10 Things That Make British People Say “Only In America”

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10 Things That Make British People Say “Only In America”

When Brits think about America, a few quirky things might spring to mind that scream “Only in America!” From unusual food items to unique cultural practices, the differences can be both baffling and amusing. This piece takes a fun look at some of these distinctly American phenomena, exploring why they stand out to someone from the UK. So, grab your soda (with free refills, of course), and let’s explore what makes Americans say, “That’s so British!” while Brits are saying, “Only in America!”

1. Cheese in a can

For many Brits, cheese is a thing of beauty to be sliced from a block and savored. However, in America, cheese can also come from a can. Yes, you heard that right – press a nozzle and out comes cheese! This sprayable cheese is often used as a topping for crackers or poured over nachos. It’s a shocker for most Brits, who might initially scoff at the idea, but there’s something undeniably fun about spraying cheese. It’s an example of American innovation and convenience in the food industry, albeit one that might take some getting used to for those used to traditional cheese.

2. Pledge of Allegiance in schools

Every morning, many American schoolchildren start their day by standing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, hand over heart, facing the flag. This daily patriotic ritual is quite foreign to British students, who don’t have an equivalent in their schools. The practice underscores the strong sense of national pride instilled from a young age in the U.S. and reflects the importance of the flag as a symbol of American identity.

3. Drive-thru everything—even weddings

Drive-thrus in America aren’t just for fast food. You can do almost anything from the comfort of your car, including getting married! In places like Las Vegas, you can literally drive up to a window and tie the knot. This convenience-first approach is uniquely American and sums up the U.S. love for car culture and quick service, something that might just leave Brits scratching their heads.

4. Themed school dances with limos

Proms and school dances in America are often elaborate affairs with themes, decorations, and even limousines. It’s a rite of passage for many American teens, complete with dressing up and riding in style to the event. This level of extravagance at a school dance is somewhat unusual to Brits, whose end-of-school events tend to be much more low-key.

5. Giant butter sculptures at fairs

Imagine walking through a fairground and seeing a life-sized cow sculpted entirely out of butter. This is a common sight at state fairs in America, where butter sculptures are taken very seriously. These artworks can depict anything from animals to historical figures, showcasing both creativity and the American love for big, bold statements.

6. People saying “have a blessed day” unironically

In the U.S., it’s not uncommon to hear someone say “have a blessed day” in everyday conversation. This phrase reflects the open religious sentiment that is more prevalent in America than in Britain, where such expressions might be reserved for church. It’s a small but telling example of the cultural differences in how people interact and express good wishes.

7. Giant pancakes served with a side of more pancakes

In America, when it comes to food, often bigger is better. This is epitomized by the giant pancakes, frequently served with even more pancakes on the side. For a Brit, where pancakes are typically thinner and smaller, the American breakfast can be an eye-opening—and stomach-expanding—experience.

8. School mascots that are actual animals

In the U.S., school spirit is a big deal, and so are the mascots that represent each institution. Some schools even have real animals as mascots at games and events. This practice might seem bizarre to Brits, as it’s rare in the UK. It’s another aspect of the enthusiastic American school culture, emphasizing pride and unity.

9. Advertising for medication on TV

Turn on the TV in America, and you’re likely to see commercials for various medications, complete with a list of potential side effects spoken rapidly at the end. This direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising is something you don’t see in Britain, where regulations differ markedly. It reflects the commercial and competitive nature of healthcare in America.

10. Free refills for soda, no matter how many times you go up

One of the joys of dining out in America is the free soda refills. Walk into any fast food chain or diner, and you can refill your soda as many times as you want, at no extra charge. This concept is quite foreign in the UK, where you often pay for each drink separately, making this a true “Only in America” experience.