British and American cultures have long been intertwined, but over the years, the two nations have definitely drifted apart in some pretty major ways.
While there are still plenty of shared values, some things that were once common on both sides of the Atlantic now seem to have faded in the US. From attitudes towards politeness and social etiquette, to even simple daily habits, here are some British values that Americans used to embrace but seem to have let go of, which is a real shame (at least to those of us on this side of the pond).
1. Keeping conversations polite and reserved
There was a time when Americans, like the British, valued a level of restraint in conversation. Small talk was light, personal opinions weren’t thrown around carelessly, and people generally avoided heated topics in casual settings. Now, conversations in the US seem far more direct, unfiltered, and at times, confrontational. Social media has only amplified this shift, making bluntness the norm. Over here, we still tend to hold back to avoid drama or conflict. Americans, on the other hand, have become much more open with their thoughts, even if it risks tension. While honesty is valuable, the art of a reserved, polite conversation seems to have faded.
2. Dressing smartly for the occasion
There was a time when Americans put plenty of effort into dressing well for different occasions. Whether it was going out to dinner, heading to work, or even travelling, there was a sense of formality in how people presented themselves. Now, casual wear has taken over, and it’s not uncommon to see people in hoodies and joggers at restaurants that once had dress codes. In the UK, there’s still an awareness of dressing appropriately, even if styles have become more relaxed over the years. While not every American has abandoned smarter attire, the shift towards extreme casualness is much more noticeable on the other side of the Atlantic, for sure.
3. Valuing public transport as a normal way to get around
Public transport in the US was once widely used and respected, particularly in major cities. Trains, trams, and buses were a normal part of daily life, just as they still over here. But over time, the American obsession with cars took over, and public transport became something people avoided unless they had no other choice. In the UK, taking the bus or train isn’t seen as a sign of not being able to afford a car — it’s just part of life, even if these services are expensive and leave a lot to be desired. Meanwhile, in much of the US, driving is the default, and public transportation is often underfunded and underused.
4. Keeping politics out of everyday interactions
Politics used to be something people only discussed in certain settings, but in America, it has become almost impossible to escape (though that’s somewhat understandable given what’s going on over there right now). Everything seems to have a political angle, from entertainment to social interactions, and people are far more vocal about their views. While Britain isn’t immune to political debates, most of us still hold onto the idea that there’s a time and place for those discussions. Political disagreements don’t always spill into everyday life in the same way. People might have strong opinions, but they’re less likely to bring them up at the dinner table or in casual conversations. In America, it feels like political identity is now a central part of social life rather than just an aspect of it. Again, this makes sense, but it’s a shame it’s had to go this way.
5. Having a sense of self-deprecating humour
British humour has always had a self-deprecating streak, and for a long time, Americans shared this trait. Comedy used to be filled with jokes about life’s awkwardness, personal flaws, and everyday mishaps. Now, much of American humour leans towards confidence, roasting other people, or making grand, bold statements rather than laughing at oneself. Thankfully, we still take pride in our ability to laugh at ourselves. A bit of self-mockery is seen as a sign of humility, while in the US, the trend seems to be more about self-promotion and standing out. The subtle art of not taking oneself too seriously has faded from much of American comedy.
6. Prioritising tea over coffee
This is a bit of a silly one, but it’s true! There was a time when tea was just as much a staple in American households as it is here. Afternoon tea wasn’t just a British tradition — our Yankee friends once embraced the practice of sitting down for a proper cup of tea. Now, coffee dominates, and tea is often seen as a niche or secondary option. Of course, tea remains deeply ingrained in daily life over here. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a social ritual, a comfort, and a solution to nearly every problem. Hopefully, that never changes!
7. Understanding the importance of queuing properly
Americans used to be more patient when it came to waiting in line, but over time, queuing etiquette has become more chaotic. While we still instinctively form orderly lines and respect the process, people in the US have become more prone to cutting in, getting impatient, or treating queues as an inconvenience. Queue-jumping is almost unthinkable in the UK, and even unspoken rules about waiting your turn are followed. Across the pond, unfortunately, impatience often leads to people pushing ahead, questioning why they have to wait, or treating customer service workers with frustration. The structured art of queuing properly seems to have faded.
8. Enjoying a slower pace of life
There was a time when Americans valued a more balanced lifestyle, but over the years, the focus has shifted towards constant productivity. Work-life balance used to be something people aimed for, but now, long hours, side hustles, and an obsession with efficiency dominate American culture. While we’ve admittedly adopted a bit of this attitude ourselves, thankfully, we haven’t bought into hustle culture in the same way they have overseas. Here, pub culture, leisurely Sunday afternoons, and taking proper tea breaks still hold strong. There’s an understanding that life isn’t just about work, and taking time to relax is important. The American mentality of always needing to be ‘on’ has made life feel more rushed and stressful.
9. Maintaining a level of humility
Self-confidence is great, but humility used to be a key part of American values. There was a time when people were a bit more modest about their achievements, letting their work speak for itself. Now, there’s a bigger focus on personal branding, self-promotion, and making sure everyone knows about your success. For the most part, understatement is still the preferred approach here in the UK. Bragging too much is often seen as bad manners, and being too self-assured can come across as arrogant. While confidence is important, the ability to stay humble is something that seems to have faded from American culture.
10. Valuing traditional letter-writing
Writing letters used to be a normal part of communication in the US, just as it still is in parts of Britain. There was an appreciation for a well-written note, whether it was a thank-you letter, an invitation, or just a way to stay in touch. Now, this art has nearly disappeared, replaced by quick texts and emails. Weirdly enough, formal letters and handwritten notes still hold a place in certain circles over here, especially among older generations. There’s something special about receiving a thoughtful, handwritten message rather than a short digital one. While technology has made communication easier, it has also stripped away some of the charm.
11. Appreciating dry humour and subtle wit
Americans once embraced a more understated style of humour, but over time, comedy has shifted towards exaggeration and high-energy delivery. British humour, with its dry wit, sarcasm, and subtle wordplay, still thrives, while American comedy has become more direct, bold, and often over-the-top. Once, a clever remark or an underplayed joke would land just as well in the US as in the UK, but that style has become less common.
12. Respecting personal space and boundaries
There was a time when people from the US, like Brits, had a clear sense of personal space and social boundaries. Physical contact was reserved for close friends and family, and people were generally aware of when to step back. Now, personal space in America seems to be shrinking, with more emphasis on casual physical touch, loud conversations in public, and close interactions that might feel overwhelming to someone used to British manners. Here, keeping a polite distance and maintaining a certain level of formality in public spaces is still the norm, thank goodness. While Americans have become more comfortable with casual intimacy — whether through hugs, oversharing, or speaking loudly in public spaces — we Brits tend to keep things a little more reserved.
13. Taking pride in a good pub culture
There was a time when American taverns and bars had a similar community feel to British pubs. People gathered not just to drink, but to socialise, unwind, and feel part of something familiar. Over time, though, many American bars have become louder, more commercialised, and less about the social tradition of having a quiet drink with good conversation. In the UK, pubs are still a central part of daily life, offering a relaxed atmosphere where people can catch up without the pressure of a loud, fast-paced environment. While some American cities still have cosy, traditional-style pubs, much of the culture has shifted towards bigger, flashier bars with less of the warmth and familiarity that once made them special.
14. Having a strong sense of irony
Americans used to share the British love of irony, but in recent years, this type of humour has become less common. Once, there was a mutual appreciation for dry, understated remarks and jokes that weren’t meant to be taken literally. Now, irony seems to be either missed or taken too seriously, leading to more straightforward communication rather than playful sarcasm. What a shame!
