34]

Painful - I have an American Brother-in-Law who is left handed It's beyond painful watching him cut up his food at the start, and then eat it by pushing the fork around the place.😀😃😄

[@tnit7554]

One hand must always remain free for the Colt....just in case...😂

[@jgibbs651]

An American friend working over here in the UK was asked to a very swanky official dinner to represent her firm: she was mortified when her boss brought in his wife to show her how to use cutlery - the rest of us who were going were relieved.

[@astrothsknot]

in NY and the earlier settled states they eat like the UK (especially if they're higher up the social scale), it's actually called New York Push. I've been told the reason USians eat like that is because in frontier times the knife was put down to show they were there in peace, but it was by their hand if things went west.

[@brettbuck7362]

The way the British use a fork and knife is absolutely ridiculous. You know, that fork is curved for a reason, and it's not to try to balance peas on the back.convex side of the fork,

[@jackx4311]

Elsewhere, I saw a video by an American who had visited Europe, and spent a week with a group of people from various countries, including Britain. He said it suddenly hit him at the end of the week that he had no idea what any of them did for a living, what kind of house they lived in, how much money they made, what their educational qualifications were - they'd talked about all sorts of different subjects, but never even *mentioned* anything like that, which he said would be regarded as normal to talk about where he lived! He didn't know whether they didn't think stuff like that to be important, or whether they felt such details about their life were 'none of anyone else's business' - but, he said, even looking back on it some time later, he still found it astonishing. Re. religion; I can think of one family I'd known for over 30 years, and they'd mentioned that the mother "sang in the church choir" - but I didn't know which church they belonged to until I went to the father's funeral. I can well believe an American would ask "Why didn't they ever *tell* you which church they belonged to?" - to which my answer would be "Why should they? That's none of my business!"

[@charlestaylor9424]

I worked with a guy for 40 years and had been retired for a couple of years when I found out he was a church elder.

[@gordon1545]

That's because in the UK and in Europe your job, your income and your religion don't define who you are. They're not your personality, and they can all be changed. Also, on religion, we spent centuries killing each other over religion so no wonder we learned not to talk about it with strangers.

[@yasminm7157]

I think the main thing here in the U.K., in a social setting anyway, is that people generally don’t really care about what you do, how much you earn etc. As long as you’re not boring, you’re fine! We want banter, laughs, not a breakdown of your CV and how many zeros are at the end of your salary 😂

[@andrewstevens2364]

I don't like when the servers interrupt your conversation so they can check in on you it's like you're deep in conversation with the person or group you're with in the server comes to check on you

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Even worse is when one person or several in a family group are served several minutes before everyone else in the small group is served. Or when plates are removed from some, while others are eating.

[@nowster]

There's a legal reason in the UK for them to check "Is everything OK?" as it gives them an opportunity to fix any problems and reduce the chance of complaints after and disputes over the bill.

[@21samclarke]

Either when you're deep in conversation or you've got your mouth full and then you have to do that awkward trying to chew your food while also not choking just to end up smiling and nodding lol

[@Peter-gv6vf]

Cant bear that. Its creepy insincere crap

[@pw601]

How's your meal? Usually delivered in a high pitched insincere way. Once I complained that chicken was tough which was met with a giggle and the server best a nasty retreat,not to be seen again. No tip, bad review on trip advisor.

[@ronkelley5348]

Religion was the root of a lot of strife throughout the British Isles from the mid C16th until in to the C19th (and there are still some issues in some places). Having been there, we don't wish to go there again and it is one of the reasons that people as a rule do not wish to talk about or discuss religion. The UK generally is much more secular (and increasingly so) than the US. The most recent census had far more people saying 'no religion' than previously.

[@clivewilliams3661]

I'd rather say that my religion is personal to me and need not be of any interest to others.

[@debbiemckeown7626]

That is my thoughts I’ve from Glasgow and I had to tell American preachers that handing out bibles or tracts to customers in my work is not going to go down well here as we have customers of multi faiths and no one wants preached at when they go into a fast food place.

[@Brian3989]

When you see some preachers in USA I wonder are they Christian or just out to accumulate wealth for themselves! Within the United Kingdom we need a greater Christian culture, but without the hard division of Anglican, Catholic and Free church traditions. Not everyone wants the same style of worship.

[@zak3744]

The loudness point is exactly the same as the last point about entitlement/selfishness/assertiveness in taking something in a communal situation. If you are being loud you are monopolising the shared space in a sonic sense! If you conceptualise it by that principle of not taking up a big footprint, leaving space for others, (rather than some rule about noise levels) then whether you are used to loud or quiet places doesn't really change it. If you constantly aware of how much conceptual "space" you are taking up in life, then it's just natural to notice when you are taking up more than your fair share of the specific environment you're currently in, rather than some arbitrary loudness value, and you don't need to make different rules for different situations (e.g. library vs office vs rock concert), it's just a general principle that works everywhere!

[@Phiyedough]

Yes, Americans prioritise individual freedom above collective responsibility.

[@wkt2506]

Yes if only America etc al would learn this! Britain has lots to learn too, of course.

