There’s no shortage of things Americans are proud of, and they’re not exactly shy about showing it.
However, if you tried half of those “patriotic” displays here in the UK, you’d probably get side-eyed into next week. We’re a bit more… understated, let’s say. While some of it comes down to personality and tradition, other habits just feel wildly over-the-top when filtered through a British lens. Here are some of the things that fly as patriotic in the States, but would be considered downright tacky on this side of the pond.
1. Flying the national flag in your garden
In the US, having an American flag outside your house is almost standard—on porches, garages, even cars. It’s a symbol of pride, and no one bats an eye. Over here? That kind of move would raise eyebrows faster than you can say “God Save the King.” Flying the Union Jack outside your semi-detached would feel more like a political statement than a casual nod to national pride. Unless it’s a big event or a royal moment, it just doesn’t land the same way.
2. Saying “God bless the UK” unironically
“God bless America” is almost a closing line in the States—speeches, school assemblies, even TV sign-offs. It’s baked into the culture. But say “God bless the UK” out loud here, and people will think you’re doing a parody of The Crown. It’s not that people don’t care about the country. It’s just that we tend to keep the sentiment a bit more muted. That level of public reverence feels dramatic and almost too sincere for British comfort zones.
3. Having an entire outfit themed around the flag
Stars and stripes bikinis, t-shirts, socks, and even hats are totally normal around the Fourth of July in the US. It’s part of the fun. In the UK, wearing the Union Jack as an outfit—unless you’re Geri Halliwell in 1997—is pushing into costume territory. Here, that kind of look reads more novelty than national pride. People might chuckle, but they probably won’t join in. It’s all just a bit much for a country that prefers a subtle lapel pin at most.
4. Pledging allegiance to the flag at school
Most British kids grew up never pledging allegiance to anything, let alone a flag. The American tradition of starting every school day with a hand over your heart and a loyalty vow feels deeply foreign over here. It’s not that British students are disloyal—it’s just that the idea of daily verbal allegiance feels more like a cult ritual than a school tradition in the UK. It’s intense in a way that would never fly in British classrooms.
5. Having patriotic bumper stickers on your car
In the States, it’s not unusual to see cars covered in red, white, and blue stickers, slogans, and slogans about freedom. Over here, your bumper sticker is more likely to be about surviving the school run than defending democracy. The British relationship with cars is generally less shouty. Big political or nationalistic messages on your vehicle are seen as… a bit loud. We prefer a passive-aggressive sticker about bad parking over a declaration of liberty.
6. Chanting “USA! USA!” at events
Americans love a good chant, especially if there’s a crowd and a reason to celebrate. “USA! USA!” echoes through stadiums, parades, and protests alike. In the UK, that kind of chanting would likely trigger secondhand embarrassment. British crowds might break into a cheeky song or sarcastic cheer, but nationalistic chants feel far too earnest. There’s just something about chanting your own country’s name out loud that feels way too try-hard over here.
7. Turning national holidays into fireworks-and-BBQ spectacles
The Fourth of July is basically a full-scale event in the US. Fireworks, themed cupcakes, parades, lawn chairs—it’s a whole vibe. Meanwhile, here in the UK, even bonfire night has a “wrap up and go home by 9” energy. Bank holidays are more about a lie-in and a roast dinner than loud celebration. Turning them into a display of national pride would feel less festive and more like a mid-life crisis with pyrotechnics.
8. Putting military tributes on everything
Source: Unsplash In the US, supporting the troops is visible, from camouflage-themed merchandise to constant shoutouts in sporting events. In the UK, we do appreciate service members, but it’s expressed in quieter, more reserved ways, like Remembrance Sunday poppies. Turning every football match into a mini military tribute would come off as forced here. It’s not disrespect—it’s just that British culture leans more toward sombre gratitude than public spectacle.
9. Hanging patriotic decor inside the house year-round
In America, it’s not uncommon to find flags or red, white, and blue accents as part of regular home decor. Over here, that would be a talking point, and not in a flattering way. You’d get more raised brows than compliments. Patriotism in a British home is subtle at best—a teacup with the Queen on it, maybe. Anything bolder than that reads more like a themed Airbnb than a personal design choice.
10. Singing the anthem loudly at any event
Americans belt out the national anthem at the start of every major event, from sports to school plays. It’s dramatic and proud. Brits, on the other hand, tend to mumble their way through “God Save the King” like they’re hoping no one hears them. Singing with full chest volume would feel wildly out of place at most UK events. Reserved participation is more the style—unless it’s a football match, and even then, the passion is mixed with a lot of pub-fuelled energy.
11. Turning patriotism into fashion branding
From Old Navy’s annual Fourth of July collections to American flag trainers, patriotism is merchandised hard in the States. Here, slapping the Union Jack on high-street fashion reads more novelty than national pride. It’s not that people don’t love their country—it’s just that they don’t want to wear it on a hoodie. We’re more likely to go for a classic trench than something that screams “Royal Britannia” in glitter font.
12. Equating patriotism with being “the best country in the world”
This one’s less about the action and more about the attitude. That unshakeable belief that your country is number one, no contest, is baked into a lot of American culture. In Britain, that kind of loud self-praise is a bit… cringey. British pride tends to come with a side of sarcasm. We’ll complain endlessly about the weather and the trains, but deep down we love this chaotic island. We just don’t need to shout it from the rooftops, or wear it on a baseball cap.
