Should The Word "BRIT" Be Offensive? (11 Brits Share Their Opinions)

Today we're wading into potentially controversial territory to address the question: should the words "Brit/Brits" be offensive? Our motivation for making this video is the many comments we've received by angered British citizens who insist we are uncouth to use the phrases "Brit" and "Brits" on our thumbnails and in our videos.
But is the word "Brit" actually offensive to British folk? Or are these comments the opinions of a vanishingly small minority?
To solve this question, we're turning to the polls! 🗳 And also to our subscribers, who are sharing their authentic British voices and speaking to this unique aspect of British culture.
What's your opinion? Should the word "Brit" be offensive? Drop your thoughts down in the comments! 👇👇
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[@WanderingRavens]

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[@brandonnewman1953]

I’m in, Culture Connoisseur 🎉

[@WanderingRavens]

@@brandonnewman1953 What?!!! 🎉❤️️ Thank you so much, Brandon! That means a lot to us :D

[@Callrissian]

I suppose it's like someone from the UK calling an American a "Yank". Most "small minded people" would take some form of offence it all depends on the mentality of the person being called a Yank or a Brit.

[@craigroberts5965]

As a Welshman, I wouldn't be offended by "Brit" and i don't know anyone who would be. And it's clear you need to visit Wales :) I recommend Snowdonia.

[@craigroberts5965]

@ryn mcray Fair enough. But this is the 21st century, the Roman Empire is no longer a thing and Scotland has been part of Great Britain for a few hundred years. So British would refer to the English, Welsh, and the Scottish.

[@zoukatron]

As the son of a Welshman and a Yank, I like to identify as a Wank. However, having been born and raised in England, I sometimes feel more comfortable just calling myself British.

[@Darth_Revan25]

"A Wank" Hahaha! You legend.

[@lorrainequinn]

I wish i wasn't eating my dinner when i read that 😂😂😂

[@dazzanomas9418]

As a Welsh man myself' knowing you was born and raised in England us Welsh wouldn't call you wank, we would more than likely call you wanker ;-)

[@cymraegpunk1420]

@@dazzanomas9418 idk I think a half welshman can get away with it as long as they support the right teams :p

[@grahamboffey457]

😂😂😂

[@l3v1ckUK]

The idea of Brit being offensive never even entered my head before this video. It's just a short hand term for someone who's British. End of

[@zargonthemagnificent330]

Except the proper word for someone who is British is Briton. Brit is just lazy shorthand.

[@aliciamorris8631]

@@zargonthemagnificent330 but it's not offensive 😜

[@zargonthemagnificent330]

@@aliciamorris8631 ..and I didn't say that it was. But it IS undoubtedly lazy shorthand.

[@livstar93]

I’m British. I have NEVER heard the term ‘brit’ being considered offensive. We call ourselves Brits!!!

[@zargonthemagnificent330]

The word is Britons.

[@zargonthemagnificent330]

@ryn mcray So 55% do? That means you lose.

[@zargonthemagnificent330]

@ryn mcray That literally makes no sense at all.

[@PERCYxyz]

@livstar93 - speak for yourself mate

[@TheMaraki2]

@John A Doe Very well aware of it, we are British in the same way Swedes, Norwegians etc. are Scandinavian. It's geographical, nothing to do with nationality.

[@cdeford]

Brit isn't offensive, it's just a bit lazy. I've used it myself to save time typing. A Glasgow kiss is actually a headbutt. Also known as a Gorbals kiss.

[@WanderingRavens]

"kiss" in that context makes more sense 😂

[@aw6936]

It's slovenly - which is a good deal worse than lazy.

[@01jvb]

Exactly. I was thinking today that it is lazy. 'Brit' is what I'd call 'text speak', in the same context as 'lol'. It's not what should be used in a normal conversation.

[@violetskies14]

@ryn mcray brit as in British refers to the island we all come from not whether or not you want to be part of the union. Even if you leave you'll still be part of the British isles you numpty.

[@andyallan2202]

@@violetskies14 According to that logic, people from the Republic of Ireland are British.

[@drewfinlay3618]

This brit doesn't care

[@WanderingRavens]

Brilliant!

[@KevinArdala01]

We are 'Brits', I've never heard of this being offensive.

[@loismiller9123]

It’s not offensive to call us brits we don’t care ❤️❤️

[@WanderingRavens]

Yay! :D

[@stevenr6397]

@@WanderingRavens also a Glasgow kiss is a headbutt

[@joshualowthion7324]

@ryn mcray just saying Northern Ireland is not included in Britain.

