O'reet yothe (bit of Derbyshire fo' thee). You've got those 'don't do' things pretty well licked. Some to add: don't complain about the weather, we know it rains all the time and we don't need reminding about it; similarly, don't tell us that everything carries on with 8 feet of snow where you come from; don't complain that the beer is warm, it's not but it's not a frozen lump either; and _never, ever_ say something is quaint - it's just interpreted as a euphemism for small and crappy. In fact, complaining about anything is our job and we're good at it, we don't need any help.Great channel, I'm really enjoying these videos.
I didn't say it _means_ small and crappy, I said that is how it is interpreted as a euphemism, or at least often inferred that way. I wouldn't recommend over-thinking the original comment.
@@jemmajames6719 yeah totally anyway you never said dont say our food is rubbish! its no, go to poland its all pork and lard and groats dont eat the groats.!!
I've seen fist fights over that here. Its quite rude anyway and on holiday in Europe,there are now loads of Russians with absolutely NO finesse or manners,loud and obnoxious,i dont like them.
Olly when visiting London I find this incredibly hard. I feel like it should be that everyone stands on the left and overtake on the right on escalators. Like you would on the road. Don’t get me wrong I like the ‘etiquette’ and understanding of the rule it just feels as if it’s against the natural instincts. No one ‘undertakes’.
The escalator etiquette is wrong. One it wears out the escalator unevenly. Two it’s proven to be inefficient because in a station with longer escalators more people stand because it’s a long way to walk. So have them double up and use the space evenly, which also wears the escalator evenly. This etiquette also causes a bottleneck at the bottom. I know Londoners have this etiquette engraved into their heads as they have been doing this for over a Century. Londoners cannot be told otherwise. As a result London will always be clogged up. I can’t stand the arrogance of that city they just will not change.
@Brown Pants Scotland and Wales aren't our B team. England, Wales Scotland and northern Ireland are all countries, but together we form the United kingdom, which is one government, and represents us globally. It makes us one, but there's a lot of political unrest at the moment, so things may change.
@Brown Pants population size doesn't matter, the global status represent all of British (it's our capital), and multicultural diversity is no bad thing for a city like London, it brings in a lot of trade, and helps relations around the world. And how is London cut off from the rest of England?? I'm seriously struggling to understand your points. Music trends? The music trending may not represent the music you like, but that's not because of London. From, not a Londoner but definitely a Brit
London is the most famous place in the UK...most visitors would like to see the famous landmarks....I travel a lot and I know if you move around too much in a country you can miss the best bits. No problem with tourists sending their time in London.
@Krav163 London does not have a higher murder rate than NYC. Uk did not vote "overwhelmingly" to leave the EU, Britain does not have open borders with the rest of Europe. I spend plenty of time in London.
And incredibly FAT! On a Toronto streetcar, there are seven seats at the rear, all facing each other. One day, four Americans totally filled that space! People were looking back at them in disgusted wonder and yes, they were all loud and confused.
@@lawrencelewis8105 reminds me of a scene from In Bruges, where an older Irish bloke tried to warn fat American family against going up to the towertop - 'Guys, I am not being funny, but it is really narrow up there, winding stairs', and their reply was sth like 'Screw you, mf. You know you are just the rudest man, the rudest man!'. Americans, innit?;-)
@@lawrencelewis8105 That was what Collin said to them first, sitting on the bench, then the fatty was trying to chase him, and as they turned to go up, finally, the older guy came down, and said he wouldnt recommend;-) Great scenes, anyway. Absolutely fantastic film. The only reason I want to visit Belgium, really;-)
@@gipi23 I've been to Bruges a few years ago. You can get a lot of drinking done there! Brussels, too. That Delerium Tremens bar in Brussels has an amazing beer selection, it's touristy but still worth visiting.
Yeah, it's just shame he said "England" like the record was stuck. If he got a dollar for every time he said "England" in thiws video, then he'd be a millionaire before his next birthday.
mezsh that’s because he visited England, if he’d visited Scotland then he’d have said Scotland, the fact that he can differentiate the countries instead of saying the UK is why he deserves everyone in the UK to subscribe to him...
I used to be a waitress while at Uni. It bugged me when people did this. I am not a dog. No British person would do this. Also in Britain the serving staff are trained to come every five to ten minutes.(or at least I was) We don't want to bother the customers. We look for signs that you need attention not assume you need service.
@@ericawragg1997 yea thats where problems/confusion can arise, in the UK we kinda just want to do our thing until we are ready to order or whatever, but inb the states serving staff can be punished if they aren't regularly checking in.
I am from the U.S, and just think that most people in the U.K..Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England are nice! Especially to U.S. tourists, to which being 'nice' is not an easy task! And your humor is much more dry and thoughtful, I agree! I still am an incurable Anglophile.
It's worse in Scotland. At the start we are really friendly and welcoming. If we feel a bit insulted, we go quiet. This is a critical time because any further perceived insult will lead to sudden violence without any warning at all. Just be nice.
People are pretty friendly and polite in the UK, and usually happy to help out visitors. It is important to be polite and follow the rules of a polite and fairly gentle society, many of which are mentioned here. If you don't, you may learn how impolite and rough we can be as well. An American General, speaking to his men newly stationed in Britain in WW2, told them about Britain being a polite society and to behave themselves here. If they thought that the British were pushover milquetoasts, they would soon find out otherwise. 'You don't get to conquer the biggest empire the world has ever known by being a bunch of pussies !' (Or words to that effect)
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure , depending on the subject and used to show a warning I post the second verse of the " Norman and Saxon " by Rudyard Kipling look it up I think you will like it Also you might like " The Beginning " also by Rudyard Kipling , he changed the meaning and the Saxon from Saxony in Germany to the English after his son was killed in WW1 .
Queue jumping, well done, you got that one right. You're welcome to make fun of the Queen, no protected status with me! The one thing I do notice that seems to be alien for far too many American's (and now more and more our youth due to the infection of US TV) is failing to add polite words that are free. "Please may I have a coffee" and NOT "Can I get a coffee?" If I were asked the latter, I would likely respond "Yes" and then ignore since there wasn't a request that I recognised to ask for one, only a question seeking affirmation of the possible, nor was it polite. When that coffee is handed over "Thank you" would be appropriate.
@Rebecca Thompson I agree with you totally, however there are certain phrases that do seem to be exclusively US English such "Can I get ?" with no please catered for anywhere in that.
@A smoking ChickenFish OK, fair enough. The vast majority of the 'we' love the NHS. Particularly as I have lived 'over the pond' and seen both options available.
@Han Lockhart I'm not saying it's ok. It desperately needs more doctors, money etc. It's far from perfect and making it perfect is next to impossible but I love what it stands for, free health care for everyone.
@@jonathanhodgson2142 From the U.S., I respect the NHS..it works for the U.K. I personally favor the Swiss health care system of heavily..and I mean truly..regulated private insurers. I have a prescription which in the U.S. costs over $3300 USD per month. (the same drug, in Canada costs about 1/2 on the private market). I am fortunate to have superior prescription coverage through my employer, so my 'copay' was $40 USD per month..CHEAP! Then, January 2020..it skyrockets to $350 USD per month! I am resigned to pay this, until, accidentally, I have to change specialty pharmacies..I go to pick up my prescription this week, expecting to pay 350..and find out my copay is $0 USD..same employer, same insurance company..in the U.S. system, you have to be your own advocate!
This is a pretty good guide; it's interesting to have a mirror held up to one (Goethe said something similar). The worst sin of those you mentioned is queue (line) jumping. Other faux pas will be forgiven (with eye rolling obviously!) but jumping a queue outside of an emergency situation is a no-no and being non-native is not considered an acceptable excuse. A helpful phrase to know is "Are you the back of the queue?".
