12 Things Brits Secretly Think Americans Get Completely Wrong

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When Brits look at American culture, there’s a bit of head-scratching on certain habits and norms that seem just a tad off to someone from the UK. From how communities are designed to the way sports fans rally around college games as if they were top-tier professional showdowns, the differences are as pronounced as they are peculiar. Let’s go through some of these American quirks that Brits find a bit baffling.

1. Tipping for Almost Everything

Tipping can feel like a national sport in the US, where almost every service expects a little extra on top of the bill. From your barista to your barber, leaving a tip isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s often considered essential. In Britain, tipping is usually reserved for restaurants, and even then, it’s often less than what Americans are used to. This American practice can seem excessive to Brits who aren’t used to carrying spare change for every little service.

2. Building Neighbourhoods Without Pavements

For Brits, the lack of pavements (sidewalks) in many American suburbs is a puzzle. In the UK, pavements are a staple in almost all residential areas, promoting walkability and safety. The American model often assumes everyone will just drive, which isn’t always the case, and can be really inconvenient if you’re someone who likes to walk.

3. Depending on Cars for Every Journey

The car is king in the US, and for Brits, this reliance on four wheels for practically every journey, no matter how short, is strange. In many parts of the UK, public transport options are plentiful, and towns are often compact enough to travel across without a car. This American car culture not only contributes to higher pollution but also discourages walking and cycling as daily activities.

4. Homeowners’ Association Rules

In America, the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) can have a lot of say in what you can and can’t do with your property, from the color of your mailbox to the type of fence you can erect. This level of control can seem overbearing to Brits, who are used to more freedom in how they manage their property.

5. Giant Portion Sizes

Everything’s bigger in America, including the meal portions. Brits visiting the US are often shocked at the size of the meals served in restaurants. This can seem wasteful and unnecessary, especially when you’re used to smaller, more moderate portions back home.

6. Prescription Drug Adverts on TV

In the UK, prescription drugs are not advertised on television. Seeing these adverts on American TV is strange for Brits, who might find the direct promotion of medication to consumers a bit unsettling. The idea that pharmaceuticals are marketed like products can seem to undermine the professional advice of doctors.

7. Huge Drink Refills

The concept of free refills on soft drinks can be both a marvel and a mystery for Brits. While it might seem like good value, it’s also seen as an encouragement to overconsume sugary drinks, which isn’t exactly healthy.

8. School Starting So Early in the Morning

Why do American schools start so early? For Brits, the typical 8 AM or earlier start time for schools in the US can seem harsh for students who might benefit from a bit more sleep. In the UK, school usually starts later, which many believe supports better academic performance and general well-being.

9. Air Conditioning Running Year-Round

In the UK, air conditioning is not nearly as common, partly because the climate doesn’t require it. The constant hum of AC units in places where temperatures might not warrant it can seem like an unnecessary luxury to a visiting Brit.

10. College Sports Being Treated Like Professional Leagues

The intensity and scale of college sports in America can be baffling for Brits. College games often feel like professional leagues, with massive stadiums, devoted fans, and significant media coverage, which is a far cry from university sports in the UK, where it’s much more low-key.

11. Flags Outside So Many Homes

The prevalence of American flags displayed outside homes and businesses strikes many Brits as unusual. In the UK, national flags are generally reserved for specific national celebrations or sporting events, making the everyday patriotism in the US seem a bit over the top.

12. Drive-thru Services for Almost Everything

Drive-thru banking, pharmacies, and even liquor stores? The convenience of not having to leave your car for almost any service is something that’s truly American. To Brits, this might seem like laziness, but many Americans see it as a smart way to save time.