[@stevenr6397]

ok barring radical nationalists who refuse to aknowledge that they live on an island called Great Britain that is shared by three countries

[@stevenr6397]

@ryn mcray nothing to do with historical oppression, i dont remember oppressing anyone, its more about nationalists hating on the english demanding devolution of powers only to try and hand over those powers to the EU, the whole british isles could do with a bit more 'in it together' mentality rather than moaning about things that happened 300years ago, we all know there are pleanty of people (though still a minority) that are spoiling for a fight becuse they blame present day english people for all that is wrong in their world, you can be a nationalist and be sensible, i find people who want a an independant scotland out of the UK AND the EU to at least have a defensable point but in any movement there will always be morons telling people to 'go back where they came from' and it happens on all sides sadly ( we have pleanty of idiots down here they just have their eyes on people of colour )

[@elisemae13]

It’s not offensive. However I do identify as Welsh first and British second 😂 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@jameshumphreys9715]

Where in Wales do you come from.

[@elisemae13]

James Humphreys I’m from the south 😊

[@jameshumphreys9715]

@@elisemae13 I'm Bridgend myself.

[@elisemae13]

James Humphreys ahh not far from me I’m closer to Newport

[@RainbowSauceGames]

I’m Welsh first, British second too! Nothing more frustrating than when you tell an American you’re from Wales and they reply with ‘oh thats in England isn’t it?’

[@Rob_Infinity3]

I'm British and I've never heard of the word "Brit" being, nor do I think that being referred to by the word "Brit" is offensive. Hell, we even have a yearly music awards show called "The Brits"! LOL

[@rayhayes62]

Brit is fine, if you're offended by this, you really need to get over yourself.

[@markymark13ification]

Here here

[@jamessmart685]

As a Welshman I’ll never take offence to being called a Brit but never fail to correct them that I’m welsh 😂

[@catschorus4684]

I call myself English not British - and no I'm not a nationalist, far right, a fascist or anything else. I was born in England therefore I'm English.

[@JamesTilsley1]

You can be both 🙄

[@cocobandit]

Same here. Born in England therefore I'm English. Annoys me that most English folk are identified as British, whereas the Welsh are Welsh, the Scottish are Scottish and the Irish are Irish. They all have their own National Anthem but England gets stuck with the British National Anthem.

[@kev.dkev.d8712]

When having my covid vaccination I was asked what ethnicity I am , I said English , but was told I can't use that as it was not on the questionnaire, it had to be British even though I speak English and come from England . At the time I remember questioning why , but got no reasonable answer . I wonder what would have happened if I started kicking up about it , feeling offended and excluded 🤔

[@soakedonsplash9141]

This reminds me of the time my husband and I were in an uber in Florida, and the driver asked us if we were from England or the UK. We were pretty tired/ jet-lagged and didn't want to get into a whole discussion about it so we just said England. He then nodded and replied "Thought so. From your accent I thought it was either the UK or England, but you guys don't look UKasian to me." We were so shocked I don't think we said anything else for the whole journey!

[@kimesagrace2230]

Lol

[@Darth_Revan25]

That's absolutely bizarre, haha! England OR the UK. Whiiiit. 😅 Just non offensive intentional ignorance I suppose.

[@WanderingRavens]

That's a great story 😂 Americans can be a hoot sometimes. I've had people ask me (Grace) if I was either Asian or Chinese 😂

[@icemav5740]

@@WanderingRavens jesus 🤦‍♂️

[@undisputed1291]

A Glasgow kiss is a .....HEADBUTT!!!😵🤪🤕

[@nelsonkaiowa4347]

I appreciate your honesty and the amount of work you put in the making of the videos!

[@WanderingRavens]

Thank you so much, Nelson!

[@mickb2009]

I'm a Yorkshireman , an Englishman , a British Man ( Brit is perfectly acceptable ) and a European

[@littleun1990]

I identify most as a Yorkshire-woman, then British (Brit is fine), then European, and least English. All of these words accurately describe me though and none of them are offensive.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

@ryn mcray My DNA is 45% Jock and 45% Mick, and I'm a Pommy Bastard- but so what!

[@KeithGadget]

ryn mcray so the minorities again. How about the majorities, let’s focus on the bigger picture 👍

[@danwbeeston6146]

@ryn mcray Being British has nothing to do with being in the UK. If you're from the British Isles you're a Brit.

[@EASYTIGER10]

@@danwbeeston6146 Tell that to an Irishman!

[@cogidubnus1953]

This particular Brit certainly isn't offended by the word.... PS (Added) For info, a Glasgow kiss is conveyed by the forehead travelling at a very high speed...stereotypically it often used to be accompanied by an exclamation of "see you" or "stitch that"...in my relatively respectable old age I'm no longer familiar with the accompaniment, but expect I'll shortly be advised!

[@WanderingRavens]

Good to know! :D Thank you for watching!

[@olivertunnah3987]

@@WanderingRavens For examples of a Glasgow Kiss watch the Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies. Billy Connelly who plays Dain Ironfoot gives orcs Glasgow Kisses instead of hitting them with his hammer.