You are likely to be coshed on the back of the head with a handbag wielded by the 96 year old woman three people behind you if you push in, then everyone who walks past as you lay there gives you a kick.
We Brits could do with some equivalent rules ourselves. Here's one: 1. When you encounter an American (be they tourist, visitor, or resident) that is _not_ a licence for you to hold them personally responsible for Trump and gun ownership. They might well be opposed to both. And even if they do happen to support either or both of those things, then that is their constitutional right to do so. You whining about it to them is not going to change anything (other than making you look ignorant, rude, and judgemental).
Spot on. I visited the mid West a couple of years ago and vowed to not criticise anything as that was just rude. I did the very English thing of waiting until I got home! But seriously, loved the USA and the people.
I agree. I've heard similar things said to americans while they are here in the uk. I once heard someone randomly say to an american visitor "So, what is it with you guys and your guns?". I mean, how is anyone even supposed to answer such a hostile and accusatory question? I was so embarrassed that I later apologised to the american guy on behalf of the other person.
I would love to be your friend. It's good to know that there are people like you. I don't care for politics. I know it is important to be socially aware of society, but I find myself indulged in art, culture, food, and language. Maybe I'll run into you when I visit the UK :)
Underrated comment. It really annoys me when this happens. Whenever you go into a pub you MUST buy everyone there a pint. Otherwise you'll be subject to stern glances.
Do you really mean EVERYBODY in the pub 😅 or do you mean 'Everybody' as in your mates?! Lol😂 Seriously though,I agree with buying your mates drinks you then follow the 'rounds' and that's it!
Being English I was intrigued to hear your don't do list when in the UK, thinking you'd get it all wrong. But is was all great advice. I smiled when you said you can only make fun of the Queen, or moan about the NHS if you are British, as I realised you are so right. We can, visitors to the UK can't :-)
It is interesting about much information is spread about both the US system and the NHS. It's hard to have a real conversation about them without learning about them first.
Matthew I absolutely love your videos. The Brits really can laugh at themselves, it's great to see our country from a foreigners eyes. So glad you feel welcome and yes the countryside is really beautiful. Just want to end with the difference between accents and dialects. England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales have accents, the regional lingo are dialects which have evolved over centuries and long may they continue. Take care and enjoy even more of this glorious county and at 65 I have seen much of it!
When coming to the UK then trying flying to Manchester, or any other airport that isn't Heathrow or Gatwick. Regional international airports are smaller easier to get navigate and if you still want to go to London, public transport, trains or bus, are available, although trains can be expensive if you book on day of travel, so buy train tickets in advance.
You are so right. You asked what not to do. I met a Texan who insisted that they had the best healthcare in the world. I don't dispute that, but I am aware that the American health system is not available to all Americans - so how can it be the best. That annoyed me.
why would they you have a tiny country like most european countries so this makes sense there but in a massive country like america no ...no tiny cars and roundabouts and such big country big cars big spaces ..ring around the rosie not necessary duh
@@dudedude869 you get huge roundabouts in england and even the small ones are used by busses and fire engines and ambulances. Big cars can use small roundabouts.
We have "roundabouts" in the US, but my experience has been limit is in small locations. And it takes people months to get use to them. Used them in the Bahamas but they are "small". You wouldn't use them in Las Angles.... If you been to LA you would know roundabouts wouldn't work.....
So glad you tell people to not think of only visiting London. I live in Northumberland the last county before Scotland and its beautiful and lots of wild unspoilt countryside with lots of history and historical places to visit but there are so many hidden jewels to visit in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, Devon, Yorkshire, , the Lake District, to name a tiny few. London might be the capital city as such but it’s such a tiny part of the whole picture.
Good list - I really appreciate your advice to get out into the countryside. I lived in North Norfolk for 12 years and have often taken US friends with me to visit and they have an amazing time hanging with my friends and family and seeing a totally different side of England.
Being from the U.S., I think Matt represents us well. His advice is common sense. When a guest in someone's country, act as you are a guest in their home. If you can't say something positive, remain silent. Stay clear of religion and politics (criticizing the NHS, Her Majesty the queen, etc). I am a very vocal critic of many things about my country to anyone who will listen. But I will quickly become defensive if an outsider should voice the same criticism. Follow the adage, "When in Rome", even if you find the customs or practices strange. I believe most natives will grant some leeway to a visitor who is obviously respectful and attempting to conform to their customs, instead of demanding they adapt to the customs of the visitors. And as an American, I try to remember that in many parts of the world, it is my job to disprove rather than reinforce common stereotypes (which in many cases are mostly true) by my personal behavior.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. We are understanding and we expect faux pas from overconfident Americans. It’s absolute hell to be British in America which, not withstanding the almost common language, is more alien than any European country.
What a friendly way to inform your compatriots that there is a world outside the USA, and that USA is not the norm (thank God)! I think that you would fit in anywhere, because you seem to be totally adoptable to new situation, while still being an American at heart. Looking forward to more from you Hans Strömberg Sweden
Also glad to see that you said you can go to other places, not saying, don't go to London at all, which I get a lot from british people, yes Londons different from everywhere else but its still not an experience they should miss out on, so you can go to London and ALSO go to other places.
On the subway(underground) there are signs asking to stand on the right. Don't forget all the dialects not just accents. Even the English and Irish struggle to understand each other
Yeah, yeah. I knew it when I was done for when I rewatched during the edit. I didn't forget Wales, I just kind of blanked on the fact that it I named two countries I would leave one out.
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure Even worse is that you lumped "Ireland" with us and forgot to mention that Ireland is its own separate country, but its NORTHERN Ireland thats part of the UK. However it is true the Irish folk get pi$$ed off lol.
Thank you. Those observations were absolutely spot and, in fact, would have been in my top ten. The worst one I ever came across was an American coming to talk to us at work to announce we had been outsourced. In a preamble he said "can I just say, I just love your little country..." . How he survived that day without a broken nose I will never know. So, excellent observations and well presented. Cheers.
If you make a small faux pas and someone seems to take great offence, don't get too embarrassed or upset because sometime we exaggerate outrage for comic affect - it's just gentle teasing. Our sense of humour can take a bit of getting used to. At the same time don't repeat your misstep either, just in case!
Good advice, cheers, mate. I'm a Londoner and have made several American friends who live here temporarily or permanently. I'm amazed at how well they assimilate in a very short time - were it not for their accents they seem completely British.
The expression , " are you alright , " means are you well , is your life going well . It is a abbreviation of ; is the world right with you ! It is like many greetings that get paraphrased over time , such as good by , cheerio , ciao, ta-ra, TTFN , etc .
The rule about standing on the right on escalators is actually specific to the underground. It's to allow those in a hurry, especially during rush hour, to get passed you and hopefully get the next train before it leaves. Generally it does not apply to escalators in department stores.
I remember a couple of years ago I was in my local Sainsbury’s and was unable to find a basket at the entrance so spotting an empty one at the self checkout I went up to secure it, only for a self-important know-all in the queue to shout “There’s a queue ‘ere, mate!” I told him that I was fully aware of that and that I had not yet even started my shopping so was scarcely in a position to need to pay for anything, adding that I was 70 whatever-it-was at the time. “What’s that got to do with it?“ the loudmouth responded, to which I replied that I had been a citizen of the United Kingdom for all of that time and was therefore fully aware that the penalty for jumping the queue was death. Odious buffoon!
I have to say I do wish a lot of tourists and foreigners when talking about England, wouldn't just focus on North and South...East and West are pretty awesome too, I live in East England, Norwich to be exact and it is one of the oldest Cities still around, it has such beautiful old streets that one in particular are used in so many Hollywood movies. Check it out if you haven't!