[@terryhunt2659]

Re queueing . . . In the UK there may not actually be a physical line, but everybody who joins a 'notional' queue (at the bar in a pub, for instance) knows who was already there and, consequently, who arrived later. The bar staff (in this example) also have a fairly good idea, but not complete as they have to be looking at what they're doing as well. It's quite common for a barperson (we rarely say "bartender") to ask "Who's next; you Sir?" and for the addressed person to say "No, he/she's next." Often, it's done wordlessly, with raised eyebrows and nods or gestures.

[@Phiyedough]

Yes, it is like that at the vets, you are all sitting in a waiting room but you have to keep track of who was there when you got there so you can take your turn.

[@Canalcoholic]

Yes, bar staff usually have a pretty good idea who comes next. Waving a bank note will NOT get you preferential treatment. Stating that "no, this person was next" will always get you served second, even if you were actually 5th.

[@danielriley7380]

@@Canalcoholicthere is one exception at the bar: the regulars.

[@kourian1234]

Works much less well for females waiting to be served. We’re regularly and routinely overlooked by bar staff. Sadly.

[@philiprice7875]

old days (1980's)go to the GP see about 10 people in waiting room you ask who is last> some one pipes up me and you wait untill they go in

[@marianbuller265]

Had a pushy American one evening in Florence. Was alone in the queue for a restaurant not yet open at the start of the queue and an American woman wanted to read the menu on a chalk board at the entrance. That is what she said! Was then joined by another person and then another! I just watched!!! My daughter finally arrived and I did the eyebrow rise at the group! The restaurant finally opened, the American group, being joined by another friend, surged in without a backward glance!! The waiter asked if we wanted to sit next to them and I emphatically said “certainly not”! At which he gave a big grin!! As an after thought I wonder if that is how this group operated all over Europe? No wonder Some Americans get a bad name!

[@PurityVendetta]

Yes, I've seen the same when I lived in Europe but unfortunately I suspect that post the catastrophic brexit the english are viewed with a similar contempt as Europeans have no way of distinguishing between the rude and exceptionalist ones and decent people.

[@kourian1234]

@@PurityVendettaoh bless you! Having travelled to mainland Europe dozens of times since the democratic decision to leave the EU, the one single bad comment I’ve had is from a family member who lives abroad and doesn’t even know the UK anymore. From the rest it’s been surprise and respect for having the courage to stand alone. But you do you.

[@Peter-gv6vf]

@@PurityVendettaWTF?

[@maryellenrittel7778]

Well, that’s not acceptable in the US either. Can’t stand that!

[@PurityVendetta]

@@Peter-gv6vf Sorry, if your powers of comprehension are matched to your level of literacy I can't help you.

[@lizbignell2820]

Regarding religion, we had an American colleague of my husband to stay who insisted that we held hands while he said grace. We are atheists and found it incredibly rude that someone should impose his religion on us in our own home. I was so shocked that l didn’t say anything but if it were to happen again l would certainly object.

[@jeffthomas2364]

@@lizbignell2820 you should have just said No Thank you but you go ahead. It is very rude to impose any religion on anyone but especially in their own home. He should have asked you if it would be ok if he said Grace? And even if you said yes, Holding hands No! People should not presume everyone thinks and feels the same way they do.

[@gaynorhead2325]

@@jeffthomas2364I agree I would have said you go ahead but I’d rather not thank you.

[@ianm452]

Exactly - as a Brit, you were not only shocked but also too polite to say anything, because we would feel that we were being rude, despite the American colleague's rudeness!

[@CarnaghSidhe]

I would have laughed and started my meal... but, my parents are Irish, so that might be the garnish here.

[@Poliss95]

@lizbignell2820 I would ask them if they knew where the door was because they were leaving immediately and would not be invited back.

[@col4022]

I was born in the 70s, and the Britain that this lady is describing is nothing like Britain back then. Everybody knew everyone in their street and neighbourhood. We, as kids, were welcome to walk into one another's houses. People were always calling at the house, family, parents friends, our friends, etc. We had parties, get togethers, our parents had parties at each others houses. It was just so community based and friendly. Most of us were poor, but looking back, we were rich in another way. I miss the Britain I grew up in because now it's unrecognisable, the community spirit has gone, and nobody knows or cares anymore. It's really sad.

[@roserandall3160]

I feel the same way, @col4022, we never had the parties that you describe, but we were respectful of our neighbours.....we knew each other, and other members of our villages....I miss it, and the people.

[@gordon1545]

I was born in 1975 in Glasgow and I remember abject poverty, mass unemployment, razor gangs that gave way to neds who made us the murder capital of Europe, piles of rubbish and crumbling housing and buildings. I live in Linlithgow now, in West Lothian, and I know as many of my neighbours as I did then. Things haven't changed as much as is claimed - this thing you say is often claimed by people who have moved from an upper working class background to an atomised, Wimpey housing middle class lifestyle.

[@adamski6312]

Also if you put the fork behind one ear, and balance the knife between your top lip and nose… this indicates to the waiter that you are completely insane

[@townsjim]

One thing I've noticed Americans doing a lot more than us British people is talking while they chew their food, and I'll be honest, it's quite unpleasant.

[@brianbeales6520]

Also eating using only a fork and waving the fork around and pointing at objects or people with the fork. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@jenniferwhite3258]

Many of these British social customs also apply in Europe.

[@Miratesus]

indeed, often more extreme variants in scandinavia and germany, UK people are loud to us and Americans are extremely loud!

