Sunday was my 1-year anniversary of living in the UK as an American! A year ago I didn’t think we’d board that plane in Houston, but I’m so glad we did. We’ve had our fair share of cluelessness, homesickness and other ailments most American expats complain about living in the UK, but the positive experiences most definitely outweigh any bad. If living in the UK as an American is in your future, here are 14 tips to avoid a social blunder when meeting new people in the UK.
I’m still translating British and how to embrace Englishness, but overall I’d like to say I’ve settled in quite well despite my embarrassing social moments along the way. In honor of this major milestone, I bring you my 14 social tips for living in the UK as an American to meet new people and make friends.
14 Social Tips For Living In The UK
Whether moving to the UK or just along for a visit, find out what it’s like living in the UK and tips for navigating the differences between American and British culture to meet new people and make friends.
1. There are 56 English dialects in the UK where in the US there are 24.
The first assumption everyone makes is that the language is the same so communicating should be easy. And sure, we’re not dealing with trying to learn German, Czech, or Russian, but there is still a fair amount of differences that can make social moments incredibly awkward when you can’t understand a word that they are saying.
Watch an episode of Gogglebox for a flavor of different dialects. Plus, as an American living in the UK, I find Gogglebox a great way to get exposure to the dialect differences. I still struggle with understanding but I’m making progress.
Tip 👉🏻If you call someone Cockney and they are actually Brummie, you might get an evil stare. Try to learn the different accents of where you live in the UK and if you simply don’t know, avoid trying to guess.
2. Doggie bags and taking leftovers home is only an American thing.
If you go out to dinner with friends or wanna be friends or anyone British really, do not ask to take leftovers home with you. The Brits don’t do that. The restaurants don’t support it. It’s just not a thing in the UK. If you do it, there will be an awkward pause…like a record stopping in the middle of a busy restaurant. Embarrassing. Trust me.
3. You can’t avoid Trump despite living in the UK.
Everyone wants to talk about Trump. It won’t take long to learn that everyone in Britain hates Trump. And the person that brings up his name to you is specifically bringing it up to tell you that. Again. Don’t comment. Just let them vent. There is nothing you can do to compare. As bad as Brexit might have been or Boris Johnson’s own hair for that matter, the simple fact remains:
America has Trump and Britain has the Queen. Game over.
4. Brits are infatuated that Americans are infatuated with guns, and they want to know why.
The stereotype of America and its love for guns is going to come up. The Brits want to know what the gun infatuation is.
Whether you have an opinion or not, the whole conversation is awkward so best not to go there. And now really isn’t the time to share that you grew up with guns and might even own one, even though you personally don’t like them either.
Just be quiet and let this part of your life remain with you…in America.
Not everyone needs to know your gun story or how you shot better than the guys at your last team building event while chatting over a glass of wine at a dinner party. Awwwkwaard.
Remember, you’re still the newbie here.
5. What’s this holiday Americans have that Brits don’t?
Although Brits have far more holidays and time off than Americans do, now’s the time to get current on the reason for the season. Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, May Day, and more…be prepared to explain why it’s a holiday, particularly if you start outwardly complaining that your kids have to go to school on that day. 🤦♀️
6. Pants are underpants in the UK.
On a more British note, if you get caught in the rain refrain from telling people that your pants are wet. Or worse? Don’t share that you prefer to not wear pants at all.
Pants are underwear and trousers are pants in the UK. I’m fairly certain everyone thinks I go commando 100% of the time.
7. A cuppa isn’t your bra size in the UK where it could be in the USA.
A cuppa is a cup of tea and not someone asking you for your cup size. Having a “cuppa” with a friend can be a morning (10 am) and afternoon (3 pm) affair with 1-2 hour stretches each. Drinking tea really is a national sport.
8. Chuffed isn’t what happens after a morning jog.
On the theme of funny tips for living in the UK is the word “chuffed”. Chuffed is not chafed and definitely not chuff unless you are in a conversation about lady parts. (Probably shouldn’t Google that one from a work device.) 😳
My advice? Refrain from using the word “chuffed” in order to stay out of trouble.
9. If someone is pointing at you while driving, you’re probably on the wrong side of the road.
If someone is waving you down while you’re driving, it’s not because they want to be your new BBFF (British Best), but they are trying to get you off the road so you don’t run them over or their kid. So many lessons learned from driving against one-way traffic! (To be fair, the road signs aren’t that great here.)
10. Brits don’t eat birthday cake at the birthday party, while Americans do.
Although the British don’t do takeaway, the one exception is birthday cake. So if you choose to spend hours on Pinterest searching for the perfect cake and then take a day to bake and frost it, try to not lose your cookies when the venue cuts the cake and passes it out to take home before you’ve had a chance to get the perfect photo.
Eating cake at the party also doesn’t happen in the UK.
11. On the subject of cake, Brits eat cake with their hands where Americans use forks.
One of the oddest differences between American and British culture is how we eat cake.
Brits simply eat cake with their hands. Americans use forks.
Brits serve cake on a napkin. Americans serve cake on a plate.
12. Rubbers aren’t condoms in the UK.
Back on the whole American English and British English aren’t the same thing, don’t panic when your son or daughter ask for a rubber. You can wait a few years for that conversation.
That’s one word I really prefer the American version over. Can the Brits get on board with eraser?
There are only so many rubber comments that can be made without bursting into laughter. I know. Very immature of me. 🤣
13. Swearing isn’t common – unless at a football game in the pub.
F-bombs in casual conversations apparently aren’t cool. Save it for the pub where anything goes.
14. The word “sorting” isn’t for sorting socks, but for generally every conversation in the UK.
If you need help or customer service in the UK, the only word that resonates is “sorted”. The irony is that nothing ever really gets “sorted”. It’s just a polite way to say, “Yup, I heard you. Good luck with that.” 🤣
Final Thought On Social Differences Between American And British Culture
Happily, what I can say is that after living in the UK as an American and experiencing many embarrassing moments along the way, I can truly say I’m sorted. And I love it. ❤️
What social tips for living in the UK as an American can you share? I want to know! Please post in the comments.
Looking for living in England resources?
- 11 Good Things About Living In The UK (And Why I Want To Stay)
- 12 Things About Moving To UK From USA You Need To Read First
- Moving to the UK? Use my detailed MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST
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