Really enjoyed your videos. They’ve made me reflect on the country I’ve lived in all my life. There’s lots wrong with us - but one thing I’ve always cherished is our respect for people’s right to be different. You don’t have to be one of the crowd in the UK. Keep up the good work.
Another great video guys may I suggest that at some point you come up North to the midlands and visit the best-preserved medieval castle in Europ that being Warwick castle. In fact, you could pull it in with a visit to Stratford upon Avon which as you know has William Shakespeare's house.
It also depends on how much knowledge you have about the royal family... It annoys me when people from countries without royalty tell us we should get rid of the royal family because its old fashioned with no apparent reasoning behind it and without realising how much the queen brings to the country, just in revenue from tourism alone, if they at least had a decent reason for syyaing this I'd not mind cos I can see why people think we should remove them, but just make sure you understand why you have that opinion
It's not just foreigners who have these problems. I got caught out with the greeting "ya reet?" when I first moved to Yorkshire at the age of 25 from the south of England. I replied something like: "Well I've had a bit of a sniffle lately but I slept well last night and feel a lot better today, thanks." They looked at me like I was mad! It took me a while to figure out that they weren't enquiring about my well being at all. Anyway in Derbyshire they greet you with "Ay up me duck."
I think this is a really good list. Politics over the here at the moment is massively divisive . I only talk about it with very close friends and family because after the last 3 years of Brexit hell, everyone has had enough and are furious about some aspect or other. NHS and the Queen. You are so right. As UK nationals we are grateful we have the NHS but it’s over-stretched, under-staffed, poorly run and over managed and are letting so many people down. But as with your brother/sister analogy - we don’t like anyone else to criticise it even though we are thoroughly worn down by what’s going on with it. The Queen is off limits. Many of us are over the concept of monarchy and want it to be significantly trimmed back. But only once the Queen has died. She’s like a granny who has always been around and definitely has protected status 😀. And yes there are so many lovely places to visit here. It makes me sad that so many come to London and then go. The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, The Cotswolds, The Welsh coast, The Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh, Hampshire, Cornwall - sooooo many drop dead gorgeous places to see. Hope you are having a great time over here.
sarah glynn I agree about the politics - since the referendum I only speak with people I know for certain hold the same views as me. I have a friend who has blanked me socially (hence I can’t consider them a friend anymore) because they found out what I thought of Brexit and they held the other view. Hopefully Bojo can heal the very deep wounds we have over this.
@@wullaballoo2642 Wow. Just wow. You're comparing the EU to North Korea. What do the people of the UK want next? To escape the confines of the UN? Of NATO? It would be laughable if it were't so sad.
@@MsPinkwolf Not comparing them at all. I'm saying if they don't like freedom and democracy then I'm suggesting a place they would feel right at home. I'd suggest a few other south american shitholes members of the marxist raving loony party can bugger off to but there's enough fucking nazis there already.
"Alright ? " can lead to a detailed conversation, depending on the circumstance, it is left in the air like an open question an invitation to share, though yes, in general, you hear it as a 'hello'
The NHS is definitely a no-go topic if someone is being negative about it, however the Monarchy, you'll usually know who loves them and who doesn't. My grandmother loved them and thought they could do no wrong but that was her generation, my dad thinks they're nothing but a bunch of parasites. So even British families are split on the subject of the Royals! haha
I love the way that the first thing that you mention is the standing on the right thing on the Tube escalators. I'm from the North of England and it's only London where they do this. It's quite useful though.
You're right about the escalators in London (the rest is good, too, btw). Useful to know for anyone visiting London, even if you are not a foreigner. Many people there are in a tearing hurry and get really grumpy if you are not standing on the 'correct' side.
You should also note that in the UK there may be a "Loose queue" where people are spread out ( such as at bus stop or at the bar in a pub.) It looks like a disorganised group, but be aware that everyone there knows what their place is relative to others, when in doubt it's the elderly and women and children first!
Any communication with a stranger must begin with "Sorry" no matter what the circumstances: - "Sorry, I think you just dropped this" - "Sorry can I just get through" - "Sorry, who are you?"
The short answer is cultural sensitivity, the same as in any country. When I am in the US I don’t try an “American” accent. Whatever my personal view I don’t criticise your gun laws, your health service etc unless I am asked for a view by someone I know, otherwise I keep my opinions to myself.
My school had an American exchange student last year and I’m not kidding the first thing he said to me was “pip pip Cherio I’ll see you tomorrow my pal.” In a really poor English accent. Me and my friends just starred at him like 👁👄👁?
Don't get me started. They took a battering when Diana died but I was always neutral on that subject. Yes, she's an "old lady" so gets a certain pass I guess but, the entire a** kissing aristocrasy crap... you can trash that all you like for me.
Silvercloud141 141 Speaking highly of me isn’t enough to have an entire castle for herself in my opinion. There are a lot of nice people out there who speak highly of others, it’s nothing special
Yep, pretty much nailed it. Just don’t complain about caveat things (such as weather, politics etc...) that’s our job and I’d say we’re pretty good at it and don’t need any help. (Obviously by this I mean don’t complain about what you can’t control, if you’ve had a bad experience with service for whatever reason you can by all means complain about that)
I like that idea. I want to visit the UK and learn from the people who reside there. Trying to do a bit of research before my travels so I'm more polite and not obnoxious. I want to experience a beautiful place. Teach my future children about the world.
I agreed with a lot of these especially the NHS one and poltics (we don't mind civil discussions but big debates/arguments we aren't a fan of if they get too heated)
hello i,m a brit in america and have been here 31 yrs. the biggest problem is people making fun of my accent and it feels alienating. i hope you are doing well in england. if you like hiking, join the ramblers. many regards to you.
Hi just a question, as a Brit in the UK, do you love and support the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of rights and are willing to defend it? then you are just as American as they are but make it known, otherwise they will likely presume you might be like the rest of the sheep, who might spill their tea when they talk of their rights, which I actually admire them for.
There's also a country called Wales too :) I've seen bands play in Wales, and think they're in England, and mention it's good to be here in England, then looked confused when they get booed on stage. If you're travelling around the UK maybe check a map to see when you cross a border. Just a suggestion!
@@slightlyconfused876 Everyone is an agnostic. Agnosticism is lacking knowledge that a god exists/knowing a god exists. Athiests do not believe in a god. Theists believe in a god. Agnostic Athiests do not know if a god exists and do not believe in one. Agnostic Thiests do not know if a god exists but believe in one.
Thank you for your video. I always love to look at comparison videos. I'm from Australia and I think it would be safe to say that we in spoken word and customs are an amalgam of British English and some American English. Definitely swayed to British English, custom and humour though. Most (maybe older) Australians still have a close bond with the UK, and we just get the UK phrases and way of working. One thing that you made comment on though, about the differences in the UK to the US really stuck home to me. That being standing on the right-hand side of escalators and passing on the left. In Australia like the UK, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. Therefore, we tend to walk on the left-hand side of footpaths (Aussie for Pavement, or sidewalk) and pass on the right. So, it came as a shock when we realised that in the UK. Particularly in London around tube stations etc., that people were standing on the right and passing on the left. Just doesn't make sense to us. Oh and when walking around our neighbourhood, we do tend to acknowledge people walking towards us with a smile, a quick hello or g'day. I think that is something your wife had mentioned in her video. I do wish the UK changed from Miles to Kilometers. We changed over from Miles to Kilometers in the early 1970's (I think). I can no longer get miles in my head and work out how long in time 25 miles to going to take me to drive. But there again this crazy 62 year old still says he's 5'8" tall.. what the hell is 177cms tall. But I do get that I'm 95kg in weight. We used to use Stones in imperial. When someone from the US says they are 225pounds, in my head I have no idea what that is. It's all good fun isn't it, and I love our differences.