[@barrysteven5964]

Sorry to be pedantic but could you please say the 'the rest of Europe' or 'elsewhere in Europe'. Implying the UK is not in Europe is likely to ruffle feathers. By which I mean MY feathers.

[@bex-fl-1]

@@Miratesus Not all Americans are loud. I'm not. My family and friends are a mix of quiet and loud. Mostly quiet though, because I get aggravated by loud people and can only tolerate them for short periods. Every now and then I argue with my beloved aunt, because although she has a heart of gold I sometimes can't handle her loud voice. 😂😂😂 My husband complains of loud people, but in my opinion he is bloody loud himself. He is from Bristol, England and when we go to visit, my goodness most of those people are loud.

[@adriancampbell6924]

They apply everywhere that is civilised. Guess what that makes the US?

[@adriancampbell6924]

@@barrysteven5964 Since Brexit, you aren't in Europe.

[@felixthecat02]

Bill Bryson, a quote from an American author who wrote 'Notes from a Small Island' nails British attitudes to queuing...'not only do the British queue, they queue without being told to do so!'

[@davidjones332]

It wasn't always so. I have pictures of people trying to board buses and trams in the 1920s and '30s which look like a rugby scrum. In 1941 it was made law that more than six people waiting for a bus had to form an orderly queue, and the same naturally happened in shops where most commodities were rationed, so by the end of the war the nation had habituated to forming a queue whenever there was a need for it. Thankfully it's a habit we've never lost.

[@rogerjenkinson7979]

I think that Mericans are taught to be rude socially by osmosis. one tour group boiled out of a coach all mixed up together into local people who were already there & started shouting at each other in the throng. Total chaos..

[@lyn7621]

I’m British,husband is American.I have lots of things I can agree with,but you missed my pet peeve about Americans and that’s wearing hats in the house(unless for religious reasons) I don’t understand it and it really drives me mad.

[@spanishdncr71]

I can see how that would annoy you, it doesn’t bother me as much as hats at the table!

[@juicyfruit4378]

Does that apply with women wearing hats in the house too?

[@clivewilliams3661]

My parents would be mortified if I wear a hat in the house. I always take my hat off whenever I enter any building.

[@markhepworth]

@@juicyfruit4378Well anybody wearing a hat inside is a bit odd to be fair..

[@gaynorhead2325]

Agree, wearing a hat indoors is an absolute no no! I would consider it bad manners.

[@robertfitzjohn4755]

My experience is that airlines usually ask you to stay in your allocated seat at least until the aircraft is airborne, (which will mean until the seat belt sign is switched off). The reason is not (as some suggest) so they can identify your body in the event of a crash. Instead, especially on smaller aircraft, it's to ensure the aircraft is properly balanced. Takeoff is a critical moment, with the plane fully loaded with fuel, and the weight needs to be distributed correctly side-to-side and front-and-back. Also, I expect the aircrew don't want to have to handle disputes between 'entitled' customers over who gets to sit where. In addition, some people may have special dietary requirements or allergies, and there's the risk of mistakes if people aren't sitting in their expected places.

[@davidjones332]

I was just about to board an aircraft the other day when I read these words of wisdom from the RAF: "In the event of engine failure you will always have sufficient power to reach the scene of the crash". Cheered me up no end....

[@saturnfive3496]

if i got taken on a house tour, i would wonder why somebody was thinking id come to buy the house!

[@neilburns8869]

Yes, you are absolutely right - the restaurant or cafe culture in the UK is very different compared to the US although some restaurants in London are trying to limit patrons to a 2 hour maximum stay it would never really work in 80-90% of the UK and any attempts to try would be met with outrage.

[@Andrew_Holt]

Why on earth does it take 2 hours to eat a meal? Don't you have things to do or other places to be? It's also very inconsiderate taking up a space like that for so long and limiting other people from getting to have a meal of their own.

[@lindawitt9063]

There is usually a time ‘allocation’ of two hours in a restaurant in Australia. Seems quite reasonable to me.

[@yuchoob]

This list of American habits paints Americans as rude (don't say please or thank you), loud-mouthed (go around yelling), faith-head (talk about religion) show-off (admire my house!) individualists (can't queue respectfully and trample over others), who exploit their service sector workers so they depend on tips (why servers are so desperate to turn over as many covers as possible). These are contributions to culture, politeness and respect every bit as nuanced and valuable as you'd expect from the nation that brought us spray-on cheese and Donald Trump (who is to humankind what spray-on cheese is to cheese).

[@BusyDoingNothingChannel]

Found it interesting about the please/thank you niceties. I saw an episode of Jetlag some time ago where Sam bought something in a store and didn't say please or thank you. He wasn't being rude but I found it really jarring. Now it makes more sense to me.

[@oz25]

Showing people around your house is a bit of a subjective one. You may show a close family member or friend around your new house the first time they visit after you'd just purchased it, or if someone was staying the night, but maybe wouldn't for a work colleague popping in for coffee. My house is tiny, if we have visitors and they want to use the toilet, unless you've shut the bedroom door, they'll see the whole thing on the way/en route to the only toilet in the upstairs bathroom anyway! Maybe this is a big house thing and it just isn't something necessay in small houses.

[@fredchild8813]

...that's what I pretty much came to say

[@Muswell]

Why would the servers give you your bill for your meal ? -- that means that we're unlikely to add a desert or coffee etc.

