Etiquette you wish Americans knew?

Question

Are there any etiquette guidelines Americans should follow when in England? I am moving to Luton, Bedfordshire, and having never been abroad, I am nervous about offending anyone. Is there anything the Americans do that the English find particularly annoying?

Also, I have been looking for UK etiquette books and have found several, but is there a single one you would recommend above all the rest?

Answer 1

Hi there! I moved to England when I was 14 so lets see if I can help.

For the most part people will be really nice. A lot of people are really interested in American culture and you'll get asked the same questions over and over again, but it's all good.

There is a lot of anti-American feeling over here given the current political situation. Everyone- and I mean EVERYONE- hates Bush. But the English are very good at keeping that seperate from how they judge individuals, so it won't impact their opinion of you for the most part. Don't worry about that, be prepared for the odd joke but laugh it off because they are just kidding.

Someone already said this, but you must be able to laugh at yourself. Americans can have a certain arrogance. At school and in the media we got taught to be really openly patriotic and it's really annoying to the rest of the world. A lot of Americans will stand up and declare that the USA is the greatest country in the world when they don't even know anything about other places (like, it's not the ONLY free country!). So just be open-minded.

Try and learn things about geography and anthropology as well. Just showing that you're knowledgable about the world outside the USA will impress them, and help us defy the stereotype of Americans who don't know where any other countries are, let alone the language they speak.

Don't complain about food portions or the fact that you tend not to get free refills for your soft drinks in restaurants. I had some friends visit and I swear it's all the talked about the whole time. "Oh my god, I can't believe how much coke costs, and the glass is soooo small!". Comment on things you like and appreciate until you become an honorary Brit- then you can start b*tching about Tony Blair, the NHS and the bloody weather.

Oh and forget the etiquette books. Honestly, you'll just come across as pretentious. Read "Notes from a Small Island" and "Notes from a Big Country" by Bill Bryson- it's all about the cultural differences between the US and the UK. Hilarious reading, and will make you see things you take for granted differently.

Answer 2

I've been here for three years and they love me. I have not found one person yet who is annoyed with me or finds me weird in any way. You do have to get use to some things of course, like once with my Father-in-law I mentioned "fanny pack" - which we know as the purse we wear around our waist - he hit the roof, hahaha. Over here, it means something totally different than what we Americans mean, so, it's all a good laugh.

The Brits are great, just be yourself, you won't offend them, trust me, they are polite, very well mannered, and whenever you say sorry, all I ever get is, "You're alright luv" with a big smile.

Forget the books, just be you! You can learn more from being yourself than what any book can or will teach you.

Yes, yes!! Don't brag about our Country because we know it's not the "best" as so many seem to "think". America has been in the hole ever since moron BUSH has been in office and he's done a bang up job of screwing other countries as well.

If for any strange reason you like the worlds dumbest President - as future history books will attest to - keep it to yourself, it would be much appreciated over here.

Answer 3

Only my own point of view, but i think etiquette books are outdated, unless you're planning to have the Queen over for lunch!! The fact that you are aware we have cultural differences means that you'll probably be perceptive enough to work everything out within a short space of time! Lot's of luck in your new life here in England.

Answer 4

Just be yourself, but be prepared to have a laugh at yourself - I have a great many American friends and we constantly tease each other about the "correct" pronunciation of words like herbs, tomatoes etc. The least attractive thing in anyone from any country is their unshakable belief that everything's better where they come from (and it's not just Americans!) - try to just be open, humourous (humorous!!) and friendly and you'll be fine. I think it's quite endearing that you so want to get it right - some people will behave like idiots towards you, but rise above it! We all come from great nations. Have a good trip.

Answer 5

If only we all behaved according to an etiquette book …I really wouldn’t worry about that - unless you’re going to meet the Queen.

Just be yourself & bear in mind that people here are just like everywhere else - some will be polite & others rude.

When it comes to current affairs, please note that many people are very critical of your president because of the Iraq war - don’t take it personally - just as many hate Blair as well!

Think about the language differences over here...i.e. the same word can mean something else (as I’m sure you know) - if someone tells you that they are going to have a f@g...it only means they are going to smoke a cigarette (although we know the other meaning!)…& don’t refer to your f@nny (without knowing what it means)…it’s much ruder over here…

…you could familiarise yourself with some differences here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_words_having_different_meanings_in_British_and_American_English

Answer 6

We don't really mind that much, just try not to be ignorant and unnecessarilly rude to people and you should be fine. For example, i was in my local stationary shop, and there were these two americans, who were blocking off the whole aisle leading to the till. I was politley waiting, whilst they discussed whether to buy blue or black pens (a crucial decision, i know) and when i finally asked if i could please come past, they accused me of being rude and impatient! So just don't do that, and you'll be fine over here!

Answer 7

Don't go invading other countries without a lawful reason or an exit strategy.

Answer 8

save the voice down under 80 decibels, dont brag approximately how solid u . s . is, settle for united kingdom for each and all the faults it has fairly the climate, dont be condescending, hear attentively, and be apologetic for the Bush administration and US distant places coverage

Answer 9

Erin B I saw you on the news today...!!
☆ http://www.osoq.com/funstuff/extra/extra03.asp?strName=Erin_B