[@normansmithers7631]

pakistanis don't like being called pakis but they don't mind calling australians, aussies.

[@philtonge7522]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I quite like being called a 'Limey' as it makes me feel all tart and juicy...

[@kimesagrace2230]

Mood lol.

[@admiralsquatbar127]

Ohh you tart!

[@bicolouredprawn]

And there is so much history behind it.

[@ianprince1698]

@@bicolouredprawn from a time when the Royal Navy (Britain's navy) issued lime juice to ratings to ward off scurvy.

[@anonymes2884]

Not sure why since it does refer to _British_ sailors (and dates to after the formation of the UK) but as a Scot I always associate "limey" more with "English" (possibly because it's mostly used by people from the US, many of whom seem to think UK = Britain = England).

[@sharonkay8638]

Brit is ok as a collective term, although I identify as English first. Also, I come from East London and we call you septics, septic tank - yank. A term of endearment! 🥂

[@WanderingRavens]

We've heard the septics term before! Confused us to no end until we found out about rhyming slang 😂😂

[@terrimcdonnell2811]

you should do a video, where you compare ads from companies that sell the same products in both countries, i.e fast foods, drinks, video games and the like

[@WanderingRavens]

Great idea!

[@tonycasey3183]

"Jockanese" is a joke. A play on the slang term for a Scot -"Jock" - and Japanese. In a similar vein I have heard Scotland referred to as Jockistan.

[@jonathangriffin1120]

And Wales referred to as Aftaffistan!

[@DemiMcCord]

I'm from Northern Ireland and would happily be called a Brit!

[@jenniedarling3710]

You too are so lovely and thoughtful. Not many people on You tube actually want to learn things, they mostly just say their own opinions. It's nice and refreshing to find some interesting and interletual KZbinrs.

[@DruncanUK]

I was going to answer your question on UK adverts but I realised I can’t remember the last time I saw an ad. Since the advent of streaming services on the interwebs I just never see ads any more. And I think it’s great. 😆

[@davidcripps3011]

How on Earth can Brit be considered offensive? You can call me Brit/Pom/Limey...anything you like

[@angevara6708]

I am English and live in a city called Wolverhampton so i am a Wulfrunian.

[@WanderingRavens]

We've talked about your city in previous videos! Such a great name for a city!

[@angevara6708]

@@WanderingRavens I was born in a small village called Featherstone near Staffordshire, it was in countryside and there was'nt many people who lived there, i loved it.

[@tomgould782]

Best football team too

[@angevara6708]

@@tomgould782 are you on about Wolves?

[@tomgould782]

@@angevara6708 yes

[@Yikesenal]

great vid guys - i had honestly Never considered or met anyone who considers the term Brit offensive so that was a new one. Also - Grace got it spot on. Advertisers definitely manipulate the british sense of humour in their ads. They know thats how you endear your brand to people best in the UK. A lot of absurdism. A lot of irony. A lot of trying to be relatable. Sometimes they succeed - like the dominos ad of the brother and sister racing in slow motion for the comfiest seat. Low-key love that one.

[@josephroberts2831]

Been watching this channel for maybe a week or so now and I've found it a really good way to stay entertained lockdown. I was wondering perhaps you could look at British football fans? I think you'd find it interesting as I think the style of supporting sport teams is very different between America and the UK.

[@YangSing1]

It's interesting how "I identify as a haggis" got 8% of your votes, and Scotland makes up 8% of the UK population.

[@TheCoomer]

I do not mind being called a 'Brit' by other nations as a general term. But I would like more people to know there are countrys in the union.

[@stretfordender11]

Depends. Most British people don't consider it a "union". The European union is a political union. The UK is a nation.

[@WanderingRavens]

We always do our best to call individual Brits by their country and only use the term "Brit" when referring to all the peoples of the UK. Is that okay? :D

[@stretfordender11]

@@WanderingRavens I wouldn't say its offensive to use the term Brit and no one will get angry with you haha. But usually I think it would be "British people", not "Brits".

[@TheCoomer]

@@WanderingRavens Oh I'm never offended at all. It's more of a Interal debate really. I am an Englishman, but Brit to other Nations. Never, never an European however.

[@cfawcett9870]

@@TheCoomer we may be leaving the EU but the UK is still on the European continent so you are still European, sorry 😉

[@aphishoutofwater7019]

Hey Guys! Yet another hilarious video :D I could barely breath when Eric went all 'controversial' - I think it was Grace's comment about those northern states who like freedom that truly finished me off though :D And a cutaway update! I really like them for some reason. Unfortunately I didn't notice your haircut Eric. At least, not until you pointed it out :P I will have to shimmy around some funds and grab one of your Patreon packages very soon as I fear I am missing out on some amazing content. In the mean time is there a way of supporting you guys with a smaller donation that isn't tied directly to monthly charges? I'm on a rather tight budget due to the global crisis at the moment so I can't commit to subscriptions with any certainty. Anyways my friends, thank you for your video today, I'll be continuing my slow binge of your older content shortly :) As always take care. (Jalgayo!) x

[@trinafitzalan-howard5809]

Ukayian doesn't exist, so Brit will have to do, except I'm specifically English. Don't really care.