As a Brit I think you nailed those little pieces of etiquette. Thank you. Out of all of them, I’d say the queue is sacrosanct in this country. Regardless of political persuasion, race, gender or nationality, if you queue jump EVERYONE will let you know what they think of you. Thanks for promoting the rest of the country too, though it is a small island, I think it’s pretty great. I’m hoping you do the same do’s and don’t for us Brits going to America because Brits abroad can be toe curlingly awful.
Maybe because most of us realise our electoral system is almost as ludicrous and unfair as Americas. This clown Johnson got an 80 seat majority on 42% of the vote!!
Thanks for the video. Very interesting perspective. As a Brit - I don’t know where this idea comes from about not insulting the queen or royal family. Lots of brits do it anyway. We’re not worried if you or anyone else form abroad does the same.
Disagree with the other commenters on here. If I was a foreign visitor I would avoid saying anything insulting about the Queen. In my part of England, doing so would definitely mean your interlocutors would silently dismiss you as rude and aggressive, and it’s not the best way to ingratiate yourself. Yes, I’m sure there are some who wouldn’t be upset, but they’re in the minority. Play safe and keep your opinions to yourself.
Pam Burt Yep, I don’t actually disagree with you. It’s a very valid point. It’s probably better for them to err on the side of safety. The thing is what I’m intrigued by is by this idea that’s it’s such a serious issue. And I say that not because of just this vlog - but other similar ones. I saw one recently by the travelling ravens (an American couple travelling) who believed it was actually illegal to make insulting remarks about any of the royal family. And these people are widely travelled. They’d been in the UK a fair while. So maybe it does prove your point - that they pick up vibes from the brits that it’s a serious thing to do?
Pretty detail and non superficial look at these cultural things on your channel, best ones I saw. Religion and politics, in the right place - I think though, both of those are big talking points and people are open to them, I think it might be your experience with people you met in Eastbourne and it depends on the person
O'reet yothe (bit of Derbyshire fo' thee). You've got those 'don't do' things pretty well licked. Some to add: don't complain about the weather, we know it rains all the time and we don't need reminding about it; similarly, don't tell us that everything carries on with 8 feet of snow where you come from; don't complain that the beer is warm, it's not but it's not a frozen lump either; and _never, ever_ say something is quaint - it's just interpreted as a euphemism for small and crappy. In fact, complaining about anything is our job and we're good at it, we don't need any help.Great channel, I'm really enjoying these videos.
I love that - we're good at complaining, we don't need your help! 🤣
Pedro Conejo quaint doesn’t mean small or crappy, don’t know where you got that from.
I didn't say it _means_ small and crappy, I said that is how it is interpreted as a euphemism, or at least often inferred that way. I wouldn't recommend over-thinking the original comment.
Pedro Conejo just took the comment as written
@@jemmajames6719 yeah totally anyway you never said dont say our food is rubbish! its no, go to poland its all pork and lard and groats dont eat the groats.!!
jumping a queue still carries the death penalty in the UK
And don't try the "I have a taxi waiting" excuse. That's an over used one and nobody is buying it
Socially...apparently, Germans dont queue, wth is that all about?!
I've seen fist fights over that here.
Its quite rude anyway and on holiday in Europe,there are now loads of Russians with absolutely NO finesse or manners,loud and obnoxious,i dont like them.
@@willrichardson519 thats a myth.I lived in Stuttgart and Munich and they most certainly DO queue,and its done with precision.
@G B it does we beat the bastards are selves lol
'Don't stand on the left of the elevator' - god bless this man.
Olly when visiting London I find this incredibly hard. I feel like it should be that everyone stands on the left and overtake on the right on escalators. Like you would on the road. Don’t get me wrong I like the ‘etiquette’ and understanding of the rule it just feels as if it’s against the natural instincts. No one ‘undertakes’.
Olly you can stand wherever the f you want to stand in an elevator cause it’s just a piece of a square room that moves up and down lol
Jack Daniels Hey, no one cares. I’m from the UK and I say whatever the hell I want most of the time.
The escalator etiquette is wrong. One it wears out the escalator unevenly. Two it’s proven to be inefficient because in a station with longer escalators more people stand because it’s a long way to walk. So have them double up and use the space evenly, which also wears the escalator evenly. This etiquette also causes a bottleneck at the bottom. I know Londoners have this etiquette engraved into their heads as they have been doing this for over a Century. Londoners cannot be told otherwise. As a result London will always be clogged up. I can’t stand the arrogance of that city they just will not change.
@@sb1056sb still it's quite nice to have an open lane if your in a rush, and I'm not a Londoner btw I've just visited quite a few times
Great to see you mentioning Britain isn’t just England, that’s the most annoying thing tourists I’ve encountered do!
it isn't I agree, and London isn't England!
Thanks! Glad we got it right! 👍
@Brown Pants Scotland and Wales aren't our B team.
England, Wales Scotland and northern Ireland are all countries, but together we form the United kingdom, which is one government, and represents us globally. It makes us one, but there's a lot of political unrest at the moment, so things may change.
@Brown Pants why would London be it's own state?
@Brown Pants population size doesn't matter, the global status represent all of British (it's our capital), and multicultural diversity is no bad thing for a city like London, it brings in a lot of trade, and helps relations around the world.
And how is London cut off from the rest of England??
I'm seriously struggling to understand your points.
Music trends? The music trending may not represent the music you like, but that's not because of London.
From, not a Londoner but definitely a Brit
"Don't just go to London"
Thank you.....
London is the least English place in England. Even worse in the summer when it's flooded with tourists
Reorder that. “Just don’t go to London”
He should have said “just don’t go to London”
London is the most famous place in the UK...most visitors would like to see the famous landmarks....I travel a lot and I know if you move around too much in a country you can miss the best bits. No problem with tourists sending their time in London.
@Krav163 London does not have a higher murder rate than NYC. Uk did not vote "overwhelmingly" to leave the EU, Britain does not have open borders with the rest of Europe. I spend plenty of time in London.
I didn't know Americans realised HOW FRIGGING LOUD THEY ARE
And incredibly FAT! On a Toronto streetcar, there are seven seats at the rear, all facing each other. One day, four Americans totally filled that space! People were looking back at them in disgusted wonder and yes, they were all loud and confused.
@@lawrencelewis8105 reminds me of a scene from In Bruges, where an older Irish bloke tried to warn fat American family against going up to the towertop - 'Guys, I am not being funny, but it is really narrow up there, winding stairs', and their reply was sth like 'Screw you, mf. You know you are just the rudest man, the rudest man!'. Americans, innit?;-)
@@gipi23 that's a fact! Didn't that guy say, "A bunch of fookin elephants!"
@@lawrencelewis8105 That was what Collin said to them first, sitting on the bench, then the fatty was trying to chase him, and as they turned to go up, finally, the older guy came down, and said he wouldnt recommend;-) Great scenes, anyway. Absolutely fantastic film. The only reason I want to visit Belgium, really;-)
@@gipi23 I've been to Bruges a few years ago. You can get a lot of drinking done there! Brussels, too. That Delerium Tremens bar in Brussels has an amazing beer selection, it's touristy but still worth visiting.
This guy deserves a subscription from all of the UK, it’s nice so see someone from America that did their research and not just a google search...
Yeah, it's just shame he said "England" like the record was stuck. If he got a dollar for every time he said "England" in thiws video, then he'd be a millionaire before his next birthday.
mezsh that’s because he visited England, if he’d visited Scotland then he’d have said Scotland, the fact that he can differentiate the countries instead of saying the UK is why he deserves everyone in the UK to subscribe to him...
