‘Are there any subtle cultural etiquettes in the UK that foreigners might miss?’ – 23 of the quirkiest and funniest British habits
12.
‘Tea alone is a whole code in UK society. If someone comes over you must offer a cuppa, that includes anyone doing work for you. If you go to someone’s and are not offered tea, GTFU, they dislike you are you are not welcome. If you are offered tea, you must accept or risk offence.
Biscuits as well can be a minefield; if you are not offered a biscuit they actively dislike you, if you are tolerated you get the Garibaldis, if you get offered the chocolate digestives or the custard creams, you are loved.’
–FaithlessnessFull972
13.
‘When English people talk about being hopeful and optimistic about winning a football tournament just nod along with them. They don’t understand they won’t win. They forget the pain of the last one really fast. It’s very sweet/sad.’
–AncoraPirlo
14.
‘We’re quite indirect with communication so you need to infer what we are actually saying. For example, in a work context: ‘It’s a good start’ could be perceived as positive but it actually means ‘There’s still a lot of work you need to do for it to meet the standard.’
–Ponichkata
15.
‘If you’re in London, only EVER stand on the right hand side of the escalator at an underground station. The left hand side is for walking.’
–coconut-gal
16.
‘If you’re standing in a queue and somebody pushes in or joins some friends, the rocking on your heels, tutting and raised eyebrow exchanges you’ll have with the ‘abiding by the rules of the queue’ people can feel like the most intimate and ‘we’re on the same page’ vibes ever.’
–StillJustJones
17.
‘If anyone drops a glass in public (especially in a pub or other drinking establishment) it is mandatory for everyone – everyone – to applaud.’
–NYAJohnny
18.
‘Don’t hog the aisle at the supermarket. Keep your trolley close to the side and give space to others to view the produce too. In my experience, this appears to be a Brit thing like queueing.’
–alighieri85
19.
‘I’ll think about it = NO. Maybe = No. We’ll see = No. I’ll see how I feel = No.
Another common one is: Bye, bye, bye, bye, bye, bye, bye, bye,bye,bye, bye,bye, bye,bye,bye,bye,bye,bye.’
–SecurityTemporary849
20.
‘If someone stops to let your car through first you must give them the courtesy wave, ALWAYS DO THE WAVE or be forever cursed into ignominy. It inspires a particular pure form of rage, to not get the courtesy wave. Usually two fingers raised off the steering wheel.’
–alancake
21.
‘If someone replies with “I beg your pardon?” and they’re not smiling, run.’
–RushExisting
22.
‘You say ‘You’re welcome’ to people’ who say ‘thank you’.
You say ‘YOU’RE WELCOME’ to people who don’t say thank you.’
–Ok-Ship812
23.
‘If we say we have a slight issue, it means there’s been an absolute disaster.’
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The British are a tricky bunch, and this comment summed it all up best of all…
‘No, there are no cultural etiquettes you are likely to miss. British people are well known for being like open books: 100 per cent direct and to the point. For example, we would never dream of using sarcasm, deadpan humour, passive aggression or other forms of indirect communication to confuse foreigners. In fact we can be a bit boring to talk to because we always say exactly what we mean.’
–ClarkyCat97
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Source r/AskUK Image Screenshot