[@doegywhail728]

glasgow kiss is a headbutt. To add, what the joker has in The Dark Night is usually known as a Glasgow smile.

[@RandomPerson-kd84]

doegy Whail Chelsea smile

[@doegywhail728]

Random Person try telling that to a jock when he’s bearing down on you with a Stanley knife.

[@MrsHayes95]

Yep exactly make us laugh or bring back some nostalgia ( and make us laugh as well) and we will love it. X

[@fattwat1]

Just don't say English when your talking about someone from Wales or Scotland or northern Ireland

[@littlemisshappy2002]

Your sense of humour really shone through in this one... I think we would be friends 😆

[@ConnorDoesRugby]

Something that might be cool since you brought up the ads at the end would be comparing US and UK adverts for the same products? Might be interesting

[@MetalRocksMe.]

I don’t think Brit is offensive. I’m actually quite taken a back that people do.

[@zargonthemagnificent330]

Because it's a lazy shortening of the proper word, Briton

[@fattwat1]

Wales has its own language one of the most beautiful countries in the UK

[@TehRavennn]

mickey disco eh excuse me. Northern Ireland is just as much a country as the rest of the UK. Watch you mouth.

[@TehRavennn]

mickey disco yes I know you said that. We are still a proper and established country part of the UK. Enough.

[@violetskies14]

Pembrokeshire Wales is one of my top 3 favourite places in the world because my extended family (my only extended family comes from my grandmas side) is Welsh so its always nice to see my cousins and the fact it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Beautiful beaches, beautiful countryside, beautiful castles. Even the air is nicer than Nottingham air.

[@YangSing1]

The reason you may get that comment frequently is because the people who don't like it are the only ones who voice their opinion of it, the rest of us don't feel the need to go out of our way to say we don't mind being called a Brit.

[@gtbyast]

Your discussion of the usage of Yank reminded me of the Cockney rhyming slang for Americans; which is septic, as in septic tank - yank.

[@markfudge5642]

Glasgow kiss is a headbutt.

[@jakerich5531]

Thanks for another great video!! . I agree with the majority that Brit is not offensive as long as it's acknowledged alongside the other nationalities of the UK . I can understand how some people become offended as over the years England has tried to erase the individual identify of Scotland , Wales , and Ireland . Up until the 1960s students in Wales where punished in schools for speaking Welsh . Also they banned the kilt in Scotland at one point , and the Irish language in Ireland before they got independence .

[@corriehingston6744]

I'm part Scottish so "British" suits me. Was born in England. Guess I just want to be away from anyone who calls the UK "England" which makes me cringe because those people are basically forgetting about Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland (yes. I know I'm late)

[@PedroConejo1939]

Spot on with the humour as the hook in adverts. Knowing or self-deprecating humour works best. No-one likes to feel they're being emotionally/socially manipulated though, as in, "use our toothpaste or your teeth will fall out" - that's been an actual recent campaign. The British reaction to the government's COVID-19 campaign (not the campaign to give us all the illness, the one where they pretend to care about it) has been quite interesting. My favourite from the slogans has been: 'Ooh careful - mind how you go - be lucky' instead of 'stay alert - blah, blah, blah.

[@johnp8131]

I have never had a problem with the term "Brit". I was first called a Brit when I was in the RAF back in the seventies, when working together with the USAF. I was a little surprised as I had never heard it before but as I said, none of us found it offensive then or now. As you said though, at least one of my Scottish colleagues did take offence when asked if he was English? He used to reply to Americans, "no are you Mexican"? It seemed to have the desired effect.

[@AssociationGamers]

Jockanese is a joke answer hahaha. Scottish people are called "Jocks", so he used word play for that and Japanese.

[@AssociationGamers]

Like they could say "I'm from Jockistan" hahaha

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

@@AssociationGamers "Jockistan" very specifically refers to the glamourous places in Scotland like Ferguslie Park.

[@AssociationGamers]

@@derpimusmaximus8815 Well it might do for some people, such as yourself, but it doesn't for a lot of other people. Like when Al Murray called a potentially independent Scotland "The People's Republic of Jockistan" as a joke haha.

[@Alan_Mac]

@ryn mcray Nonsense - especially as there were, proportionally, more Scottish officers than English. Back in yer 'chip on your shoulder' box, Jock.