Here here
@@yep.1106 yeah agreed, very thorough, observant and reSpectful. Liked it
“Don’t answer the question they’re not looking for your life story” So true🤣😂
One major major thing that foreigners do in England that n you must never do is click at waiters on restaurants. This is incredibly rude
"On" restaurants?! I think you meant "In" restaurants...
I used to be a waitress while at Uni. It bugged me when people did this. I am not a dog. No British person would do this.
Also in Britain the serving staff are trained to come every five to ten minutes.(or at least I was) We don't want to bother the customers. We look for signs that you need attention not assume you need service.
If anyone does that they deserve to be ignored and not served at all.
@@ericawragg1997 yea thats where problems/confusion can arise, in the UK we kinda just want to do our thing until we are ready to order or whatever, but inb the states serving staff can be punished if they aren't regularly checking in.
surely thats a universal rule? where in the world is that okay?
We do not say " Are you alright?" That means do u need help.
We say " alright." That means hello.
tweetie pie or “y’right” 😂😂 which also means hello
tweetie pie
Aight.
That's what he said in the video.
@@Asgath No he didn't. He repeatedly stated " are you alright."
The pronunciation is also different. We drop the L ant change it to a W. It's 'awight'
I read that you should treat religion like your genitalia, don't get it out in public and don't expose children to it. Sound advice.
to
Tony Parsons Thanks
If only epstein and his paedophile friends followed that advice
S2RUF ............such wisdom🧐
"Treat religion like your genitalia, don't get it out in public, don't force it on others, and don't shove it down the throats of children."
This was pretty much spot on.
Also everyone in America seems to think we’re really nice in England, we’re not...we’re just polite and sarcastic
Ultimate Space Dad very sarcastic
I am from the U.S, and just think that most people in the U.K..Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England are nice! Especially to U.S. tourists, to which being 'nice' is not an easy task! And your humor is much more dry and thoughtful, I agree! I still am an incurable Anglophile.
Great... cannot wait to visit you then.
It's worse in Scotland. At the start we are really friendly and welcoming. If we feel a bit insulted, we go quiet. This is a critical time because any further perceived insult will lead to sudden violence without any warning at all. Just be nice.
It’s so nice to hear a softly spoken American. Delightful video and nicely accurate
People are pretty friendly and polite in the UK, and usually happy to help out visitors. It is important to be polite and follow the rules of a polite and fairly gentle society, many of which are mentioned here. If you don't, you may learn how impolite and rough we can be as well.
An American General, speaking to his men newly stationed in Britain in WW2, told them about Britain being a polite society and to behave themselves here. If they thought that the British were pushover milquetoasts, they would soon find out otherwise. 'You don't get to conquer the biggest empire the world has ever known by being a bunch of pussies !' (Or words to that effect)
True! Polite only goes so far.
I have somewhere a booklet given to American soldiers, the expression he used was pantywaists!
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure , depending on the subject and used to show a warning I post the second verse of the " Norman and Saxon " by Rudyard Kipling look it up I think you will like it
Also you might like " The Beginning " also by Rudyard Kipling , he changed the meaning and the Saxon from Saxony in Germany to the English after his son was killed in WW1 .
Lived in England all my life. will I still watch this because it’s in my recommended at 3 am while I should be sleeping absolutely
4am now
Queue jumping, well done, you got that one right. You're welcome to make fun of the Queen, no protected status with me! The one thing I do notice that seems to be alien for far too many American's (and now more and more our youth due to the infection of US TV) is failing to add polite words that are free. "Please may I have a coffee" and NOT "Can I get a coffee?" If I were asked the latter, I would likely respond "Yes" and then ignore since there wasn't a request that I recognised to ask for one, only a question seeking affirmation of the possible, nor was it polite. When that coffee is handed over "Thank you" would be appropriate.
Politeness is paramount, even if the other person is in the wrong. Obviously theres a limit though
@Rebecca Thompson I agree with you totally, however there are certain phrases that do seem to be exclusively US English such "Can I get ?" with no please catered for anywhere in that.
That's so interesting...my mom definitely would be super embarrassed if I asked that question in her presence.
The correct way to talk about politics is the sigh then just have a full on meltdown because it's such a god awful mess atm.
And all hail the NHS.
Maybe it's Rosie You say as if NHS is bad (sarcastically)???
The politics has been getting better the last couple of weeks.
And you are right, we all love the NHS.
@A smoking ChickenFish
OK, fair enough. The vast majority of the 'we' love the NHS.
Particularly as I have lived 'over the pond' and seen both options available.
@Han Lockhart I'm not saying it's ok. It desperately needs more doctors, money etc. It's far from perfect and making it perfect is next to impossible but I love what it stands for, free health care for everyone.
@@jonathanhodgson2142 From the U.S., I respect the NHS..it works for the U.K. I personally favor the Swiss health care system of heavily..and I mean truly..regulated private insurers. I have a prescription which in the U.S. costs over $3300 USD per month. (the same drug, in Canada costs about 1/2 on the private market). I am fortunate to have superior prescription coverage through my employer, so my 'copay' was $40 USD per month..CHEAP! Then, January 2020..it skyrockets to $350 USD per month! I am resigned to pay this, until, accidentally, I have to change specialty pharmacies..I go to pick up my prescription this week, expecting to pay 350..and find out my copay is $0 USD..same employer, same insurance company..in the U.S. system, you have to be your own advocate!
It’s traditional if when you visit a pub for the first time to buy everyone in it a pint (even the women and kids).
Especially in Muslim neighbourhoods.
😂 hahaha you wish.
@@jeandavies8027 I was in a brew pub in London that was in a Muslim neighbourhood- talk about a recipe for success!
@@lawrencelewis8105 I may be wrong here, but sorry buddy they were replying to the original comment
@@lawrencelewis8105 Don't forget the pork scratchings! 😂
This is a pretty good guide; it's interesting to have a mirror held up to one (Goethe said something similar). The worst sin of those you mentioned is queue (line) jumping. Other faux pas will be forgiven (with eye rolling obviously!) but jumping a queue outside of an emergency situation is a no-no and being non-native is not considered an acceptable excuse. A helpful phrase to know is "Are you the back of the queue?".
Jumping queue is still disciplined with jail time in England, is it not?
You are likely to be coshed on the back of the head with a handbag wielded by the 96 year old woman three people behind you if you push in, then everyone who walks past as you lay there gives you a kick.
you are right the correct convo for are you alright goes
"You Alright?"
"Yeah what about you"
"good thanks"
and then the convo starts
We Brits could do with some equivalent rules ourselves. Here's one:
1. When you encounter an American (be they tourist, visitor, or resident) that is _not_ a licence for you to hold them personally responsible for Trump and gun ownership. They might well be opposed to both. And even if they do happen to support either or both of those things, then that is their constitutional right to do so. You whining about it to them is not going to change anything (other than making you look ignorant, rude, and judgemental).
Spot on. I visited the mid West a couple of years ago and vowed to not criticise anything as that was just rude. I did the very English thing of waiting until I got home!
But seriously, loved the USA and the people.
This is true! It's all about respect, isn't it?
Whinging doesnt really change anything does it?
I agree. I've heard similar things said to americans while they are here in the uk. I once heard someone randomly say to an american visitor "So, what is it with you guys and your guns?". I mean, how is anyone even supposed to answer such a hostile and accusatory question? I was so embarrassed that I later apologised to the american guy on behalf of the other person.
I would love to be your friend. It's good to know that there are people like you. I don't care for politics. I know it is important to be socially aware of society, but I find myself indulged in art, culture, food, and language. Maybe I'll run into you when I visit the UK :)
Well tell them to paint their necks red so we can tell 😂
England is the Olympic ninjas of queuing .
Don't you animals queue. Free for all where you come from ya doughut
Actually, you'll find that it's the whole of the UK, not just "England".
