We Brits like to think we’re super classy and evolved, especially in comparison to our American pals, but in many ways, we’re even worse.
You can never judge a whole group of people based on the behaviours of a few, but there are certain habits that are common in British society that make you feel a bit ashamed to be British. And before you get too up in arms, these things are definitely not that serious. If you’re pre-emptively offended, lighten up!
1. Still clinging to “banter” as an excuse for bad jokes
“It’s just banter!” might have worked in the early 2000s, but now it’s often code for saying something rude or outdated. The relentless reliance on this excuse makes even good banter feel tarnished. It’s a modern-day cringe that refuses to retire gracefully.
2. Public meltdowns over a new meal deal price
We Brits love a good Tesco or Boots meal deal, but losing our cool over a 50p price hike feels extreme. Yet, the drama unfolds online with hashtags like #MealDealScandal. Our obsession with value-for-money lunch boxes might be practical, but the overreaction can feel a bit much.
3. Bringing Brexit into unrelated conversations
It doesn’t matter if you’re discussing football, the weather, or last night’s telly—someone will find a way to bring up Brexit. Whether it’s blaming it for everything or using it as a punchline, the obsession can feel painfully outdated. We get it; it happened. Let’s move on.
4. Apologising to AI assistants like Alexa or Siri
We know they’re not human, but we still feel the need to say, “Sorry, Alexa,” when we mumble or interrupt. While it shows our deeply ingrained politeness, it’s also a little embarrassing when you realise you’re apologising to a gadget.
5. Taking “no sauce” at Nando’s as a personality trait
Nando’s is practically a British institution, but some people still brag about sticking to plain chicken and chips. It’s fine to like what you like, but treating a fear of spice as a defining feature isn’t the flex they think it is.
6. Filming every minor inconvenience for TikTok
Whether it’s a delayed train or a mildly unhelpful barista, Brits now love to record their grievances for TikTok with dramatic captions. While it’s entertaining, it can also be exhausting watching someone create an epic saga out of spilt tea. Some things are best left unshared.
7. Taking the “tea culture” thing way too far
Tea is great—we all agree—but treating it as a sacred ritual and mocking anyone who doesn’t drink it is a bit much. Not everyone needs to know your precise milk-to-brew ratio or hear a 20-minute monologue about Yorkshire Tea superiority.
8. The great queue outrage at airports
There’s nothing more British than turning a long queue at passport control into a full-blown comedy act. Complaints, exaggerated sighs, and comparisons to “how it used to be” make you want to quietly disown your fellow citizens. Bonus points if someone mentions queuing being “the one thing we’re good at.”
9. Complaining about the weather while on holiday
We’ve gone from grumbling about rain in the UK to moaning about too much sun abroad. Hearing someone loudly announce, “It’s too hot!” in Spain or “I miss a proper cup of tea” during a luxury getaway makes you want to hide your British passport.
10. Overusing “mate” during heated arguments
Nothing is more contradictory than shouting, “Listen, mate!” during a public spat. The overuse of “mate” in aggressive tones somehow makes the confrontation more awkward. We’re either polite or we’re not—pick a lane.
11. Over-explaining the cultural significance of Greggs
We all love a sausage roll, but treating Greggs like it’s the pinnacle of culinary genius can be a bit much. Explaining the beauty of the £1 pastry to baffled tourists is more embarrassing than endearing. Some things are best enjoyed without a sermon.
12. Leaving passive-aggressive reviews online
Instead of raising an issue at the time, some Brits save their complaints for lengthy one-star reviews. Whether it’s about a restaurant portion size or a delayed delivery, the dramatic tone of “I’m not one to complain, but…” says otherwise. Just talk to the manager next time!
13. Publicly debating which supermarket is the “best”
We’ve turned shopping into a class commentary, from defending Waitrose as “worth the price” to swearing loyalty to Aldi as “the smart choice.” The great supermarket debate dominates conversations as if it’s a national sport. It’s just groceries, people!
14. Posting overly dramatic reactions to minor inconveniences
Lost Wi-Fi, the pub running out of Guinness, or the train being five minutes late all lead to exaggerated social media rants. These posts often come with hashtags like #firstworldproblems and emojis galore. It’s hard not to cringe when someone makes their slight misfortune the day’s biggest news.
15. Dragging out the same jokes about Americans
Yes, Americans don’t know what a kettle is. Yes, they drive on the other side of the road. We get it. But constantly reviving these old stereotypes in 2024 feels stale. Let’s find fresher material, shall we?