[@AssociationGamers]

@ryn mcray In the modern day, most English people have no ill feeling towards Scotland or Scottish people, just a bit of banter. However there's a large group [yet not large enough to be the majority] of Scots with Irish heritage which hate "the English". Let me guess, you're one of those? 🤔

[@baerlauchstal]

I really like the word "Limey". I may be in a minority, I realise, but I think it's great.

[@wifflemonkey]

It's a good film as well.

[@beama0402]

It’s so refreshing to see people educating themselves on the political and cultural workings of other countries. You don’t ‘look bad’ at all for admitting that you don’t understand something, because you’re taking steps to understand it, and it’s a joy to watch! My home island is part of the British Commonwealth (specifically an island of the British Overseas Territory) so I personally consider myself both St Helenian and British, kind of like a cultural and political combo/overlap situation. I personally wouldn’t say I’m a ‘Brit’ though, as I wasn’t born or raised in any of the UK countries (that’s just my own take - I don’t speak for anyone else!) - but I also wouldn’t take offence to it.

[@chaos666reigns]

There is a streaming service called Britbox and show called Brits Abroad. I genuinely never heard anyone consider it as offensive until I saw your poll. I guess the internet will always find someone who takes offence to anything. Keep up the great videos, and feel free to use the word Brit, its not offensive, and even if it was, we brits tend not to be too bothered by a bit of piss taking.

[@hadz8671]

Oh dear! It is not the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland" - it is the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland".

[@ryledra6372]

It's been like this for over 20 years now, people, get it right :P

[@aw6936]

@@ryledra6372 And the rest!

[@ryledra6372]

@@aw6936 I stand corrected, apparently 97 years is much closer to the real number D: Don't know why I ever thought that the Good Friday Agreement was the point where this became official

[@Darth_Revan25]

I'm Scottish, but have no issues with being called either. 🙂 I personally see myself as Scottish (born in the capital Edinburgh), though I have an English accent due to living on the Scottish Borders, then down in the English county Cheshire for about five years, then back up in Scotland (in Fife currently). Overall, I *am* British because I'm from the UK/Great Britain. I don't really see why some people have an issue with being labelled British, because they/we are, whether we like it or not. 😆 Good video guys!

[@charlestaylor9424]

Basically on ordering more than one haggis you write saying "Please send me a haggis. PS make it 2"

[@MouseNightshirt]

Love the whole Yank/Brit comparison - do you mind being called Yanks by us Brits? It's meant endearingly!

[@WanderingRavens]

We don't mind the term at all! Personally, we find it endearing to be called Yanks by Brits :D

[@daneilwilson3467]

LOL depending on where in the States you are from... some take offense to being called a Yank/Yankee... we are all regional and identify with where we are from...I am just confused.. LOL I was born and my mother’s family are East Anglians .. and I was raised in the American South... I am the least of the Yanks...LOL

[@chrislyne377]

I used to know a guy from NC who likened being called a Yank to the N word. He was a bit um.... Trumpy.

[@capitalb5889]

The only person I met from the US who found it offensive was a true southerner who still resented the yanks in the north.

[@joegoout]

The difference is we will call ourselves Brits, Yanks never call themselves Yanks!

[@fcnelson978]

i did your poll and im a HAGGIS

[@Oldmangroundhopping]

Brit is more a term of endearment than offensive. Love your content guys it's always good to get a different perspective on us. Ian, Rotherham UK

[@Jimbodisfan]

I always thought that Yankee (in the US, at least) referred to a New Englander. There's a regional magazine there called Yankee.

[@stephenflynn7600]

It is! I’m from Rhode Island. Which is part of New England. Yankee really just means that ones forefathers came over on the Mayflower!

[@jenniedarling3710]

Grace got it i was going to say comedy sells in the UK.

[@RandomPerson-kd84]

It is however an insult to call a mackem a geordie or vice versa 😂

[@blessedwithmypinayusa2811]

Hi Ravens! I'm from the US, and what surprises me is that no one in the comments seems to be offended that in your thumbnail you have misspelled the word "British"!

[@pjschmid2251]

Don’t feel too bad. I’m an American but older, definitely old enough to remember the troubles. Even after actively trying to read about and educate myself and understand those times, I’m still confused.

[@vincenthall6308]

I don't like being called a brit or British I prefer to be called English

[@mauricecasey5556]

The term British is very very vague, that is why we are called the Brit--------ish ;-) (Al Murray)

[@WanderingRavens]

😂😂

[@pipercharms7374]

@@WanderingRavens Love for you to react to some of Al Murray's stuff at some poiny XD

[@Jamie_D]

I think one of the long term issues is maybe the lack of education on the other country involved. Like myself along with many others didn't have any school education on anything specifically current American, but do choose to do their own research on areas of potential interest. However in general most Americans don't have any interest to try and learn some basics. Because I think we see each other as very similar in a lot of ways this makes the lack of interest in one of the longest country alliances yet in many people's heads you can't even be arsed to pick up a book or do some of online research. That's why it's been so amazing for me and many others to see Eric and Grace not only taking an interest in our culture and history, rather than only being interested in the big shopping places, and also putting a lot of effort into learning as much as they can :)

[@Trutruelove]

Hey guys cool fun video again. Just to let you know we also have a music award show called “the brits”.