People who jump queues are honestly the worst kind of people, they are just slightly worse than people who get onto the tube before people get off
To paraphrase a great man 'there are 2 types of people I can't stand - queue jumpers and the Dutch...........
I usually dislike these types of videos but I really enjoyed yours. Calm collected delivery and correct observations :) 👍🏻
Is anyone else from the UK 😂
Ella’s world Xxx yes me Essex
I am
Yep LEEDS👍😆
Yes liverpool
Plymouth 🇳🇬
I find it quite offensive when Americans go to British pubs but don’t buy everybody in the pub a pint. Quite rude. HTH.
Hahaha! Yeah, everyone pay attention!
Underrated comment. It really annoys me when this happens. Whenever you go into a pub you MUST buy everyone there a pint. Otherwise you'll be subject to stern glances.
Do you really mean EVERYBODY in the pub 😅 or do you mean 'Everybody' as in your mates?! Lol😂 Seriously though,I agree with buying your mates drinks you then follow the 'rounds' and that's it!
Being English I was intrigued to hear your don't do list when in the UK, thinking you'd get it all wrong. But is was all great advice. I smiled when you said you can only make fun of the Queen, or moan about the NHS if you are British, as I realised you are so right. We can, visitors to the UK can't :-)
It's no so much you can't criticise the NHS, I think Brits get riled when people imply its bad compared to US healthcare. Don't go there.
It is interesting about much information is spread about both the US system and the NHS. It's hard to have a real conversation about them without learning about them first.
It's being raped. Now the Americans want their cut.
@@shifty2755 Yep, Boris and the hair monster will fuck it. Well done Brexiteers.
@@thewomble1509 yay more people who don't know what they're talking about spouting utter nonsense just waiting to be proven wrong.
@@thewomble1509 absolute crap. your corbynista lies have been exposed loud & clear since thursday, so i'd suggest you stfu.
You hit iron the head with the NHS! I get very defensive when my non-British friends criticise it 😅
Matthew I absolutely love your videos. The Brits really can laugh at themselves, it's great to see our country from a foreigners eyes. So glad you feel welcome and yes the countryside is really beautiful. Just want to end with the difference between accents and dialects. England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales have accents, the regional lingo are dialects which have evolved over centuries and long may they continue. Take care and enjoy even more of this glorious county and at 65 I have seen much of it!
When coming to the UK then trying flying to Manchester, or any other airport that isn't Heathrow or Gatwick. Regional international airports are smaller easier to get navigate and if you still want to go to London, public transport, trains or bus, are available, although trains can be expensive if you book on day of travel, so buy train tickets in advance.
You are so right. You asked what not to do. I met a Texan who insisted that they had the best healthcare in the world. I don't dispute that, but I am aware that the American health system is not available to all Americans - so how can it be the best. That annoyed me.
Better to remain silent and risk being thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
Funny I'm 40, born and raised in England and really only worked out in the last ten years that "alright?" is not really a question 😂
You can mess up every American with one word.. “Roundabout.”
They just don’t understand the concept for some reason 😂
why would they you have a tiny country like most european countries so this makes sense there but in a massive country like america no ...no tiny cars and roundabouts and such big country big cars big spaces ..ring around the rosie not necessary duh
@@dudedude869 I don't understand this having a big country doesn't make the roads wider in cities or other areas where round abouts are also used
@@dudedude869 you get huge roundabouts in england and even the small ones are used by busses and fire engines and ambulances. Big cars can use small roundabouts.
We have "roundabouts" in the US, but my experience has been limit is in small locations. And it takes people months to get use to them. Used them in the Bahamas but they are "small". You wouldn't use them in Las Angles.... If you been to LA you would know roundabouts wouldn't work.....
Or fortnite for two weeks 🤣🤣🤣
Blows their minds.
So glad you tell people to not think of only visiting London. I live in Northumberland the last county before Scotland and its beautiful and lots of wild unspoilt countryside with lots of history and historical places to visit but there are so many hidden jewels to visit in the Cotswolds, Cornwall, Devon, Yorkshire, , the Lake District, to name a tiny few. London might be the capital city as such but it’s such a tiny part of the whole picture.
Good list - I really appreciate your advice to get out into the countryside. I lived in North Norfolk for 12 years and have often taken US friends with me to visit and they have an amazing time hanging with my friends and family and seeing a totally different side of England.
What a nice polite chap. I am sure you wouldn't knowingly upset anyone. Cheers x
Being from the U.S., I think Matt represents us well. His advice is common sense. When a guest in someone's country, act as you are a guest in their home. If you can't say something positive, remain silent. Stay clear of religion and politics (criticizing the NHS, Her Majesty the queen, etc). I am a very vocal critic of many things about my country to anyone who will listen. But I will quickly become defensive if an outsider should voice the same criticism. Follow the adage, "When in Rome", even if you find the customs or practices strange. I believe most natives will grant some leeway to a visitor who is obviously respectful and attempting to conform to their customs, instead of demanding they adapt to the customs of the visitors. And as an American, I try to remember that in many parts of the world, it is my job to disprove rather than reinforce common stereotypes (which in many cases are mostly true) by my personal behavior.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake. We are understanding and we expect faux pas from overconfident Americans. It’s absolute hell to be British in America which, not withstanding the almost common language, is more alien than any European country.
What a friendly way to inform your compatriots that there is a world outside the USA, and that USA is not the norm (thank God)! I think that you would fit in anywhere, because you seem to be totally adoptable to new situation, while still being an American at heart.
Looking forward to more from you
Hans Strömberg
Sweden
Also glad to see that you said you can go to other places, not saying, don't go to London at all, which I get a lot from british people, yes Londons different from everywhere else but its still not an experience they should miss out on, so you can go to London and ALSO go to other places.
Answer "alright?"
With: "peachy mate, you?"
Naa. Say peachy if you want to make a good impression 👌
In England, we don’t call it “jumping queue”, it’s called QUEUE JUMPING!
george erwin Really? I thought we called called it ‘taking the piss’,, or, ‘taking liberties’, if you’re in polite company. 😉🇬🇧
So what?
On the subway(underground) there are signs asking to stand on the right. Don't forget all the dialects not just accents. Even the English and Irish struggle to understand each other
4:00 or Wales
Yeah, yeah. I knew it when I was done for when I rewatched during the edit.
I didn't forget Wales, I just kind of blanked on the fact that it I named two countries I would leave one out.
@@SchaeferFamilyAdventure Even worse is that you lumped "Ireland" with us and forgot to mention that Ireland is its own separate country, but its NORTHERN Ireland thats part of the UK. However it is true the Irish folk get pi$$ed off lol.
True - we do have a bit of a geography lesson coming soon...but this wasn't intended to be that!
Nobody cares about Wales! Always pissing it down!
Thank you. Those observations were absolutely spot and, in fact, would have been in my top ten. The worst one I ever came across was an American coming to talk to us at work to announce we had been outsourced. In a preamble he said "can I just say, I just love your little country..." . How he survived that day without a broken nose I will never know. So, excellent observations and well presented. Cheers.
If you make a small faux pas and someone seems to take great offence, don't get too embarrassed or upset because sometime we exaggerate outrage for comic affect - it's just gentle teasing. Our sense of humour can take a bit of getting used to. At the same time don't repeat your misstep either, just in case!
Good advice, cheers, mate. I'm a Londoner and have made several American friends who live here temporarily or permanently. I'm amazed at how well they assimilate in a very short time - were it not for their accents they seem completely British.
The language is the big one. I lived in the US for a while. Same thing.
The NHS yes, the queen no. Most of us don’t care beyond being forced to watch The Christmas Message by relatives.
The expression , " are you alright , " means are you well , is your life going well . It is a abbreviation of ; is the world right with you ! It is like many greetings that get paraphrased over time , such as good by , cheerio , ciao, ta-ra, TTFN , etc .
