Americans love to take jabs at us Brits, having a go about everything from our weather to our “funny accents.” (Insert eye roll here.)
However, some of these criticisms feel a bit rich coming from a country with its own fair share of questionable habits, and that’s putting it nicely. While they mock certain British quirks, they often ignore the fact that they have their own versions — sometimes (often times) even worse. They definitely have no room criticising these things about life in the UK, that’s for sure.
1. British cities are too expensive.
Americans love to complain about the cost of living in London, but have they checked their own major cities? While London is undeniably pricey, places like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles make even central London look somewhat reasonable. The thing is, in the UK, there’s an actual public transport system to help people get around without needing a car. Meanwhile, in the US, you can spend thousands just on rent and still need to shell out for a vehicle to get anywhere.
2. British celebrities are “too posh.”
Americans love to mock the UK for its supposedly “posh” actors, but have you seen Hollywood? Most American stars are either nepo babies or went to elite schools before pretending to be relatable on talk shows. At least our celebs can switch between period dramas and gritty indie films. Meanwhile, American actors get stuck playing the same character for 10 years in superhero franchises that never end.
3. British influencers are “cringe.”
It’s funny how Americans mock British influencers for their awkward humour and niche online communities, yet half of TikTok is just Americans trying to go viral with fake drama. Luckily, we’re self-aware about our awkwardness. Besides, for every cringey British influencer, there’s an American influencer selling conspiracy theories, questionable skincare routines, or promoting a podcast that no one asked for.
4. The British dating scene is terrible.
Americans love to say dating in the UK is “boring” because Brits aren’t as forward as they are. But considering that American dating apps are flooded with people who write “just ask” in their bios and send a “hey” with zero effort, it’s not like they’re thriving either. At least we don’t open conversations with weirdly aggressive questions like “What do you bring to the table?” or act like dating is a business transaction.
5. British work culture is too laid-back.
Americans love to mock the UK’s “lazy” attitude towards work, with shorter hours and plenty of bank holidays. But is it really laziness, or is it just that we don’t see working 60-hour weeks with no paid leave as a personality trait? While Americans are busy glorifying hustle culture, we’re enjoying our legally protected annual leave and actually having a life outside the office. Why are they mad just because they have zero rights as workers?
6. Brits are obsessed with reality TV.
Yes, “Love Island” is a cultural phenomenon, but let’s not act like Americans aren’t keeping up with every pointless Kardashian update. They also gave the world “The Bachelor,” a show where people propose after knowing each other for three weeks. What they fail to acknowledge is that British reality TV contestants actually have some self-awareness. American reality stars seem to think they’re delivering life-changing content when they’re just arguing over Instagram followers.
7. British food is “too beige.”
Americans love to call our food bland, but let’s not forget that the US somehow turned everything into a deep-fried nightmare. While we get mocked for beans on toast, Americans are out here turning salads into dessert with marshmallows and covering everything in ranch dressing. Plus, at least UK supermarkets don’t sell “cheese” that comes in a spray can or bread that stays fresh for a month because of all the preservatives.
8. Brits are bad at small talk.
Americans love to say we’re too awkward in social situations, but let’s be honest — British small talk is polite and to the point. Meanwhile, in the US, you can meet a stranger in a lift and end up hearing their entire life story. Sometimes, a simple “Alright?” is enough. Not everything needs to turn into a TED Talk on positive vibes and manifesting.
9. British nightlife isn’t wild enough.
Americans who visit the UK complain that nightlife isn’t as intense as in the US, but that’s because Brits know how to pace themselves. There’s no need for Vegas-style chaos every night when you can just have a solid pub session and be home by 1 a.m. Plus, at least our clubs don’t charge $20 for a watered-down vodka soda and expect you to tip for the privilege of ordering a drink.
10. Brits don’t care enough about tipping.
Yes, we tip less, but that’s because workers actually get paid a wage they can survive on. Meanwhile, in the US, people are expected to leave a tip for everything — including takeaway coffee — because employers refuse to pay staff properly. No one enjoys feeling pressured into tipping when the service wasn’t even good. At least over here, a tip is genuinely a bonus, not an extra tax on every meal.
11. British driving rules are confusing.
Americans struggle with British roads, but they seem to forget that their own driving system isn’t exactly flawless. They have six-lane motorways with drivers going 90 mph while texting, and somehow that’s meant to be normal. Roundabouts are complicated even for us, but on the plus side, we have proper public transport options. In many parts of the US, if you don’t have a car, you’re basically stuck.
12. We’re not patriotic enough.
Americans find it odd that Brits aren’t draped in Union Jack flags at all times, but that’s because we have a more casual approach to national pride. While Americans have their anthem playing at every sports event and national holidays for everything, we’re happy just grumbling about the government and getting on with our day. Patriotism doesn’t need to be loud to be real. Sometimes, it’s just knowing the exact amount of time to let a teabag brew.
13. The UK is obsessed with the Royal Family.
Americans love to act like they don’t care about the monarchy, yet they go into full meltdown mode over every royal scandal. The second there’s a new documentary, interview, or gossip about Harry and Meghan, suddenly it’s front-page news in the US. The thing is, we can actually admit we have a complicated relationship with the monarchy. Meanwhile, Americans pretend they don’t care while secretly keeping up with every detail.