[@donnyskinglongliveme]

agreed, very cool video, but 'the brits' award show is just for the foreign people who live in Britain and call us ethnically British people (Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish and English) racist'

[@fred-ss4ym]

Northern Ireland in not a part of Britain so calling someone from Northern Ireland a "Brit" is incorrect, despite them being in the UK

[@drewfinlay3618]

However if you are from Northern Ireland you can be called British as that is the citizenship that you may have however you may also be an Irish citizen. This is a very difficult nation.

[@aw6936]

You couldn't be more wrong. If you check your passport you'll see that it gives "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland." You manage to upset all those Northern Irish Unionists who spend so much time insisting that they're as British as anyone on the mainland.

[@aw6936]

@James Scott Yawn. Yes they are. Check your passport.

[@WanderingRavens]

We thought "Brit" was short for "British," not "Briton." Aren't the people of N. Ireland, British? (We have a lot to learn about the N. Ireland political situation, so I understand this question might vary depending on who I ask)

[@fred-ss4ym]

@@aw6936 The fact that there needs to be "and Northern Ireland" on the end of "Great Britain and Northern Ireland" implies that northern Ireland is not a part of Great Britain. Note that Northern Ireland is still a part of the UK.

[@keithevans9544]

I'm Welsh, Brit or British is offensive depending on what the speaker means,as a nationalist I am a Briton in that I live on the island of Britain.British IMHO has been hi jacked by far right nut jobs an jingoistic English people.I often get challenged aggressively with" are you British yes or no" I respond with tell me what you regard as British and I'll answer.Usually that type of person gets no as British to me is a synonym for English, and is used to spread the dominance of English.The union jack is supposed to be the UK flag but is made up.of the English ,Scottish and Irish flag,it does not include Wales so for me has never been my flag!

[@amandaely9983]

Keith Evans what an aggressive, racist person! You live on the British Isles!

[@JB-qf5ep]

I was born and raised in Wales, but I have no Welsh blood as far as I'm aware - Scottish, English and Greek blood - so I find Brit (or more inclusively European) is probably the best way to describe me. When anyone tries to describe me as solely English, Welsh or Scottish, I don't feel accurately represented, and it can feel a little uncomfortable when people to push me to be in only one box. I love being a part of all of those places, so Brit is best for me!

[@Overxealous]

Welsh history is rich and interesting and definitely worth looking into. The Welsh were one of the first groups to settle in Britain long before the Anglo Saxons. Also there are something like 500,000 welsh speakers in Britain which is the largest of the original Celtic languages.

[@leea8706]

I describe myself as a Brit. I was born in Scotland, all my family is Scottish, I go back to Scotland as often as I can. However, I moved to England when I was 6 so I although I usually identify as Scottish, I’m 100% ok as being described as a Brit because I am. I think the people who don’t like ‘Brit’ don’t like the abbreviation rather than the term, which is weird, because British tabloids refer to us as ‘Brits’ all the time. Plus, those who don’t like it because they don’t see themselves as British are just confusing, they’re british whether they like it or not, getting all up in arms about it is weird. I understand there’s a lot of bad thing in history that make people not want to identify that anyone English is identified with, but their country still makes up Britain, be proud of that part at least. If you’re English, Scottish Northern Irish or Welsh you are British, and no amount of moaning will change that, and your moaning just proves how british you are.

[@drewfinlay3618]

Not necessarily if you are from Northern Ireland as you may have Irish citizenship rather than British we are strange over here

[@leea8706]

Drew Finlay you know what, I wasn’t 100% sure, and I did google it to make sure and it said Northern Irish people are british. I understand with all the history and stuff it is complicated. So thanks for the correction. I was also under the impression that if you are from Northern Ireland you had the ability to live in Ireland and get citizenship, I just assumed you’d be a dual national, obviously I’m not expert, and it does make sense for Republicans (that’s right isn’t it? We stupidly don’t get taught anything about Ireland until you take A Level modern history, which I did but it was glanced over) to not want anything to do with having British Citizenship.

[@gorrthebutcher4696]

no duck your Scottish

[@leea8706]

Will Barney you’re right I am Scottish, and very proud of that too, but I’m still British.

[@benk9397]

Washingtonians, same here but in North East England. We have Washington Old Hall where George Washington family name cane from. The Crest is the same, three starts and two red stripes. Enjoy the channel guys!

