Brits and Americans probably have more in common than we do differently, but the gaps can be… pretty major.
There are certain things our mates — or maybe “pals” would be a better word here — tend to do regularly that those of us raised on this side of the pond don’t really get. It’s not that we think they’re doing things wrong, but some of these habits do admittedly make us think those Yankees are, well, a little strange.
1. Turning small talk into deep conversations
Americans are pros at turning what starts as small talk into unexpectedly deep exchanges. A quick “How are you?” can lead to an enthusiastic monologue about their latest job promotion, family drama, or thoughts on the weather. For Brits, who treat small talk as an art of polite brevity, this can feel overwhelming. Brits often see this level of openness as surprising. For us, casual chit-chat rarely ventures into personal territory. What’s even more curious is that Americans might share all this with someone they’ve just met, blurring the lines between acquaintanceship and friendship.
2. Using “to-go” cups for almost every drink
While takeaway coffee is a staple on both sides of the Atlantic, Americans take portable beverages to the next level. From iced teas to giant sodas, it seems no drink is complete without a disposable cup and lid. For Brits, who often linger over their tea or coffee in proper mugs, that grab-and-go culture can feel rushed. The obsession with portable beverages leaves us wondering why everything has to be consumed on the move. After all, sitting down with a hot drink is an experience, not just an efficiency-focused necessity.
3. Clapping when planes land
Few things confuse Brits more than hearing applause after a plane touches down safely. For Americans, this habit might reflect gratitude for the pilot or relief after a long flight. For us, it seems overly enthusiastic — isn’t that just the pilot’s job? While we might quietly celebrate with a sigh of relief, the idea of turning it into a public display feels unnecessary. This is just one example of how differently each of our cultures expresses appreciation and excitement.
4. Celebrating nearly everything with grand gestures
From gender reveal parties to elaborate promposals, Americans tend to turn everyday milestones into events worthy of confetti cannons. For Brits, who tend to underplay celebrations, this level of effort can feel over-the-top and exhausting. While these grand gestures often leave us feeling a bit bemused, they also highlight the American love for making even the smallest moments feel special. It’s a cultural contrast that’s as much about personality as tradition.
5. Misunderstanding sarcasm
While sarcasm is alive and well in the US, British humour often leans on a subtler, dryer wit that Americans sometimes miss. A deadpan remark from one of us might leave an American genuinely confused about whether they’re joking or serious. The difference in comedic timing often leads to amusing miscommunications. We end up having to explain our jokes, which is the ultimate faux pas in our culture. Whatever happened to understated humour?
6. Taking patriotism to the next level
Source: Unsplash Americans’ love for their country is often on full display, whether it’s through giant flags outside homes or pledges of allegiance at school assemblies. British patriotism tends to be a bit more understated, thankfully, which means that the US style can feel excessive or even performative. We can appreciate national pride, but we find it hard to relate to the overt displays of allegiance. It reeks of nationalism, and that leaves a bad taste in many of our mouths (for good reason, I might add).
7. Excessive apologies that aren’t apologies at all
While Brits are famous for saying “sorry” unnecessarily, Americans often use apologies in a completely different way. Phrases like “Sorry, but I just have to say…” or “Sorry, not sorry” are really weird for us because we see apologies as a genuine expression of regret. As a result, we end up wondering why they apologise for things they clearly aren’t sorry for. Maybe we’re just too literal for our own good sometimes.
8. Treating free refills like a human right
Unlimited drink refills are a hallmark of American dining, and many can’t imagine a restaurant without them. Brits are accustomed to paying for every beverage, so the concept of bottomless drinks feels simultaneously generous and wasteful — unless, of course, you’re at the likes of Nando’s or Burger King, where they have those machines with 900 flavours of Coca-Cola and Fanta. We certainly wouldn’t expect it in a sit-down restaurant! How much soda someone could possibly drink in one sitting anyway? While we might appreciate the savings, the idea of endless cola still feels excessive.
9. Wearing gym clothes everywhere
In the US, athleisure isn’t just for the gym — it’s a lifestyle. From running errands to grabbing lunch, Americans happily sport leggings, hoodies, and sneakers in almost any setting. Brits, who tend to dress a bit more formally for casual outings, often find this habit baffling, though it’s definitely gaining traction over here (and I, for one, am not entirely angry about it). For many of us, however, gym clothes are for exercise and little else. Seeing someone in workout gear outside of a fitness context feels slightly out of place, though it’s becoming more common pretty much everywhere in the western world.
10. Smiling at strangers constantly
Americans are known for their friendliness, and smiling at strangers is a key part of this cultural norm. While this might come across as warm and inviting in the US, Brits tend to find it unsettling. For us, smiling without context can feel forced or overly familiar. In the UK, acknowledging someone with a polite nod or brief eye contact is enough. The American habit of smiling at everyone often leaves us wondering if we’ve accidentally wandered into a conversation we weren’t ready for.
11. Turning coffee orders into essays
Source: Unsplash Americans’ love for customisation shines through in their coffee orders. “I’ll have a venti half-caf oat milk latte with two pumps of vanilla and light foam” might sound normal in the US, but to Brits, it feels unnecessarily complicated. In the UK, coffee is usually ordered simply — “a latte” or “a black coffee.” While we appreciate options in this country, the endless combinations in American coffee shops leave them overwhelmed. It’s a reflection of the US’s emphasis on individualisation that doesn’t always translate across the pond.
12. Overloading breakfast plates
Breakfast in the US is an event, complete with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and more, all piled high on one plate. Over here, we tend to stick to toast or a simple fry-up, and the American way often feels excessive and impossible to finish in one sitting. The sheer variety of breakfast items on offer, from sweet to savoury, raises the question of how Americans manage to eat it all. It’s a meal that reflects the “bigger is better” philosophy so common in American culture. It is pretty great on holiday, however!
13. Celebrating Halloween like it’s Christmas
In the UK, Halloween is a relatively low-key affair, with some costumes and a bit of trick-or-treating. In the US, it’s a month-long extravaganza filled with decorations, themed parties, and haunted houses. For us, the effort Americans put into Halloween feels like overkill. We admire creativity and all that, but Brits tend to struggle to match the energy of an American Halloween. It’s a cultural phenomenon that’s hard to grasp unless you’ve experienced it first-hand.
14. Calling crisps “chips”
This is one of the most well-known linguistic differences between us, but it still confuses Brits when Americans refer to crisps as “chips.” For us, chips are what Americans call “fries,” and the mix-up can lead to amusing misunderstandings when ordering food abroad. Despite knowing the difference, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t feel slightly irked by the terminology. It’s one of those quirks that keeps the cultural divide alive in the most ordinary of moments.
