Weird British habits – And what the Brits think about them

Two taps

One of the things a foreigner will never understand: why British people have two taps on their sink, instead of one. You can either enjoy water so hot you will burn yourself, or so cold you freeze into an ice sculpture in seconds.

Brit comment: “Is that a thing? I thought it was normal.”

Apologising all the time

This might not seem that weird to you, depending on where you’re from, but British people apologise A LOT. They even apologise when someone else bumps into them! Saying sorry seems to be one of the Brits’ favourite past-time.

Brit comment: “Well, we say sorry for getting in their way. And also, it would be rude not to say sorry if the other person does so?”

Queuing

Another weird thing about British people is their love for queuing. They even, except for in cities like London maybe, queue for getting on a bus! There are no other people in this world who has mastered the art of queuing in a similar way.

Brit comment:  “Well, doesn’t it make life much easier?” (Quite true, to be honest)

Saying cheers in every imaginable context

As a foreigner learning English in school or even later in life, they will tell you that “cheers” is what people say when they toast with a drink. But no! You are certainly mistaken, it’s so much more than that. It can mean thank you, you’re welcome, goodbye, and many more.

Brit comment: “I don’t actually use cheers that much…”

So many accents – how?

The UK is not the biggest country, so how come even the teeny-tiniest region on the map has its own accent. Moreover, and even more impressive, British people seem to be instantly able to tell where they’re from when talking to each other, how is that even possible?

Brit comment: “That’s so true, even London has different accents.”

Tea…do we even have to talk about it?

Tea is love. Tea is life. There is no situation or season in which it would be inappropriate to have a nice cuppa. Tea is apparently a magic universal remedy for all kinds of physical or emotional ailments. When in doubt, brew some tea first!

Brit comment: “Well, I’m always drinking a cuppa tea. Cheers to that!”

Going for a “Cheeky Nando’s”

When searching for this term online, you can find many posts by confused foreigners demanding to know what a cheeky Nando’s is. What can we say? There is no way to explain it, but it definitely is a thing.

Brit comment: “Oh yeah, I always go for a cheeky Nando’s.”

Self-deprecating humour

British people make the most elaborate jokes at their own expense. Why? We don’t really know, but there is nothing better than making a little fun about yourself. After all, taking yourself too seriously is just boring, isn’t it?

Brit comment: “Aren’t we just funny people?”

Driving on the wrong side of the street

There is literally no excuse for this one. Why, oh why, do British people have to drive on the other side of the road? For everyone from a normal country, this means high stress levels regarding all driving activity on the British roads. And let’s not even mention having to shift gears with your left hand!

Brit comment: “No, WE don’t drive on the wrong side of the street, YOU do!”