[@neuralwarp]

That's a coat of arms. The crest is the ornament worn on top of the helmet.

[@strawbryjamz1213]

There is a KZbinr called CGP Grey who did a video explaining the difference between Great Britain, The UK, the British Isles and more. I highly recommend watching it because it is accurate and shows it as a vent diagram.

[@markhindmarsh2811]

Hi Ravens Pleased you answered the "Yank" question . I asked aout it a few shows ago but must have got lost in all the chat . A Glasgow kiss btw is a headbut 😡 . Just wondering though is Limey still used in The States for us across the pond ? I'll repeat this again (you prob missed this comment) Carling Black Label Dam Buster ad . Thats about the most patriotic ad you'll find . All the best and hopefully not long before you can gambol in the French fields x

[@markhindmarsh2811]

@@MagentaOtterTravels Limey goes back to the golden age of the Royal Navy and sailing ships . Lime juice was given to the naval raitings to prevent scurvy . When the Americans joined the allied forces during the second world war they called us limeys . I dont know if it was used in an insultive manner or just in the way "Brits" is used now .

[@markhindmarsh2811]

@@MagentaOtterTravels fair play . Learn some thing new ever day and biig up to the Lone Star State 😊

[@ShainThomas]

Even though Wales hasn't existed as a principality since 1536, I frequently find myself thinking of the country that way.

[@mmigesh4735]

Ever heard of the Prince of Wales?

[@eline.de.allerbeste]

Are you also planning on visiting other countries and doing videos about those after corona?

[@benjapin]

Fun (at least hopefully not boring) Fact: England in the Welsh language (Lloegr) comes from the medieval Welsh word used to refer to the “lost lands” in the east inhabited by the invading Anglo-Saxons, while the Welsh for Wales is still Cymru and in Medieval times would have included quite a lot of what is now England. (All of it in fact originally) Wales on the other hand comes from the Anglo-Saxon’s word they used to describe any Celtic territory like Wales, Cornwall etc. Essentially meaning “foreign”. Any actual historians please correct me though if I’ve got this wrong.

[@benjapin]

And personally as I’m part Scottish, part English (and live in Wales) I’d have to refer to myself as British. “Brit” seems to be used mostly by Americans than British people and I guess only gets offensive if it’s said in a condescending way.

[@voodooacidman]

i honestly would not mind being called a digestive! i can not think of a more british nick name :D keep up the good work guys! big love to all

[@RosLanta]

As someone who was born in Wales to English parents and moved to England aged 4, I always refer to myself as British. If I called myself English I would feel like I was ignoring my place of birth and a country I do love; if I called myself Welsh I would probably be called out by people who were actually brought up there! So British it is as it encompasses both.

[@SavageIntent]

I don't think most people see the word Brit as offensive, but you said you were trying to find a word to describe all inhabitants of the UK, and the reason why there is some tension actually comes from the fact that people often dont feel we should all be lumped into one group. particularly in the non-English countries, they spent many centuries having their own unique cultures and languages slowly eroded, and often in the past purposefully suppressed, and now their first priority is to make sure they represent these their culture and people foremost, because the word Brit, like Britain itself is heavily English/England dominant. which does make sense as England is by far the most populus.

[@aucourant9998]

Brit isn't an offensive term, we Brits use it ourselves.

[@aw6936]

More's the pity.

[@aucourant9998]

@@aw6936 Why?

[@aw6936]

@@aucourant9998 Please refer to a dozen or so comments above.

[@aucourant9998]

@@aw6936 Most people seem to think it's fine. I'm interested in why you, personally, think it's a 'pity'.

[@debbiepoole2247]

A few years ago I was editing a book written by an American. She thought you needed a passport to go from England to Scotland.

[@WanderingRavens]

😂😂

[@jacketrussell]

A Glasgow Kiss is a head butt.

[@aloysioustwunt7956]

Grace guessed right! If you want someone to buy something over here just throw some comedy at it: the Marmite & Irn Bru ads you watched before are prime examples of UK marketing.

[@WanderingRavens]

Thank you for verifying that for us! We really need to get better at British humour :D

[@AndrewGruffudd]

I'm currently watching Knight Rider which, as you may know, features Edward Mulhare as the terribly plummy Devon Miles. He's often referred to as British which, for the 1980s, is quite good.

[@Wannawatchthis5555]

As a black British person, born and bred in London, I identify as a North Londoner, Londoner, British, from UK in that order. I skip the English but still support England in sports more than my native country 😂

[@Westcountrynordic]

*with regard to plural of Haggis this is what I found "The noun haggis can be countable or uncountable. In more general, commonly used, contexts, the plural form will also be haggis. However, in more specific contexts, the plural form can also be haggises e.g. in reference to various types of haggises or a collection of haggises"* Wales used to be a called Principality right up to 2011 when it was decided that it should called a country only. For some reason Americans hear my West country/Nordic accent and often call me a Kiwi so being called a Brit is a refreshing change

[@LionheartTM]

Think of it like this. Within the UK we have banter and rivalry and like to internally be referred to by our nationality of English, Scottish & Welsh. But if any one externally talks down on or acts against us We proudly stand together as Brittons.

