The US and the UK are similar in a lot of ways, but there are some pretty major cultural differences that separate us.
What’s considered super important to our friends across the pond can sometimes seem totally foreign here at home in Britain. Priorities are just different, in a lot of ways, and while America isn’t wrong for making a big deal of these things, we Brits admittedly don’t really get the hype.
1. Thanksgiving
In the US, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest holidays of the year, with families gathering around the table for a traditional feast, complete with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. It’s all about gratitude, family, and reflection. In the UK, however, Thanksgiving is barely recognised, and for many, it’s just another Thursday. Plus, we have Sunday roasts pretty much weekly, so we’re not really missing out, are we?
2. Customer service culture
Customer service in America is typically friendly, cheerful, and highly attentive, and tipping is often expected as part of the service experience. Over here, customer service tends to be more reserved, and the focus is often on efficiency rather than personality. You won’t find many British workers chatting you up while you’re in the queue, and tipping is generally not as ingrained in daily life (at least not yet).
3. Sports fanaticism (especially American football)
Across the pond, sports like American football, basketball, and baseball are huge cultural touchstones. The Super Bowl is a national event, and college football draws massive crowds. In the UK, while football is a big deal, American football barely makes a dent, and many Brits still find it hard to get their heads around the rules.
4. The concept of “the American dream”
The idea that anyone, no matter their background, can achieve success through hard work and determination is a central part of American culture. Back home, while social mobility is valued, the idea of the “American Dream” is much less emphasised, and there’s often a greater focus on working within the systems that already exist. Some people would see that as a bad thing, since it seems like we Brits might not be as ambitious, but that’s not the case — we’re just more realistic.
5. Gun ownership rights
In America, the right to own and carry firearms is a deeply ingrained part of the culture, tied to both historical and political significance. In the UK, gun ownership is highly regulated, and public discussions about firearms are generally focused on the need for control, not rights. Most of us just don’t see the need to have deadly weapons in our homes or on our person.
6. Work hard, play hard mentality
Americans are known for their “work hard, play hard” mentality. The culture often pushes long hours in exchange for high rewards, and work is sometimes seen as an essential part of personal identity. In contrast, we tend to prioritise a more balanced approach to work-life balance, and there’s generally less pressure to make your career the central focus of your life. That being said, this has creeped in a bit more in recent years, and we need to make sure it doesn’t gain a foothold!
7. Political polarisation
In the US, political opinions are often sharply divided, and conversations about politics can quickly become heated. Politics are everywhere—on TV, in the media, and even at the dinner table. In the UK, political debate certainly exists, but it’s generally less intense, and many Brits find American-style political partisanship baffling.
8. The celebration of individual achievements
Americans love to celebrate individual success, whether it’s through promotions, awards, or personal milestones like birthdays and graduations. The focus on individual accomplishments can sometimes overshadow group success. While we value individual achievements in Britain, there’s generally more focus on collective efforts, and public celebrations tend to be more low-key.
9. The importance of having a side hustle
Side hustles are a huge trend in America, where many people work additional jobs or start side businesses to supplement their income. In the UK, while side gigs are becoming more popular, there’s less cultural emphasis on the idea of multiple jobs being an essential part of your identity. Here at home, there’s also a stronger focus on finding “full-time” work rather than juggling several roles.
10. “Big” everything – from food to cars
Americans are known for their larger-than-life portions when it comes to food and even the cars they drive. Super-sized meals and giant SUVs are part of American culture. In the UK, smaller portions and more compact cars are more typical, and the idea of “bigger is better” isn’t quite as dominant. Eating out over here usually doesn’t involve the massive portion sizes you’d find across the pond.