[@KeithMickunas]

As an American I don't recall having many waiters deliver the bill immediately. Sometimes they might at lunch, because they know people have to get back to work and don't want to wait for the waiter to bring the bill after everyone is done eating. But even if they do bring the bill before you're finished they almost always say "I'll just leave this here for you whenever you're ready".

[@yuchoob]

"Never criticise the Americans. They have the best taste money can buy." - Miles Kington

[@wncjan]

I'm Danish but many of our customs are much like the British. My pet peeve in USA is that the servers want you out of a restaurant as fast as possible. I understand the reason but find it annoying anyway. If I go out for dinner with friends in Denmark, it's normal that the meal including coffee, drinks etc. last 3-4 hours.

[@neilthewheelio]

Absolutely, it is a social event.

[@pvisit]

Not only in Denmark, for sure.

[@Andrew_Holt]

Yikes, 3-4 hours is very selfish of you to not only occupy a space in a business, but impact other customers from getting to experience a meal there in a timely manner. Very rude from my point of view. Very rude and inconsiderate.

[@bex-fl-1]

Wow, 3-4 hours is a long time. I have a restaurant and never rush anyone but that does seem a long time to eat a meal. I don't even understand why anyone would want to sit so long. Because of the difference in our cultures, it may seem that we're being rude, but it's only a misunderstanding. If we keep asking if you want anything else or if you need help, it's because we don't understand why you're still there if you're done eating. And the server is responsible for you until you leave the restaurant, so they are required to keep going back to the table to check on you until you leave. It's not all about rushing you out to make more money, although if everyone decided to stay four hours, it would definitely be financially devastating. We'd go broke if we had just one seating a night. Here, if we want to continue socializing after finishing a meal, we go for drinks elsewhere. But I will try to keep this in mind. We're in Florida and get a lot of foreign visitors and I certainly don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable over a misunderstanding.

[@RevRaptor898]

@@Andrew_Holt Not really. It can take an hour for your food to arrive, one hour to eat it and the last hour is dessert and drinks. Pretty normal really :)

[@definitelyhexed]

I was on a train in the US and two girls behind me were talking so loudly I actually turned round and told them to turn down the volume. And in a diner I was shocked that people don't say please and thank you when ordering! Incredibly rude.

[@Andrew_Holt]

You were the one traveling in their country. It's up to you to conform to their customs.

[@MoiGellen]

I've been known to remind my daughter of her please and thank you in restaurants. She's 28 😅

[@iainsan]

Dropping your cutlery like an animal isn't just rude, it's a sign of ignorance, in my opinion. In European culture, placing your knife and fork together is a signal to the waiter that you have finished eating and that he or she may remove your plate. I'm not sure how waiters in the US can possibly work this out, otherwise. I guess they're so busy badgering people during their meal that they just 'know'.

[@davefrench3608]

Knife and fork side by side is the standard way, it’s more natural for us because we use both to eat.

[@jaygee5693]

Good point. Americans are more likely to cut their food into pieces, then put down the knife and switch the fork to their right hand to eat one-handed. Other cultures can be particular about utensil usage too. In Indonesia I was sometimes politely "corrected" for eating with just a fork. They traditionally use a spoon and fork, with the spoon in the right hand and the fork just to help load the spoon. Being unaccustomed to eating a main course with a spoon, I would leave it on the table and eat one-handed with the fork, which would often be picked up on by other diners. Edit: Regarding utensil placement when finished, the Indonesians are similar to the British in that they place their spoon and fork in a certain way to indicate completion. Not parallel, but in approximately the "8.20" position with tips touching. Frequently corrected on that too before I learnt.

[@admiralcraddock464]

@@jaygee5693 A Chef will prepare your food and take time to make it look nice on the plate, then along comes an American who cuts it up into small pieces making it look a complete mess, akin to something you`d do to s little childs dinner.

[@Scurvybilgerat10]

one habit i hate in the states is people eating meals at the bar, bars are for drinking at

[@JW-mb6tq]

Really? I am in the Netherlands and we often eat at the bar in my neighborhoods. I am fond of it and often eat impromptu meals with my neighbors who I did not arrive with..

[@Canalcoholic]

We Brits, or particularly English, tend to make allowances because "they are only American and can't really be expected to know any better".

[@stuartcraig6722]

I remember being in the bubble of a 747 (economy seating) when the flight attendant announced that boarding was complete and we could spread out to the available seats. Before she’d finished her sentence one couple leapt from their seats and threw themselves onto a row each. God help anyone who got in their way. I remember thinking that while they each had a row to themselves, once the flight was over they still wouldn’t have class.

[@merseyrailer7780]

Did I hear right? Twenty minutes to eat your meal, and the bill presented when you get your food? And Americans want tipping for this? In addition , when it comes to eating out it appears most Americans are still struggling with the concept of cutlery, they’re still eating with their fingers.

[@1sotheary]

Lol, no, we don't struggle with cutlery.

[@chriscollins550]

​@@1sothearyno they just don't know how to use them properly,

[@darkenrgie]

That’s not what happens regularly. I would say getting a bill right after receiving the food is more common in places where it’s normal to eat and go. The server might not even get tipped or the shift might divvy up communal tips. What’s FAR more common is to get your meal, and have an attentive server watch for openings/lulls in conversation and come over to ask you if you need anything. That’s what makes or breaks a good server for me. I tip accordingly. Someone who knows how to do their job well. What isn’t brought up enough are the bad servers that disappear and basically keep you hostage when you want to leave and you can’t pay.

