Do other countries see the english as being pompous?

Question

When i go on holiday, i see the other british people demanding things and being a pain in the bum. I get the general impression that they give a bad impression to other countries! I'm british myself, so don't take this as any form of insult if your british too!

any answers grateful!
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Answer 1

I am American and I do not see Brittish as being pompous. I see Brittish as being classier and more cultured than Americans. I often wonder if other countries see America as being low class with no culture, etc. I often wonder what other countries think about America. But as an American, I see the Brittish as classy, well mannered, as well as steeped in history and culture.

Just as with any country or culture, there are always pompous, rude people. It's not just the Brittish, there are more than plenty of people like that here in America.

Answer 2

I am French and I worked in a restaurant one month.
I've met some British, some American some German during this job. I did not found the English more pompous than another people. Most of them were very kind with me (maybe also because I speak English :) )
On the other hand, when I am abroad, I don't like my compatriots: I find that they are not respectfull and that they are a bit foolish, so may be it's the same impression than you with your compatriots abroad.

Answer 3

I think they think that the individual holiday makers are pains in the *** but not the British in general. I do find it embarassing when a tall, fat 50-60 year old English man in a loud shirt and chino shorts with thick plastic framed reading glasses hanging round his neck, wearing sandals AND socks that go up to his knees shouting very slow English at the poor receptionist or waitress who can't understand...know the sort of situation I mean?

Answer 4

I have not encountered many Brits (Being American) but the couple I've known from the Internet are nice. There appears to be a general consensus though that Brits can be kind of smug and elitist. I think americans are probably viewed the same way. It's a shame that the bad Brits and Americans give a bad impression about the rest of us who are kind and caring.

Answer 5

Yes they do. It comes from the days of the empire and controlling 1/4 of the world, also English is a world wide spoken language. Even the Americans (the so called World Superpower) speak English. It is a language from a small spart of a small island. Our acheivements, however cruel and questionable are secretly envied by other countries. We speak English as it is supposed to be spoken, my time in Australia let me know just how posh I sound to them. Pomposity and arrogance are part of the national character, take it or leave it. England expects so the saying goes. We have alot to be proud of. The entire world plays sports we invented (excluding golf - scots).

Answer 6

We sound alike. I am American and when I see other Americans acting boorish or obnoxious, I cringe and understand how we came to be known as "Ugly Americans". But I realized that they are truly a minority. I've known many people from dozens of countries and they have largely been great ambassadors of their respective homelands. The fact that some are pompous or arrogant doesn't decide for me that all members of their particular country are that way.

Answer 7

I'm British but I wonder sometimes if it's worth going abroad because all you see is these groups of idiots who seem to just go abroad to get drunk and cause trouble especially in southern Spain they're generally known as 'lager louts' then we're all looked upon as the same and I don't drink

Answer 8

Haha I love the Englishmen! People over here in the US love you guys, which is way more than I can say about Americans. Don't worry, out of any nationality Americans from the U.S. are hated the most. That's why so many other countries are trying to kill us!

Answer 9

I've never been to England, but the general feeling I get is that British people aren't pompous. I don't know much about them...but what I've seen, they seen relatively normal to me. I have heard, however, that English men are HORRIBLE in bed. Is this true?

Answer 10

Hello darling, Your correct writing certifies that you are British. I have already been in Cambridge University for 6 years and submitted a Ph.D. theses there. I really admire you. About your question, I'm sorry no any Idea.

Good bless you.