Just like in any country, the United Kingdom is full of traditions that, to the uninitiated, can be puzzling. If you’re reading this, you’re likely a Brit who is all too familiar with our unique quotes, or perhaps you’re a curious tourist. Either way, this article should give you a glimpse into the many strange customers that confuse foreigners about the UK.
Avoiding Eye Contact on Public Transport
As the Great British Mag points out, a British custom that continues to surprise foreigners is how making eye contact on public transport is generally avoided, especially in London. Passengers tend to keep to themselves, focusing on their phones, books, or the scenery outside. However, this preference for personal space can be bewildering to visitors, especially Americans who love to talk loudly in public settings.
The Sunday Roast Ritual
When visiting the UK, visitors might be surprised by the level of importance placed on the iconic Sunday roast, which is often a time for family gatherings. A traditional Sunday roast is a cherished meal in many British households, usually consisting of roast meat, potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding. Ultimately, though, it’s not just about the food but getting together as a family.
Reserved Attitude Towards Compliments
Try to compliment a Brit, and you’ll see that the situation is met with modesty or even self-deprecation. Rather than accepting praise with enthusiasm, many British people downplay their achievements. Understandably, a lot of tourists find this sad, but we really don’t mind–it’s just the way we are.
Marmite: Love It or Hate It
While it’s not exactly a custom, tourists in Britain might become surprised at how frequently Marmite, a yeast extract spread, is brought up. It’s a particularly polarizing food in Britain due to its strong, salty flavor, which ultimately sparked the famous saying from 1996, “You either love it or hate it.” Usually, foreigners will find Marmite baffling, and their first taste usually results in a strong reaction, one way or the other.
Queuing Is Sacred
While people queue all over the world, the British queue with an almost religious fervor. It’s irrelevant whether this is at a bus stop or in a crowded pub; forming an orderly line will be expected. Skipping ahead is completely frowned upon, and those who dare will likely receive icy glares. Amusingly, though, those same people will likely be far too polite to confront you directly.
Talking About the Weather
One of the most common ways to break the ice in the UK is to discuss the weather, something that tourists find hilarious. However, there is a reason behind the madness; the weather in Britain changes frequently, making it a safe and neutral topic for small talk. Regardless, most visitors are left surprised by just how often this subject comes up in everyday conversations.
Tea Time Tradition
Just as the stereotype claims, tea is far more than just a beverage in Britain; it’s an institution. You might have a quick cup of tea at work, a more elaborate afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches, or even a cuppa before bed. Whatever your favorite moment for tea is, you no doubt observe tea drinking with care, and God forbid someone puts the milk in before the water.
The Pub as a Social Hub
Even if you don’t drink alcohol, pubs in Britain serve as more than just drinking establishments; they are social hubs where friends meet, families dine, and communities gather. The pub culture is steeped in tradition, and visitors may be surprised to find people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying time together in these cozy settings.
Polite Apologies
British politeness is legendary, and nowhere is it more evident than in their habit of apologizing. Even the most minor inconveniences will lead to a sincere apology, a custom that can be pretty puzzling to foreigners who might find the constant apologies unnecessary, overly formal, or unnecessarily dramatic.
Love for Bank Holidays
Something that is completely unique to the UK is bank holidays, which we cherish with all our heart. These special days off work offer a chance for extended weekends and leisure time, and often come with traditions, such as seaside trips or garden barbecues. The anticipation and planning that goes into these days off might surprise those who are used to more spontaneous holiday celebrations, but it’s important that we make the most of them.
The Power of the Royal Family
All around the world, foreigners are completely fascinated by the British royal family, which holds a special place in the hearts of many. Public events, such as royal weddings or jubilees, often attract massive crowds and global attention. For outsiders, the fascination with the monarchy and its traditions might seem old-fashioned, although they’ll no doubt enjoy observing it.
The Peculiarities of British Humour
We’re super proud of our British humor, which is known for its dry wit, sarcasm, and understatement. What might seem like a serious comment to outsiders is often delivered with a hint of irony, leading to a type of humor that can be challenging for foreigners to interpret. However, once they get the gist of it, they’ll no doubt join in.
Love for Quirky Sports
Britain has a passion for sports that may seem peculiar to outsiders, such as cricket, with its complex rules and lengthy matches, and more obscure examples, such as cheese rolling competitions. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though; we have countless unusual sports that you won’t find anywhere else, and there’s no sign that this will change any time soon, even if it confuses tourists.
The Unspoken Rules of the Underground
If you’re a foreigner and you’re reading this, take note that navigating the London Underground comes with its own set of unspoken rules. Standing on the right side of escalators, letting passengers off the train before boarding, and avoiding loud conversations are all part of the etiquette. For newcomers, these practices can take some time to learn and appreciate, but you’ll get there eventually.
The Tradition of Bonfire Night
Brits often grow up thinking that every nation celebrates November 5th, but that’s not true. In reality, Britain is the only country that lights up with bonfires and fireworks to commemorate Guy Fawkes Night. The tradition dates back to 1605 and continues to be a significant event across the country. Due to this celebration being so unique, foreigners are almost always surprised when they witness the sheer scale of this special evening.
The British Love for Gardening
Something that Brits often take for granted, but that is actually quite unusual about our lives, is our obsession with gardening. Many people take great pride in their gardens, ensuring that their flower beds are well-tended and that their allotments are filled with fresh vegetables. Not everyone can afford a home with a garden, but regardless, everyone finds a way to garden, even if it’s just caring for a simple herb garden on their windowsill.