[@alanmackie6180]

Regarding religion, in Scotland, they don't ask what church you go to, they ask what school you went to.

[@faithlesshound5621]

That's why they ask about your school in Glasgow. "St X" usually = Roman Catholic. In Edinburgh the middle class actually cares which school you went to. Boys at university or working still play for their (private) school's former pupils' team.

[@as_dust_dances]

Definitely not a thing outside of the islands or central belt. Unless it's someone trying to work out if you went to private school.

[@richieb7692]

Or they ask which football team you support Celtic supporters are catholic Rangers supporters are protestant

[@g2bam]

@@richieb7692not entirely true! It’s that ALL Rangers supporters are Protestant and SOME of the Celtic supporters are also Protestant. Celtic is NOT a Catholic only club.

[@astrothsknot]

@@g2bam that's only changed in the last 30 years. At one point neither team would have had the wrong sect or english playing for them. the first openly english/protestant/catholic players got dogs abuse from both sides.

[@clivewilliams3661]

We, along with all of our co-British friends would rather visit friends in their homes than in pubs or restaurants, where a) it costs more to go out b) you have to dress up to go out and are time limited c) being at home is far more relaxing, d) being at home means that you can be more entertaining with food and drinks, even parlour games. Our homes are small but that only restricts the number of people we invite. We have had parties at home that have lasted for 16+hours, where can you do that outside of the home?

[@Bramfly]

You don’t have to dress up for the pub.

[@clivewilliams3661]

@@Bramfly Some standards have to be upheld! Besides, I'd only be allowed in the bar and not the lounge with what I normally wear!

[@wkt2506]

Yes I think in London going out is more normal untill you're quite close - & especially if you live in different areas - visiting peoples homes takes longer than meeting in the middle & less hassle to get home. But with close mates you may move nearer each other.

[@jamescalverley8694]

Never EVER ask 'how much money do ya make' or 'how much money do you have'. It is the height of bad manners. The only people ever allowed to ask those questions are, respectively, your bank manager or the person holding you up with a knife at a cash-point.

[@Poliss95]

@jamescalverley8694 Wouldn't bother me. I would reply 'Not enough.' or 'Depends on how much ink I have in my printer.'

[@SteveChambers]

You can also put the knife and fork at 3 and 9 to show you have paused but you aren't done eating,

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

It was twenty to four in my day, with the tynes (or tines) pointing down.

[@frankhooper7871]

@@t.a.k.palfrey3882 Yeah, that sounds about right - somewhere between 4 & 8 and 5 & 7; I also put my cutlery together when finished at a slight angle, handles towards 5, I'd say.

[@clivewilliams3661]

There is a whole subject on dining etiquette, it elevates and Englishman/woman above the trough. The same applies to many other cultures for example, you do not let chop sticks touch your mouth when you are eating with them.

[@Crispi-ws6ju]

I remember hearing something about Scandinavian table manners, that if you leave an empty plate, it suggests to the host that you hadn't had enough to eat...

[@clivewilliams3661]

@@Crispi-ws6ju My wife and I went to Aegina (the Isle of Wight of Greece) where we had a meal with some friends. We decided on the lobster, two for the four of us, and my wife being Guyanese dived in ripping claw from body and sucking out the meat from the legs, ignoring the cutlery, the rest of us joined in. The Patron of the Restaurant was so impressed with our handling of the lobsters that he offered us any bottle of wine from the cellar, which we had to go and choose. That night was the best of the whole holiday. It was also, a magnificent example of reverse etiquette.

[@jliscorpio]

American here...older than you Kalyn so maybe it's generational but I have always been taught that there is unspoken language to your cutlery in a restaurant that conveys if you have completed your meal or if you are merely pausing. Also as per the bill delivery is also a status level of the restaurant. If you are eating at say, a diner you're probably getting your bill shortly after your meal arrives. If you are eating at the Ritz, you will not be receiving your bill moments after you receive your meal.

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

Aye, my 1st thought was how do they know you've finished. ❤️ from Northeast England ❤️

[@jliscorpio]

@@oopsdidItypethatoutloud Right? The way I was taught. If you cross your cutlery you're merely pausing. If you place it like Kalyn showed in the video, cutlery side by side and pointing in 10 and 4 o'clock position. You have completed your meal and the server may remove your dish.

[@chriscollins550]

​@@jliscorpiocrossing you're cutlery is considered rude in the UK,

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

Aye, though we leave them at 20 past 7 if we're not finished. Crossing them could be bad luck, as it was meant to be an insult to the host or cook. I'd forgotten all about that until Chris, in the comment above, reminded me ❤️ from Northeast England ❤️

[@pdrg]

The "polite" requests are also showing there's no assumption of status, despite one person working in the service role and the other the paying customer. Money isn't what gives you social standing to nearly the same extent.

[@mpersad]

"I'm not saying we show them our underwear drawer..." Brilliant. That made me laugh out loud, and this was another fascinating video. Thank you.

[@finlandtaipan4454]

Thank you for another video that I appreciate (as an expat myself). Religion: When I lived in Scotland, I had some honest and meaningful discussions about religion with people I didn't know but just met at a pub. I couldn't do that here In America now. Queuing: Last week, I asked a couple of girls to go in front of me in the line to the cashier at a supermarket. Because they we holding ice cream in their hands. You don't want it to thaw.

