Brits are famous for our dry humour, sharp wit, and a sceptical outlook that often sets us apart from the rest of the world.
While many people around the world embrace certain ideas or trends without question, in the UK, we tend to respond with a raised eyebrow and a healthy dose of cynicism. Here are a few things that many Brits view with suspicion or humour that most other people seem to accept as normal.
1. Influencers as career role models
While influencers have become a global phenomenon, many Brits remain sceptical about treating this as a legitimate aspiration. The idea of earning a living from posting selfies and product recommendations often invites sarcasm, with comments like, “Oh, so being a walking advert is a career now?”
2. Endless optimism
Source: Unsplash In many cultures, constant positivity is celebrated as a virtue, but we tend to find it exhausting and a bit tedious. The idea of maintaining a “can-do” attitude 24/7 feels suspiciously like denial to many, who prefer a realistic—or even slightly pessimistic—view of the world.
3. Public marriage proposals
A grand, public declaration of love might seem romantic to some, but for many Brits, it’s a toe-curling display of unnecessary drama. Proposing on the big screen at a football match or in the middle of a shopping centre is often viewed as more cringe-worthy than heartwarming.
4. Excessive politeness from strangers
Brits are polite, but there’s a limit. When confronted with overly friendly service in restaurants or shops—like staff introducing themselves by name or checking on you every five minutes—we often wonder, “What’s going on here? Are they after a tip?”
5. Slogans like “follow your passion”
Inspirational phrases encouraging people to abandon everything for their dreams tend to make us roll our eyes. We’re more likely to mutter, “Who’s paying the bills while I ‘follow my passion’ then?” Practicality often wins over blind ambition in British culture.
6. Elaborate gender reveal parties
What started as a quirky trend has turned into a global spectacle, but many Brits remain baffled. From coloured smoke bombs to cakes revealing pink or blue interiors, gender reveal parties are seen as unnecessarily over-the-top—and a bit of a waste of time. Can’t we just wait for the baby to arrive?
7. Unsolicited fitness advice
Fitness influencers and gym enthusiasts often flood social media with tips and motivational quotes, but most Brits are more likely to react with a sarcastic, “Cheers for that,” while reaching for another biscuit. The unsolicited advice often feels like judgement rather than inspiration.
8. Black Friday madness
While the UK has sadly adopted Black Friday in recent years, the chaotic queues, stampedes, and viral videos of shoppers fighting overdiscounted televisions still feel absurd. Many of us still prefer a quieter, more dignified approach to bargain hunting—preferably online with a cup of tea.
9. Lavish destination weddings
Invitations to a destination wedding might be exciting to some, but many Brits view them with dread. The cost, the logistics, and the obligation to use annual leave all lead to muttered complaints like, “Can’t they just get married at the local registry office?”
10. Intense self-promotion on LinkedIn
We often find the culture of professional bragging on LinkedIn borderline ridiculous. Posts celebrating personal achievements with phrases like, “I’m humbled to share…” or “I’m thrilled to announce…” are often met with a cynical, “Just say you got the job, mate.”
11. Multilevel marketing schemes
The promise of earning “passive income” through selling products often raises alarm bells for us, especially since we tend to view multilevel marketing schemes as thinly veiled scams. When things like this come up in conversation, it doesn’t take long for us to call them out for the pyramid schemes they probably are.
12. Overly enthusiastic team-building exercises
Trust falls, icebreaker games, and mandatory fun days? Many Brits would rather sit through a boring meeting. Team-building activities often feel forced and awkward, not to mention completely unnecessary. Bonding over bean bags isn’t going to make this deadline disappear, is it?
13. Corporate jargon
Phrases like “circle back,” “low-hanging fruit,” or “move the needle” tend to elicit groans from Brits. Straight-talking is preferred, and convoluted buzzwords are seen as unnecessary fluff. To be honest, we just wish people would say what they actually meant instead.
14. Instagram-perfect holiday photos
Pictures of impossibly perfect holidays, complete with curated outfits and carefully arranged food, often leave us feeling (rightfully) sceptical. Where’s the sweat, the dodgy tan lines, or the overpriced ice cream? A touch of reality would make these posts far more relatable.
