9 Things Americans Consider Normal That Brits Find Excessive

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When Brits visit the United States, they often find themselves surprised by certain American norms that are quite different from back home. From the size of meals to the way sports are celebrated, these differences can be quite startling. Let’s explore some of these American norms that might seem a bit excessive to someone from the UK.

1. Huge restaurant portions

In America, when you order a meal at a restaurant, be prepared to see a plate piled high with food. This is pretty normal and many Americans even take leftovers home to eat the next day. But to Brits, these huge portions can seem a bit much. In the UK, portions are generally smaller, and finishing your plate is the norm.

2. Massive pickup trucks

Massive pickup trucks are a common sight on American roads, often used for both work and personal use. They symbolize rugged individualism and are equipped with powerful engines. Brits, used to smaller cars and narrow roads, might find the sheer size and prevalence of these trucks to be excessive and impractical.

3. Oversized homes

In many parts of the U.S., homes are notably larger than those in the UK. Americans love their space, and this is reflected in their home choices, with large bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and expansive living areas. For Brits, who are accustomed to more modestly sized dwellings, the scale of American homes can be quite surprising.

4. Giant coffee sizes

Ever ordered a coffee in the U.S.? If so, you might have noticed that the sizes are much larger than what’s typically offered in the UK. With options like “Tall,” “Grande,” and “Venti,” which can go up to 20 ounces or more, the coffee sizes in America can seem enormous to a Brit used to smaller, more restrained servings.

5. Long daily commutes

Long commutes are quite common in the U.S., with many people traveling over an hour by car to get to work each day. This norm can seem extreme to Brits, who are used to shorter commutes typically done by public transport or cycling in more compact cities.

6. Air conditioning everywhere

Americans love their air conditioning, installing it in homes, offices, cars, and virtually every indoor space. The constant cool environment is something Americans often take for granted. In contrast, air conditioning isn’t as widespread in the UK, where the climate is milder, and people often prefer open windows.

7. Huge supermarkets

The size of American supermarkets can be overwhelming to visitors from the UK. These stores often carry an extensive range of products, from groceries to clothes to electronics, all under one roof. Brits are used to smaller shops focused on groceries only.

8. Large parking lots

Parking lots in the U.S. can be so large they require their own maps. This is a direct contrast to the UK, where space is at a premium, and parking spaces are notably smaller. The convenience of ample parking is something many Americans appreciate and expect.

9. College sports spending

In the U.S., college sports are a big deal and can involve significant financial outlays not just for the sports programs but for fan experiences. This level of investment and fanfare in student sports can seem unusual to Brits, where university sports are more low-key.