[@neilburns8869]

Unless maybe someone was coming to stay over for a few days, it's not generally regarded as normal practice to show anyone around your house in the UK. Also, I think it's true what you said about your house being a much more personal space in the UK than in the US.

[@WyrdBlogger01]

It isn't normal practice in the US either.

[@Andrew_Holt]

It's odd, because when I travel around the world, particularly in Spain, the locals usually say it's the British Holiday Tourists that cause them the most grief and frustration. I was in Malaga Spain, and the waiter at the restaurant was happy to find out I was American (I do reside in the UK), as he knew we weren't there to get drunk and get rowdy over the result of a football match on the TV.

[@andybaker2456]

Staying in your assigned seat on a plane can sometimes be for weight and balance reasons. Some airlines will make an announcement to that effect before takeoff. It's always a good idea to ask if you can move, just in case.

[@judyjurek9334]

The placing of cutlery originally evolved in etiquette as a signal to the waiter. Straight together was a sign you were finished, crossed was a sign you were still eating.

[@charlestaylor9424]

My (Scottish) friend was showing her boss around her new house. Downstairs the boss's wiife was chatting to my friend's 5 year old son. At one point he said "that's the laugh mummy uses when she thinks something isn't funny".

[@paulchambers3142]

Knife and fork are not utensils...the name is cutlery.

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

True 👍

[@RoyCousins]

And definitely not "silverware" as I've heard some Americans refer to it. Interesting that they don't know what to call and don't know how to use it. I suppose the ultimate test would be a fully laid multi course laid table, including fish knives, soup spoons, etc,.

[@Jill-mh2wn]

@@RoyCousins I often have a private chuckle when I think of the woman who didn`t know the National Anthem or how to curtsey when first married into the Royal Family, being seated at her first State Banquet. Fly on the Wall time.

[@paulchambers3142]

Silverware is simply the more expensive version of cutlery....used mainly at high end weddings etc....not really common household items. Cutlery covers all table eating items whether standard or specific such as fish knife etc...

[@rivimey]

I often call knives and forks 'implements', but that's one of my foibles.

[@brianmcallister767]

Where in the U.S are you from?? I am 70 years old and have lived in the southeast United States all of my life. None of what you describe is anything like the U. S. I live in. I have never given a guest a tour of my house and have never been offered one. Waiters rarely bring a check to my table before I have asked or it. As a child I was always taught to be careful to use my "in-door voice" when appropriate. I would never ask a question of a stranger without first saying "excuse me" and using "please" and "thank you." People where I live don't cut lines. It is true that people here may ask friends where they go to church, but we don't discuss religion or politics in social settings. Most everything that you say the British find rude would also be considered rude in my part of the U. S.

[@Allie-x4t]

THANK YOU!!! So true🎉

[@gordon1545]

Thanks for that. I don't know if Georgia and South Carolina are considered southeast USA, but people I know from there are all louder than Europeans. Maybe you're quiet by American standards but still loud by European standards?

[@Allie-x4t]

@@gordon1545 I’m from South Carolina and have been to Europe and never had any issues. I guess we were just “brought up” that way. I agree with you- please and thank you , don’t discuss money, politics or religion outside of family. The only thing I did that was commented on was how I used Sir or Ma’am but then I’m a military brat 😂🎉

[@JP_TaVeryMuch]

Regards the house tour thing, when you come to sell your house, the details will have how many bathrooms, bedrooms and reception rooms. Clue's in the name! The living/sitting room and the dining room are they, where you receive people. Everywhere else is private unless special circumstances.

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

Showing your house 😮 proper weird that is lass! ❤ from Northeast England ❤️

[@joannasimmonds3706]

Some woman once proudly showed me the contents of her freezer. My sister and I didn't dare look at each other

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

@@joannasimmonds3706 I don't want to ask what was in it 😱

[@joannasimmonds3706]

@@oopsdidItypethatoutloud it was a kind of "Ta - Da!" type of thing. All her apportioned meals stacked up, chilli in one row curry in another etc. all dated. Sadly, my sister's shoulders began to shake with suppressed mirth so I was obliged to change the subject before the system was fully explained to me. 😄

[@oopsdidItypethatoutloud]

@joannasimmonds3706 Hahahaha.. I was thinking more horror film, and imagined you and your sister hoping not to join the victims dispersed in the freezer 😂😂😂

[@vast001]

How to put away your cutlery (fork and knife) is part of etiquette and to let the server know you are done or not yet. So within Europe that is how we communicate with our cutlerly instead of the server asking 'Are you done?' Jumping a que is mostly not excepted in the rest of Europe and is indeed considered rude.

[@ruairi_d]

One thing that a lot of people do as well in the UK I think (well could just be me lol), if you're at a restaurant, when everyone has finished, some people will usually gather all the plates and cutlery together and stack the plates to make it easier for the server to pick up.

[@ianm452]

Not just you! May be a relic from school dinners, when the master in charge would say "Plates please" and we would pass our plates to to end of the table for the pupil nominated as server to remove in a stack. It just seems to me that the waiter/waitress will appreciate the gesture.

[@leftmono1016]

@@ianm452- we didn’t have a ‘master in charge’ at our school!!

