British vs. English?

Question

I am American. My husband plays a video game online with several guys from the U.K. They got offended when he called them British and insisted on being called English. Is this a geographic preference, or is this some sort of class distinction? Does everyone feel this way about it? I want to understand so that I don't accidentally offend someone. I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks!

Answer 1

It's weird. I consider myself British before English as I think the UK is better for all of its constituent parts. But if you ask most people, they want there national identity to be the region from which they come (The countries of England and Scotland, the provence of Northern Ireland or the pricipality of Wales).

It's a little like someone from the USA want to be known as a Texan or Californian before they are called an American - I know it's not exactly the same but its in the same vein.

And don't forget that the individual parts of the UK all have their own sports teams (i.e. Football (Soccer) and Rugby) so we regularly compete against each other - this adds a bit of tension.

Answer 2

British Vs English

Answer 3

We have British passports. There was a time when the English were happy to be called British, but the Scots, Welsh & Northern Irish, although also having British passports, still wanted to be called Scots, Welsh & Irish.

People from the southern part of Ireland have Irish passports, not British. Although their country is part of the British Isles, it is not part of Great Britain, and is a separate country known as Ireland or Eire!! Joined the EU before us and has the euro rather than the pound as currency. Are you still with me?!!! Anyway, where was I, the English used to be quite happy to be known as British.

Then, a few years ago, something changed, and now some people want to assert that they are English before British. They fly the English flag (cross of St. George) rather than the Union Jack, which has the flags of the other countries on it as well. Additional parliaments were set up in Cardiff and Edinburgh; another layer of bureaucracy.

I suspect that it started with allegency to football teams. The English team gets further in the World Cup than the other national teams do. This is probably the case with your husband's friends; they are English because they support England, the team.

Answer 4

I'm English, but I wouldn't be offended if an American called be British.

It would seem, therefore, that not everyone feels the same way.

I don't know why these people were offended, it's not a geographical preference (whatever that is) - all English people are British, as are all Welsh and Scots people. I don't see how it can be a class thing.

It may be a question of personal preference

Answer 5

Well, I regard myself as both, although I have to say I'm English first. England is my country, the UK/Britain is a group of several countries forming its own, larger country, so naturally I'm part of that too.

I know that foreigners sometimes think the terms England and Britain synonymous, and thus offend Welshmen or Scots by calling them English, but I've never heard on an Englishman being offended by being called British, as England is undoubtedly part of Britain, and has been ever since the Act of Union. So, I wouldn't worry about it; do be careful about calling non-English Brits English though.

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
British vs. English?
I am American. My husband plays a video game online with several guys from the U.K. They got offended when he called them British and insisted on being called English. Is this a geographic preference, or is this some sort of class distinction? Does everyone feel this way about it? I want to...

Answer 7

There are four countries with distinct nationalities.

England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

There are two groupings in general use. The United Kingdom (UK) includes all four countries.

Britain is a shortening of Great Britain (GB) which only includes England, Wales and Scotland. IT DOES NOT include Northern Ireland. Hence if all four countries are refered to using it, the phrase is "Great Britain and Northern Ireland." Whilst some Northern Ireland protestants like to think of themselves as British (but are not) a Catholic from Northern Ireland would be more than insulted to be called a Brit.

It should not be an insult to anyone to be called a Brit except of course the Irish maybe.

No other countries are included in the terms UK or GB.

But I am sure you are proud to call yourself an American and not a North American or any other grouping. So all the English are doing is asking to be called by their nationality, as may well happen with the other three countries.

Answer 8

Some really uninformed answers already!

Anyway: Great Britain is comprised of the nations of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Therefore, all these nationalities are collectively called British, but separately, English, Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh.

Generally speaking, the Northern Irish Protestant community is one of the few that will call themselves, first and foremost, British, while the other countires will call themselves by their nationality (ie. English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish). There is an interesting phenomena of British, though, being seen as more inclusive a concept than, particularly, English: minority ethnic communities tend to refer to themselves as "British Asian" or "Black British" rather than use the term English. Scottish Asian people, though, seem to accept Scottishness more readily - a more inclusive culture?

Anyway, it is a bit complicated. Try reading Billy Bragg's new book "The Progrssive Patriot" or Jeremy Paxman's "The English" for some further enlightenment.

Answer 9

Are you sure they were really offended or was it a bit of play acting?
If someone is criticizing the British I've been known to say "I am English" but meant in a humorous way only.
I lived in the States for many years and Americans nearly always referred to us as Brits and of course we all are. So if it was offensive by now Americans would have learned about it and avoided using it.
But I think you will get plenty of answers from my fellow natives, be they English or British, telling you that it's not offensive at all.
Hope that is helpful.

Answer 10

I was born in Malta which part of the british empire at the time and came under british rule. I now live in England and have served in the British Forces (as did my father). I would never call myself English as I was not born here but I am British and proud to be.

I hope this helps.