The British are a strange species with many idiosyncrasies. For instance, Brits are known for being extremely polite and obsessive tea drinkers, however there are many more traits that make up a British person. Perhaps you have watched some British TV or visited and really identified with the culture. Or you are British and are just curious about what other people consider to be British. Whatever the reason, you are sure to enjoy this checklist of all things British.
From roasts to train etiquette, click through to learn more.
To British people, the weather is not small talk: it is a totally valid topic of conversation. It makes sense considering that it often rains in the UK.
The Sunday roast is one of the most important meals in Britain. It was traditionally the meal everyone had after they went to church. Nowadays, it is just a staple of every British person's childhood. The traditional roast has meat, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, carrots, peas, and tons of gravy.
For some reason, when the universe is against you and everything is going wrong, British people put the kettle on. It somehow, cosmically speaking, will help to resolve the crisis.
From the kettle comes the tea. A cup of tea is medicine for your ailments, a balm for your bruising, and a solution to your woes. No matter how bad the situation is, a cup of tea will help you overcome it.
There is no other country on earth that loves their fried fish and chips as the British do. It is usually served with mushy peas, tartar sauce, and vinegar chips.
It is customary for British people to say sorry as many times as possible every day. They are constantly sorry. Even when the situation absolutely does not merit an apology, they will still say sorry.
While Americans may love Dunkin' Donuts and the French dunk their croissants, the Brits like to dunk a classic biscuit. The most popular biscuits are jammy dodgers, bourbons, digestives, hobnobs, and custard creams.
There is no equivalent to the British pub in other countries. It is for everything. It serves all meals, is a bar, and is for both families and friends.
The British are known to keep strong in the face of adversity. No matter how much they are suffering, the Brits are known for not showing it. Whether it is a discomfort with other people knowing your emotions, or just a desire not to dwell on things, no one knows.
The British have a very peculiar sense of humor. It is very deadpan and might come across as a little mean, but it's just a joke. What's more, Brits laugh about absolutely anything.
It may be the lowest form of humor, but it's also probably one of the most popular ways to make jokes in the UK. Everything is spattered with irony and sarcasm, and earnestness is often thrown to the wind.
Few cultures start their day off with such a heavy meal. Some believe that the British fry-up is the perfect cure for a hangover because the oil soaks up all the booze in your stomach. It certainly is delicious.
The Australians are more known for their quality of barbecues. However, the British are not known for their food so much as their capability to have a barbecue in the first few seconds that the sun comes out. As soon as it is just the tiniest bit sunny, Brits are out there grilling their sausages, even if it is still super cold.
The same goes for clothing. As soon as the temperature reaches a moderately average level, around 14°C (57°F), all clothes are shed to reveal shorts, tank tops, and sunglasses. Behold, the summer Brit.
The British have a habit of saying "right" before they are about to do something. You may recall Hugh Grant saying it many times in the film 'Notting Hill' (1999).
British people are so polite that a common situation happens on the underground. It's rush hour and the tube is overpacked. You are sitting on a seat but the person next to you is squashing in onto half of your seat. You are extremely uncomfortable, but choose not to say a thing and pretend like it's not happening.
If someone drops a drink in the UK, people will often not rush to your aid. The more likely reaction will be to point, laugh, and shout a big "WAHEY." Only after this sequence will people help you.
Pizza, scrambled eggs, pasta, pancakes– you name it, the Brits put ketchup on absolutely everything! They usually opt for the original Heinz tomato ketchup because it's "the best."
If you ever hear a British person complain or even hate on the royal family, it is likely you will hear a tone of satisfaction in their voice. The British relish in complaining about the royal family, even if they actually like them. It is as if they consider them distant family members.
Even if you have everything you need, a true Brit will buy something just because there is a great deal going on. This means buying five pairs of underwear, even if you went to buy one pair of socks.
The train tickets in the UK are so expensive that if you buy one, you want the ticket inspector to check it just so you don't feel like you bought it in vain. If they don't check your overly expensive ticket, you feel cheated in some way.
There is such an overwhelming spread of British TV that it is pretty common for British people to spend so much time looking for something to watch that they let their food go completely cold.
A real hallmark of a British person is to have at least one can of Heinz baked beans in your cupboard. It may stay there for decades, but on the rainiest of days when the fridge is empty, at least you'll have some hearty beans.
Perhaps it is because it is so rainy in the UK, but when British people go on holiday, someone will almost definitely say "let me go in your suitcase." You're not really going on a good holiday unless someone says this to you.
A real British person believes that the song 'Mr. Brightside' by the Killers is the essential early 2000s tune. It was a huge hit in the UK. Never mind that the Killers are an American band...
It is true that you either love it or hate it. However, no matter if a British person loves or hates marmite, they will still have a jar in their cupboard. It can be added to anything: pizza, pasta, and especially toast.
In line with their general politeness, all British people queue very well. This picture was taken in London on the Serpentine–they are all queuing for rowing boats, which are also pretty British.
British people hardly show their true emotions. It is not just concealing negative emotions during hard times, but also anything else. No reaction should be too strong. Therefore, often what British people are thinking is not what they are showing.
On December 26, it is customary to watch TV Christmas specials and eat wonderful turkey sandwiches. It is a happy day for all.
Sources: (Thing Database) (Ideal Home)
See also:
The most captivating British towns you have to visit
30 signs you might have a British personality
Things that are quintessentially British
LIFESTYLE Nationalities
The British are a strange species with many idiosyncrasies. For instance, Brits are known for being extremely polite and obsessive tea drinkers, however there are many more traits that make up a British person. Perhaps you have watched some British TV or visited and really identified with the culture. Or you are British and are just curious about what other people consider to be British. Whatever the reason, you are sure to enjoy this checklist of all things British.
From roasts to train etiquette, click through to learn more.