We love to highlight the cultural quirks that set Brits and Americans apart, whether it’s how we pronounce “aluminium” or argue over the correct use of tea bags.
But if you look beyond the clichés, it’s clear the two nations have more in common than we might care to admit. Here are some of the surprisingly modern ways the UK and US are practically siblings, separated by an ocean. It shouldn’t be all that hard to believe anyway — after all, Americans are just old-school Brits with different accents, right? (Well, sort of.)
1. Both are oddly obsessed with royal drama.
Yes, we technically have a royal family, but Americans are just as fascinated. From “The Crown” to Prince Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview, people across the pond can’t get enough royal gossip. The monarchy might belong to us, but Americans treat it like a long-running soap opera. Meanwhile, we secretly love the glamour Americans bring to the royal obsession. Whether it’s commentary on tiaras or debates about palace scandals, both nations happily dig into royal drama like it’s their shared birthright.
2. We both love arguing over “proper” English.
Brits love to act like the guardians of the English language, pointing out every misplaced “z” (pronounced “zed,” naturally) and “u.” Americans, meanwhile, double down with confidence, declaring their version is the evolved, more practical form. Both sides insist they’re right, and neither is willing to budge. Despite the linguistic rivalry, both nations share a flair for inventing ridiculous slang that confuses everyone else. From “innit” to “heck,” the English-speaking world has both countries to thank for an endless supply of baffling expressions.
3. We both overthink tipping culture.
Americans have elevated tipping to an art form (or a social obligation), while Brits have traditionally kept it low-key. But as tipping practices creep into UK culture, we now found ourselves in the same awkward scenarios Americans have navigated for years. How much is too much? Do you tip the delivery driver? What about hairdressers? Both nations love to overanalyse tipping etiquette, with conversations about it often overshadowing the actual service. Let’s be honest, neither side really knows what they’re doing — we all just want to avoid looking stingy.
4. Both thrive on passive-aggressive politeness.
Politeness is a virtue on both sides of the Atlantic, but it often comes with a side of passive aggression. Brits might say, “I don’t mean to bother you, but…” while Americans opt for “No offence, but…” Either way, the real meaning is: “Prepare to be slightly offended.” It’s a shared skill, this ability to deliver thinly veiled criticism while pretending to be friendly. The difference? We do it with dry humour, while Americans pair it with a smile big enough to make you second-guess the insult.
5. We have a shared addiction to TikTok nonsense.
TikTok trends know no borders. Whether it’s bizarre dance challenges, oddly specific niche memes, or 30-second life hacks no one asked for, both Brits and Americans are equally glued to their screens. It’s the modern-day cultural exchange we didn’t see coming. Even the humour on TikTok feels eerily aligned, with both nations embracing chaotic, self-deprecating jokes. In a world of endless scrolling, TikTok has proven that Brits and Americans are united by our shared love of mindless entertainment. Americans nearly lost their beloved app recently, but thankfully, it came back pretty quickly.
6. Both countries are into drinking tea, but not always for the same reasons.
Tea is a cornerstone of British life, often consumed as a calming ritual or a way to survive small talk. Americans might not drink as much tea, but they’ve fully embraced the idea of iced tea — because, of course, everything is bigger and colder in the US. While the formats differ, the unspoken truth is that tea is rarely about the drink itself. For both nations, it’s an excuse to pause, chat, or just hold a warm (or cold) cup while pretending life isn’t falling apart around you.
7. We bond over unnecessarily dramatic weather forecasts.
We love to complain about rain and grey skies, while Americans can’t stop talking about blizzards, hurricanes, and heatwaves. Both nations make weather sound like a life-or-death situation, even when it’s just mildly inconvenient. Modern weather apps have only amplified this shared obsession, with push notifications alerting you to the obvious (“It’s raining—again!”). Whether it’s a drizzle or a downpour, weather remains the universal topic no one can resist discussing.
8. Neither can resist a good underdog story.
Both Brits and Americans adore an underdog. Whether it’s a scrappy sports team or a reality TV contestant rising from obscurity, there’s something about rooting for the unlikely hero that feels deeply ingrained in both cultures. Our shared love for underdogs is probably why shows like “Britain’s Got Talent” and “America’s Got Talent” have such global appeal. Whether it’s a choir from a small village or a kid with a dream, both nations can’t resist cheering them on.
9. Both make politics a daily drama.
In 2025, politics feels more like a soap opera than ever before — on both sides of the pond. Whether it’s debates in Parliament or clashes in Congress, Brits and Americans follow our political sagas with equal parts frustration and fascination. The shared love of memes, satirical takes, and exaggerated headlines shows that while the systems might differ, the appetite for political drama is universal. Both nations love to mock their leaders, even if we secretly care deeply about the outcome.
10. Brits and Americans whinge about healthcare costs (in very different ways).
Americans grumble about sky-high healthcare bills, while we complain about NHS delays. Different systems, same result: everyone feels like they’re not getting what they deserve. These days, the gripes have only intensified, with both nations agreeing that healthcare is stressful, no matter where you live. Despite the differences, one thing is clear: Brits and Americans alike can talk for hours about our frustrations with the system. It’s a shared experience that, ironically, no one really enjoys discussing.
11. Both secretly love each other’s accents.
Americans can’t get enough of British accents, from posh London tones to charming regional twangs. Meanwhile, we find something oddly endearing about American accents, even if we poke fun at them for sounding overly enthusiastic. While both nations pretend to be unimpressed by the other’s speech patterns, there’s no denying the mutual fascination. Whether it’s mocking or mimicking, accents are a playful way to bond across cultures.
12. Both are starting to turn Halloween into a major event.
Halloween might have originated in the US as a commercial extravaganza, but Brits have fully embraced the spooky season in recent years. Costume parties, pumpkin carving, and even trick-or-treating have become staples in British neighbourhoods. These days, Halloween feels like a transatlantic tradition, with both nations competing to see who can take it more over the top. Whether it’s haunted house tours or viral costume trends, Brits and Americans are equally committed to the October madness.
13. Both have an unspoken loyalty to comfort food.
Fish and chips or mac and cheese? Shepherd’s pie or a cheeseburger? Whatever the choice, both Brits and Americans turn to comfort food when the going gets tough. These dishes might differ in ingredients, but the sentiment is the same: food is therapy. Even in a world of avocado toast and kale smoothies, the craving for hearty, nostalgic meals persists. Both of us know there’s nothing a good takeaway or homemade classic can’t fix.
14. Both love awkward humour.
While the delivery might differ, Brits and Americans share a love of cringe-worthy humour. Brits lean into dry, self-deprecating jokes, while Americans go for slapstick or awkward social situations à la “The Office.” Either way, the goal is the same: to laugh through the discomfort. In a time when life often feels a bit too serious, this shared sense of humour is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to connect is through a good old-fashioned cringe moment.