[@PurityVendetta]

No, it's not just you. It's just a thing to try to make a hard working person's life easier. Not a bad thing to try to spread a little kindness and politeness.

[@neilthewheelio]

That is the sign of a good upbringing.

[@FinlayMacintyre-ti9li]

I hate that

[@geoffclarke3796]

Great video Kayln. Agree with your observation about Brits being considerate and happy to wait in line in queues. There have been a few instances in recent years where this hasn't been adhered to. I recall when the concept of ''Black Friday'' discounted Christmas sales came to the UK around 2010 or 2011 where there were significant discounts on big ticket items at a large electrical retailer and people where in this store literally fighting over cheap TV's and I phones. I don't think this is so likely now with the rise of online shopping.

[@philiprice7875]

in Britain you see 3 people standing in line you ask what is the queue for

[@TaylerMade]

as an englishman married to an american, i have to admit the cultural differences made our relationship very hard at the beginning. but i have always lived by the motto of manners maketh the man.

[@wkt2506]

What did you each learn in the end? - like, learn to accept or learn to do ...

[@EppingForest304]

Americans seem to struggle when using a knife & fork… they swap cutlery from hand to hand…. It’s totally bizarre!😮

[@FalcomScott312]

Good afternoon Kalyn how are you? Love watching your videos & have a beautiful week!

[@daverose8082]

I was once in a queue (in England) with four American couples in front of me, when the American woman directly in front turned to my wife and I and said, indicating those in the line ahead, "Oh My God, am I that loud?"

[@Stephen-Fox]

Absolute weirdest thing that's ever happened to me is a woman asking me if I was a druid while I was doing Christmas shopping. And then tried to convince me to look into it due to the coach trips. (UK. This is the only time that's ever happened, or anyone has asked me about my religion)

[@caw25sha]

That's obviously what attracted the ancient Celts, the coach trips.

[@vilgessuola]

If I go for a meal at a restaurant, it's an evening out. I'd hate to feel I was being rushed.

[@rogermarsh9806]

In UK it is very rude to blow your nose on a napkin, particularly a linen one and throw it on the floor.

[@KeefsCattys]

Well researched and obviously having a detailed understanding of the international differences from both sides. Entertaining and insightful .

[@cheech7900]

The closest you get to a tour in a British home, is when you say. Can I use your toilet? And then, they give you directions to it.

[@alastairbarkley6572]

But, if you're a Brit guest in a British home, it IS ok to ask for a tour of the property. Many Brits love showing off their living space. But if your request isn't met enthusiastically or you start hearing excuses about time, decorating or building activities, severe mess, children or whatever, then that's a British 'NO'.

[@FrankJohns-js9xn]

I used to work with a bloke who came from New York "I come from New Yoik, New Yoik Sidee" that's how he used to say it, he actually came from a place called Queens. I remember when he first told me that, I asked him if he'd ever met Spider-Man, but I'm not sure if he thought I was being serious or he was just playing along with it, because he just looked at me and said "no i've never met the guy". Another time there was a few of us in the room where we worked, and we were asking him about the differences between America and England, and the conversation turned to the American year book. We said to him "we've all heard of them Bill, although none of us have ever seen one" and he bellowed back at us "Yer know, I have mine, i'll bring it in", which he did the following day. This year book was from 1975 (i think), and I said to him "bloody hell Bill, you look like Huggy Bear". This pleased him no end, he was delighted to be likened to Huggy Bear. He was a right nice bloke was Bill, but my word he had a voice like a fog horn. I'd love to sit down and have a few beers with Bill again, he loved a JD and Coke (on the rocks of course). Bill is twelve years older than I am, he must be 64 years old now, I wonder if he went back to America. Anyway, good luck Bill... Good luck old mate.

[@pirateadam3686]

The knife and fork thing isn't always that way, sometimes I'll do it but in fancier places I'll put them back together on the napkin. Maybe it's to show I haven't nicked any. What is constant though - and I will judge you no matter where you're from - is tidying up a bit to make it easier on the server. Put your plates together as best you can, move the glasses to the end, quick sweep with a napkin if anything got spilled... just makes their job a bit easier. If you leave a scene of utter chaos, we hate you. American servers though... while I respect and appreciate you - go away! Yes, everything is fine. It was fine 4 minutes ago when you popped up in the middle of a mouthful of mashed potatoes, it is fine now while I have a mouth full of peas. If you come back as soon as you see my fork enter my mouth then I will make you wait and maintain eye contact while I finish chewing and swallow before I respond. And please stop bringing me water. I'm compelled to drink it so I don't seem ungreatful and at this point I'm worried I might drown.

[@GrumpyDragon_aka_LjL]

During the Irish “Troubles” during the 70s-90s giving the wrong response to the question ‘Church or Chapel?’ could get you killed. Yet another reason why region is not discussed in the UK.

[@danmayberry1185]

Guests are welcomed to the drawing room, moved to the dining room and then (gentlemen) to the library for cigars and brandy. It's unclear what happens to women at that point.

[@slytheringingerwitch]

They probably are off to do needlework and make small talk.

[@2eleven48]

Hopefully tongue in cheek...a drawing room (a what?), a dining room AND a library? And what's this with cigars (or any other smoking item) in someone's house nowadays? I'm surprised you didn't refer to the females as the 'little women'......

[@Bramfly]

They retire to the salon.

