British manners used to be the stuff of legend, but over the past couple of decades, something’s definitely changed.
It’s not that we’ve all gone completely feral, but the lines around what’s considered polite or downright rude have definitely blurred. Whether it’s thanks to smartphones, changing social norms, or just plain impatience, there are things happening in public now that would’ve made your nan shake her head. Here are some of the rude behaviours Brits are just fine with doing in public that would have been unthinkable not that long ago.
1. Playing music out loud on public transport
There was a time when blasting music on the bus or train was social suicide. You kept your headphones in and your volume low. These days? It’s not unusual to hear someone’s playlist echoing through an entire carriage. Whether it’s teenagers with Bluetooth speakers or someone scrolling TikTok with the sound on, the unspoken rule of keeping quiet in shared spaces seems to have been quietly retired, and not everyone’s thrilled about it.
2. Having full-on speakerphone chats in cafés
Not long ago, talking on the phone in public was something you did quickly and quietly, especially indoors. But now? People seem perfectly happy to pop their phone on speaker and let everyone around them hear both sides of the conversation. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or an awkward row, it turns every café into a front-row seat at someone else’s drama. And the worst part? They rarely seem to notice (or care!) who’s listening.
3. Filming strangers without asking
With social media everywhere, more people seem to think it’s fine to film strangers—on the train, in the queue, in the middle of a supermarket—especially if they’re doing something odd or mildly annoying. Twenty years ago, this would’ve been completely out of line. Now, it’s become so normalised that you half-expect to end up in someone’s Instagram story just for existing. Privacy? That’s someone else’s problem.
4. Letting doors slam behind them
Holding the door used to be one of those unspoken social rules. You’d never let it slam in someone’s face, even if they were a few steps behind. Now? It’s every person for themselves. Whether people are distracted or just don’t bother, the habit of looking behind you before letting a heavy door swing shut has seriously declined. It’s not the end of the world, but it does feel like a little social grace is disappearing.
5. Eating full meals on the go, and leaving the mess
Grabbing a snack on the Tube or munching chips on a bench has always been a thing. However, these days, it’s not unusual to see someone tucking into a full curry or burger and chips while walking down the street, and then dropping the rubbish wherever they please. It’s less about the food and more about the mess it leaves behind. The bin was right there, mate. A little bit of effort goes a long way, but it seems not everyone got that memo.
6. Ignoring the queue completely
Brits are serious about queuing, and not that long ago, skipping the line was basically social treason. People would tut, stare, and maybe even call you out. These days, however, queue etiquette isn’t quite what it used to be. Whether it’s people pretending they didn’t see the line or trying to “just ask a quick question,” the sacred British queue is under attack. For many, that’s crossing a very serious line.
7. Taking up entire pavements without moving over
There’s nothing wrong with walking in a group — but not budging to let others pass is peak inconsiderate. A couple of decades ago, people instinctively shifted to single file if someone was coming the other way. Now? It’s like a silent game of pedestrian chicken. Whether it’s a couple holding hands or a group glued to their phones, some seem completely unaware (or just uninterested) in the fact that other people also exist on the pavement.
8. Vaping in enclosed public spaces
Smoking indoors became socially unacceptable fast once bans were introduced, but now vaping has crept into spaces where people used to keep things smoke-free, like train platforms, shop entrances, or even indoors at events. Clouds of scented vapour might seem harmless, but not everyone wants to inhale someone else’s cherry bubblegum fog while waiting for a coffee. The lines between private and public have definitely blurred here.
9. Filming entire concerts on their phones
Back in the day, you took a few photos—maybe recorded your favourite song—then enjoyed the moment. But now, go to a gig, and you’ll see a sea of phones, with people watching the entire show through their screens. It’s not just distracting; it changes the whole vibe. And for the people behind you, it’s more “accidentally watching your blurry video” than “immersed in the music.” Not exactly a shared experience anymore.
10. Leaving dog mess everywhere
There have always been people who don’t look after their pets, but these days, it’s nearly impossible to walk down the street without having to sidestep multiple piles of dog mess. It would literally take five seconds to bend down and bag it up before dropping it in a bin, but instead, many people seem fine with leaving it right where the dog left it. It’s disgusting and makes neighbourhoods far less pleasant to live in.