[@simonburford9306]

Wow, some people just like to be offended by everything. I'm a Brit. I come from Britain. Brit is literally the standard noun. Do these offended people have access to a dictionary? My dictionary says "Brit. A British person.". No sign of "off" or "vulgar" after it. It's just a word. If I'm not a Brit, what am I? A chicken? An aardvark? A small, off-duty Czechoslovakian traffic warden?

[@aw6936]

Actually, the "Standard Noun" is the word "British." The dictionary gives "Brit" as an informal version. Some of us don't see the word as offensive - just, slovenly, and unnecessary.

[@simonburford9306]

It rather depends on how you're trying to construct your sentences. British is an adjective. Brit is a noun. In other languages, the adjective and the noun are the same - you can say "that man is an American" or "that man is American". One refers to his nationality and the other refers to him as an individual. I can say "I am British", which removes my individuality, but I cannot say "I am a British" - I would have to substitute Brit, or historically, Briton. Or perhaps I just wanted to make a Red Dwarf reference nobody would understand.

[@tacocatt6808]

Ahaha, a Glasgow kiss is not just a punch, it’s a head butt, usually in your face

[@01jvb]

It is interesting that you decided to do a post on this topic, because I was going to comment on your use of the term. In my experience, not many people will actually be offended by the term 'Brit', but a lot of people do not like the use of the word. For that reason it is best not to use it, unless you know the person you are talking to is happy with its use. 'Brit' is quite a modern saying -it was rare to hear it used before about 20 years ago, so it is often older people who will not be used to the saying and might object to it. So to be polite to someone who you don't know, please don't use it. If you have to mention nationality at all, say 'British' rather than 'Brit'. Simple as that. It's also interesting what you say about Americans not knowing the difference between Wales, Ireland, Scotland and England. Equally, many British people think that all the US is exactly the same. I know that isn't true, but for us in the UK it would be interesting and useful if you could do a post about the differences between the different US states and their cultures.

[@carleneparker9709]

read a book written by a Canadian who was visiting in Italy and when someone called her an American she said no I'm Canadian and they said "no difference", she was rather surprised.

[@nicholaskemp2246]

Believe me, you really wouldn't want a Glasgow kiss. It certainly isn't a punch in the gob! It's slang for a headbutt in the mouth. Much more violent. You could do with an English person just off screen putting you right at times! 😂 😂 Great show. Love seeing the way you yanks see us! Makes me giggle.

[@terryloveuk]

Yeah - call is anything you like... EXCEPT late for lunch...

[@selsig_dwp]

I won't go into detail, but although I live in the UK, the actual meaning of a "Brit" or a "Briton" has been lost since the English (when they were known as Anglos, Saxons and Jutes) pushed the original inhabitants of the island into the "corners" of the UK now known as Scotland, Wales and Cornwall, and even Brittany in North-West France. So, I don't identify myself as a Brit at all, I completely and solely identify myself as Welsh

[@nicholasthorn1539]

Did they? Recent research shows that more original inhabitants stayed put than fled to the corners

[@frglee]

Call me a Brit if you like, but I'm actually English. It's obvious. You can hear it in my accent when I talk...

[@xJavelin1]

Most hilarious description of Wales from an American POV was in an episode of Torchwood when this American called Wales "England's New Jersey". I think because he had to pay a toll to cross a bridge into it.

[@MrTrull1]

There is a new cable/satellite TV channel which shows only British programmes, available in UK & USA I think, called Britbox.

[@davidevans8059]

I live in France and some people I have talked to about the uk/GB have a problem getting their mind around having four individual countries within one nation state. Regions ok. Federal states ok but countries are supposed to be independent of each other. I would be interested to know if this has occurred elsewhere.

[@RoyCousins]

"Yank": the rhyming slang is "Septic" from Septic Tank. I never refer to Americans as Yanks or Yankees as it doesn't go down well in the southern states.

[@ChrisBetton]

Excellent video as always. A couple of thoughts: A Glasgow kiss is a headbutt to the face, not a punch. If Americans don't know Scotland is in the UK (which has really blown my mind), why do they think their flag dominates the most space on the Union Flag?

[@Shaun_Garratt]

Interesting video, never considered that people might be offended by the word Brit. Most of us use the expression ourselves. Can understand many Scots or Welsh people prefering to go by that nationality, but surely they can't genuinely be offended if a foreigner called them British (calling them English is another story, haha).