[@astrothsknot]

@@Bramfly no, they went to the drawing room, it was originally called the withdrawing room because ladies withdrew to it. the salon was another room for using during the day.

[@Warren1453]

The utensil "signal" for a finished course is also a rule in the U.S. - for those who bother reading etiquette books.

[@Andrew_Holt]

People who read etiquette books are the same people that hold their nose high and look down on others. Very classist people in general and the rudest behavior of all rudeness that exists.

[@Shaun_Garratt]

A fun list as usual, thanks. Interesting about giving the check as soon as the food is served: is that really the norm now? When I lived in the US back in the mid-2000s, they would bring the check as soon the meal was done and if no-one was ordering any dessert or drinks. It did happen once that the server brought the check just after bringing the food and then came back a couple of minutes later expecting us to have the money ready, despite the fact we were still eating. Even the Americans thought that was rude.

[@tobeytransport2802]

The only one that I think I would be more American on, as a Brit, is moving seats. Maybe not on a plane but I’ve done it in a cinema before when better seats have been open a good while into the film and no one has turned up, just quietly move over there.

[@bobtheskutterbot]

I can't stand US servers clearing plates in the restaurant before everyone at the table has finished eating. Actually I have had someone take away my own plate even before I had finished swallowing. The rushing at restaurants is extremely bad.

[@JW-mb6tq]

I live in the Netherlands and the US. I have explained to my Dutch friends that we tour the house as hospitality. We show as a way to “make yourself at home” in our home.

[@lottie2525]

I'm not sure people think it's rude to be asked about religion in the UK, more that it's really weird and surprising, cos relatively few people are religious or actually go to church other than weddings and funerals these days. I wonder how Americans react to being told 'I'm an atheist' if religion is assumed so much.

[@philiprice7875]

been to church 3 times 1st some one poured water over my head 2nd someone dragged my dad away and burned him up 3rd same thing happend to my Mum next time i will be in a box waiting to get chucked into the fire

[@crackpot148]

I remember very well being taught table manners as a child. One thing we were absolutely not allowed to do was to hold and use our fork as if it is a spoon, to do so was bad table etiquette. Grace was said before meals in most homes. Then, most people attended Church or Chapel on Sundays and other holy days but even then people you were introduced to never asked which church you attended. This was back in the early 50s.

[@Andrew_Holt]

Traditions and etiquette are just pointless relics of the past. We have grown as a society to realize all of that stuff is just hogwash and based on illogical conformity.

[@jillgreenaway9688]

All of the above - very rude - hard to tolerate as a Brit. I live in Canada - Canadians are polite and also experience discomfort around Americans- just so rude !🤨

[@greg5639]

Around N / E Derbyshire, a lot of us also stack our plates and put the leftovers onto one plate !

[@flitsertheo]

Yes that is part of cleaning up.

[@xandra7986]

I’m a Londoner. We do that too (most of the time!)

[@crackpot148]

I am a 76 year old originally from Wales and I have lived in quite a few different places in the three mainland countries of Britain. Scraping and stacking of plates by diners strikes me as odd. I have encountered such a thing at large "long table" gatherings at restaurants, such as works Christmas dinners, large birthday parties, retirement dinners and the like, so relatively rarely. Certainly, at smaller more intimate dinners at restaurants with close friends and, or, family I have very rarely seen such behaviour. In my experience, in such a setting such "helpfulness" is generally regarded by restaurant owners and staff as crass and unwelcome behaviour

[@doublequilI]

the four o'clock fork and knife is technically a polite thing here too, it's just that nobody ever does it outside of a fancy dinner party... or manners class in fourth grade lol

[@Muswell]

If someone is coming round to see ME -- why on Earth would I show them round the bedrooms etc? (Unless, of course, I've newly decorated & they ask to see it !)

[@thomashattey8037]

Cabbage Patch Kids in 1983 and Tivkle Me Elmo in 1996 caused trampling in the USA.

[@stevenhartley1350]

In my house the first 3 times you come here you’re guest after that your family, so if you want a brew you’re welcome to get one as the kettle is always full. The only thing you’re normally told is where to loo (toilet) is. Most British restaurants and pubs don’t rush costumers because we believe good food shouldn’t be rushed, you pay for the quality of the food as well as the ambience of the restaurant/pub. Besides if you’re given the bill after getting your main course, as a Brit you feel like your being rushed and that if you wanted anything else your not going to get it eg dessert or a coffee. I’m not saying that all Americans are loud because I know several Americans and they are polite and softly spoken, however I have noticed a lot of Americans especially on KZbin who are soooo loud eg on some KZbin channels I’ve noticed that they can’t speak unless they are almost shouting. In comparison you speak very nicely and calm. Manners are a simple matter of being polite and respectful. I was brought up being polite and holding a door open for ladies or walking road side on a path (sidewalk) to allow for ladies and children to walk on the inside and to keep them safe (I believe this is all based on common courtesy from as early as medieval times. You mentioned the aircraft seating and just moving, as someone else mentioned regarding if there was a crash etc however as a Brit if I ever wanted to ask about moving to a different seat on an aircraft I’ve always asked for permission and most of the time I was moved to a better location than I asked to move to. In England we often have the rule of three regarding safe topics for conversation and the 3 you don’t talk about are Football, politics and religion. Reasons being are you don’t want to start possible arguments regarding these topics.