Discuss the Weather - You are sure to be on safe ground and it’s a national obsession. It’s either too windy, cold, wet, foggy, snowy, icy or hot !
sometimes in the same day..
Theres so much of it, too...unboring
The rule about standing on the right on escalators is actually specific to the underground. It's to allow those in a hurry, especially during rush hour, to get passed you and hopefully get the next train before it leaves. Generally it does not apply to escalators in department stores.
"Alright?"
"Alright?"
I am soooo glad you said dont just visit London, visit everywhere. Its actually refreshing to hear that people have travelled
I’m English and even I giggle to myself and think ‘how English’ when an English person shouts ‘THERE IS A QUEUE’ 😂
I remember a couple of years ago I was in my local Sainsbury’s and was unable to find a basket at the entrance so spotting an empty one at the self checkout I went up to secure it, only for a self-important know-all in the queue to shout “There’s a queue ‘ere, mate!” I told him that I was fully aware of that and that I had not yet even started my shopping so was scarcely in a position to need to pay for anything, adding that I was 70 whatever-it-was at the time. “What’s that got to do with it?“ the loudmouth responded, to which I replied that I had been a citizen of the United Kingdom for all of that time and was therefore fully aware that the penalty for jumping the queue was death. Odious buffoon!
If that reminder is ignored things go downhill very quickly.
Matthew, many thanks for your intelligent, well produced videos. They are the best out there. Sorry you've left us.
I have to say I do wish a lot of tourists and foreigners when talking about England, wouldn't just focus on North and South...East and West are pretty awesome too, I live in East England, Norwich to be exact and it is one of the oldest Cities still around, it has such beautiful old streets that one in particular are used in so many Hollywood movies. Check it out if you haven't!
Norwich is lovely and so is Lincoln.
Really enjoyed your videos. They’ve made me reflect on the country I’ve lived in all my life. There’s lots wrong with us - but one thing I’ve always cherished is our respect for people’s right to be different. You don’t have to be one of the crowd in the UK. Keep up the good work.
Another great video guys may I suggest that at some point you come up North to the midlands and visit the best-preserved medieval castle in Europ that being Warwick castle. In fact, you could pull it in with a visit to Stratford upon Avon which as you know has William Shakespeare's house.
Its a big house, he had 6 wives.
Don’t forget about Wales
Wales, Cornwall and the Isle of Man always get lumped in with England for some reason.
@@Steeleperfect maybe because Cornwall is England!!!
DONT CALL FOOTY SOCCER OR ILL BOTTLE YA
And don't call it footy either! It's football.
@@ianmarkham149 footy mate
Soccer is actually UK English not US . It is derived from the word Association as in Association Football.
@@julesburton4649 its phased out of existence in the uk now though for the most part
@@julesburton4649 its football
Great observations. 🏆
The NHS is definitely sacrosanct. The Queen however, can be fair game depending on who you are talking to.
It does depend, for sure. To be safe though...
It also depends on how much knowledge you have about the royal family... It annoys me when people from countries without royalty tell us we should get rid of the royal family because its old fashioned with no apparent reasoning behind it and without realising how much the queen brings to the country, just in revenue from tourism alone, if they at least had a decent reason for syyaing this I'd not mind cos I can see why people think we should remove them, but just make sure you understand why you have that opinion
It's not just foreigners who have these problems. I got caught out with the greeting "ya reet?" when I first moved to Yorkshire at the age of 25 from the south of England. I replied something like: "Well I've had a bit of a sniffle lately but I slept well last night and feel a lot better today, thanks." They looked at me like I was mad! It took me a while to figure out that they weren't enquiring about my well being at all. Anyway in Derbyshire they greet you with "Ay up me duck."
I think this is a really good list. Politics over the here at the moment is massively divisive . I only talk about it with very close friends and family because after the last 3 years of Brexit hell, everyone has had enough and are furious about some aspect or other. NHS and the Queen. You are so right. As UK nationals we are grateful we have the NHS but it’s over-stretched, under-staffed, poorly run and over managed and are letting so many people down. But as with your brother/sister analogy - we don’t like anyone else to criticise it even though we are thoroughly worn down by what’s going on with it. The Queen is off limits. Many of us are over the concept of monarchy and want it to be significantly trimmed back. But only once the Queen has died. She’s like a granny who has always been around and definitely has protected status 😀. And yes there are so many lovely places to visit here. It makes me sad that so many come to London and then go. The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, The Cotswolds, The Welsh coast, The Scottish Highlands and Edinburgh, Hampshire, Cornwall - sooooo many drop dead gorgeous places to see. Hope you are having a great time over here.
sarah glynn I agree about the politics - since the referendum I only speak with people I know for certain hold the same views as me. I have a friend who has blanked me socially (hence I can’t consider them a friend anymore) because they found out what I thought of Brexit and they held the other view. Hopefully Bojo can heal the very deep wounds we have over this.
@@herenow6953 I wouldn't hold your breath. A lot of people are going to be mortified when we leave the EU.
@@MsPinkwolf They can all piss off elsewhere then if they think so little of this country and can't stand freedom I suggest somewhere like north korea
@@wullaballoo2642 Wow. Just wow. You're comparing the EU to North Korea. What do the people of the UK want next? To escape the confines of the UN? Of NATO? It would be laughable if it were't so sad.
@@MsPinkwolf Not comparing them at all. I'm saying if they don't like freedom and democracy then I'm suggesting a place they would feel right at home. I'd suggest a few other south american shitholes members of the marxist raving loony party can bugger off to but there's enough fucking nazis there already.
"Alright ? " can lead to a detailed conversation, depending on the circumstance, it is left in the air like an open question an invitation to share, though yes, in general, you hear it as a 'hello'
The NHS is definitely a no-go topic if someone is being negative about it, however the Monarchy, you'll usually know who loves them and who doesn't. My grandmother loved them and thought they could do no wrong but that was her generation, my dad thinks they're nothing but a bunch of parasites. So even British families are split on the subject of the Royals! haha
I love the way that the first thing that you mention is the standing on the right thing on the Tube escalators. I'm from the North of England and it's only London where they do this. It's quite useful though.
You're right about the escalators in London (the rest is good, too, btw). Useful to know for anyone visiting London, even if you are not a foreigner. Many people there are in a tearing hurry and get really grumpy if you are not standing on the 'correct' side.
You should also note that in the UK there may be a "Loose queue" where people are spread out ( such as at bus stop or at the bar in a pub.) It looks like a disorganised group, but be aware that everyone there knows what their place is relative to others, when in doubt it's the elderly and women and children first!
also “you alright “ can also mean like “mate are you mentally okay” so be careful
A kitchen Spoon depending on the tone
You were definitely spot on about all of those.
Good comment about our Queen and the NHS. We love them both and, selfishly, only WE have any right to say anything otherwise.
Some of us think the NHS is valuable and the Queen is not
NHS is the UK's equivalent of the NRA. It's fetishised and you'll be a pariah if you dare to criticise it.
@@Uppernorwood976 no it's really not. NHS is designed to save lives not take them. You're not good with the brain stuff
@@mckay1402 I rest my case.
@@Uppernorwood976 you should rest it. It's bullshit
Any communication with a stranger must begin with "Sorry" no matter what the circumstances:
- "Sorry, I think you just dropped this"
- "Sorry can I just get through"
- "Sorry, who are you?"
The short answer is cultural sensitivity, the same as in any country. When I am in the US I don’t try an “American” accent. Whatever my personal view I don’t criticise your gun laws, your health service etc unless I am asked for a view by someone I know, otherwise I keep my opinions to myself.
I think you're right - it's about being aware of differences and looking to see what others are doing.
My school had an American exchange student last year and I’m not kidding the first thing he said to me was “pip pip Cherio I’ll see you tomorrow my pal.” In a really poor English accent. Me and my friends just starred at him like 👁👄👁?
The Queen was fair game until she became a little old lady; best make fun of Charles
They were all always fair game and now we know that at least one of them is a nonce it’s open season folks, fire at will 😬👍
*edit - will not Will
Don't get me started. They took a battering when Diana died but I was always neutral on that subject. Yes, she's an "old lady" so gets a certain pass I guess but, the entire a** kissing aristocrasy crap... you can trash that all you like for me.
I’m from the UK and I don’t give a flying fork about the queen, nor the entire royal family.
At least we don't have Donald Trump!
Silvercloud141 141 Speaking highly of me isn’t enough to have an entire castle for herself in my opinion. There are a lot of nice people out there who speak highly of others, it’s nothing special
Yep, pretty much nailed it. Just don’t complain about caveat things (such as weather, politics etc...) that’s our job and I’d say we’re pretty good at it and don’t need any help.
(Obviously by this I mean don’t complain about what you can’t control, if you’ve had a bad experience with service for whatever reason you can by all means complain about that)
If you’re an American in the UK.
Just be an American in the UK.
.....and enjoy your stay 👍
I like that idea. I want to visit the UK and learn from the people who reside there. Trying to do a bit of research before my travels so I'm more polite and not obnoxious. I want to experience a beautiful place. Teach my future children about the world.
Destiny Mareé hope you have a great time!
aiden mullett thank you!!
David but don't ask stupid questions if there from the US
Going only to London is like going only to Los Angeles and saying you have seen all of America
I agreed with a lot of these especially the NHS one and poltics (we don't mind civil discussions but big debates/arguments we aren't a fan of if they get too heated)
hello
i,m a brit in america and have been here 31 yrs. the biggest problem is people making fun of my accent and it feels alienating. i hope you are doing well in england. if you like hiking, join the ramblers. many regards to you.
Hi just a question, as a Brit in the UK, do you love and support the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of rights and are willing to defend it? then you are just as American as they are but make it known, otherwise they will likely presume you might be like the rest of the sheep, who might spill their tea when they talk of their rights, which I actually admire them for.
Non Stop
yes, i absolutely support the bill of rights and took citizenship about 20 yrs ago. It is justvthat the accent stuff is alienating.
Sad to hear that Margaret, I thought yanks, sic, just love a British accent?
There's also a country called Wales too :) I've seen bands play in Wales, and think they're in England, and mention it's good to be here in England, then looked confused when they get booed on stage. If you're travelling around the UK maybe check a map to see when you cross a border. Just a suggestion!
All The Bees Are Dead Wales is a great place. (From a non-Welshman)
Jump the queue in England and we’ll simply mutter under our breath ‘unbelievable!’ 🤣
Jump the queue on me , Johnny Foreigner , and I'll get so annoyed, I may even tut in your general direction!
I’m 67 from England, and every one of those tips are 100% right!!
Oh and, as soon as you speak people know immediately you are American, so don’t really mind.
We are all atheists, but secretly hope there is a god and that we haven’t pissed him off to much by constantly claiming that we don’t believe in him.
Shutupshutupshutup
Tru
So you are actually an agnostic, not an atheist.
@@slightlyconfused876 Everyone is an agnostic. Agnosticism is lacking knowledge that a god exists/knowing a god exists. Athiests do not believe in a god. Theists believe in a god. Agnostic Athiests do not know if a god exists and do not believe in one. Agnostic Thiests do not know if a god exists but believe in one.
All good advice, well done.
i wouldn't worry about being negative about the royal family or nhs, not everyone has had good experiences of them!
Thank you for your video. I always love to look at comparison videos. I'm from Australia and I think it would be safe to say that we in spoken word and customs are an amalgam of British English and some American English. Definitely swayed to British English, custom and humour though. Most (maybe older) Australians still have a close bond with the UK, and we just get the UK phrases and way of working. One thing that you made comment on though, about the differences in the UK to the US really stuck home to me. That being standing on the right-hand side of escalators and passing on the left. In Australia like the UK, we drive on the left-hand side of the road. Therefore, we tend to walk on the left-hand side of footpaths (Aussie for Pavement, or sidewalk) and pass on the right. So, it came as a shock when we realised that in the UK. Particularly in London around tube stations etc., that people were standing on the right and passing on the left. Just doesn't make sense to us. Oh and when walking around our neighbourhood, we do tend to acknowledge people walking towards us with a smile, a quick hello or g'day. I think that is something your wife had mentioned in her video.
I do wish the UK changed from Miles to Kilometers. We changed over from Miles to Kilometers in the early 1970's (I think). I can no longer get miles in my head and work out how long in time 25 miles to going to take me to drive. But there again this crazy 62 year old still says he's 5'8" tall.. what the hell is 177cms tall. But I do get that I'm 95kg in weight. We used to use Stones in imperial. When someone from the US says they are 225pounds, in my head I have no idea what that is. It's all good fun isn't it, and I love our differences.
Lol, although the US still uses miles, most people describe distance using time.
How far is it?
Oh, about an hour.
Don’t say WW2 started in 1942 either... Americans seem to think it started when they appeared.
No Thanks or say they saved us from speaking German 😡
Don't say WW2 started in 1939 if you visit China either!
As a Brit I think you nailed those little pieces of etiquette. Thank you.
Out of all of them, I’d say the queue is sacrosanct in this country. Regardless of political persuasion, race, gender or nationality, if you queue jump EVERYONE will let you know what they think of you. Thanks for promoting the rest of the country too, though it is a small island, I think it’s pretty great. I’m hoping you do the same do’s and don’t for us Brits going to America because Brits abroad can be toe curlingly awful.
3 things never to discuss. Religion. Politics. Religious Politics.
Pretty spot on honestly, im from England and i never though of these before but i recognise them now
I'm surprised you didn't encounter anyone talking politics with the recent general election we've just had
We have, tons....I just feel foreigners shouldn't be intiating those conversations.
Maybe because most of us realise our electoral system is almost as ludicrous and unfair as Americas. This clown Johnson got an 80 seat majority on 42% of the vote!!
From a born and bred Londoner I have to say, this is pretty spot on! Well done.
For London
I really like the background you have in this the blue and the red look good
Thanks!
Thanks for the video. Very interesting perspective. As a Brit - I don’t know where this idea comes from about not insulting the queen or royal family. Lots of brits do it anyway. We’re not worried if you or anyone else form abroad does the same.
Disagree with the other commenters on here. If I was a foreign visitor I would avoid saying anything insulting about the Queen. In my part of England, doing so would definitely mean your interlocutors would silently dismiss you as rude and aggressive, and it’s not the best way to ingratiate yourself. Yes, I’m sure there are some who wouldn’t be upset, but they’re in the minority. Play safe and keep your opinions to yourself.
Pam Burt
Yep, I don’t actually disagree with you. It’s a very valid point. It’s probably better for them to err on the side of safety. The thing is what I’m intrigued by is by this idea that’s it’s such a serious issue. And I say that not because of just this vlog - but other similar ones. I saw one recently by the travelling ravens (an American couple travelling) who believed it was actually illegal to make insulting remarks about any of the royal family. And these people are widely travelled. They’d been in the UK a fair while. So maybe it does prove your point - that they pick up vibes from the brits that it’s a serious thing to do?
I’m British why am I watching this?
Amy Gregson same! Interesting to get another perspective
I like to know what visitors make of us
Pretty detail and non superficial look at these cultural things on your channel, best ones I saw. Religion and politics, in the right place - I think though, both of those are big talking points and people are open to them, I think it might be your experience with people you met in Eastbourne and it depends on the person