What are some do's and don'ts while in England?

Question

I'm studying in England next semester and I was wondering what some things to avoid saying and doing while in public or conversing with british people are! ie: it's not polite to give a thumbs up (don't know if thats true, just made it up)

are there any offensive hand gestures, or actions that are usually considered acceptable here in the US?

Answer 1

I've recently returned to North America from living in England for 2 years. I hope my perspective will make your move a bit easier.
(a "Thumbs up" is fine. It widely used and accepted.)

1) Don't jump queues anywhere in England. Be patient and wait your turn.

2) Pub Rules: You'll find that pubs are a big part of English life. If you find a good one (i.e. - good beer and friendly atmosphere), go often to get yourself known. People will start to warm to you. You don't have to drink a lot whilst at the pub, but it is where people go to meet and relax. Paitence and queue jumping is especially applicable in a pub. If in doubt, defer to the person next to you. Oh, and tipping a barmaid or barkeep is not done with leaving money on the bar. You leave a tip by saying to the person, "Buy one for yourself." Oh, and try to stay away from the fruit machines. They can be addictive and they take all your shrapnel (coins) away that usually would be spent on beer.

2) Be courteous and respectful. The English are a lovely bunch of people if you say "please" and "Thank You" (or Cheers).

3) Don't be too forward with asking questions of the English to converse. To start up a conversation, use the weather or sport (usually with the male population). Make sure you don't ask too direct questions such as: "What do you do for a living?" or "Are you married?"

4) Don't, under any circumstances, try to imitate the English accent to a person you don't know too well. Trust me, it will blow up in your face.

5) If someone offers you a "cuppa" (a cup of tea), take it. It's a great chance to start a conversation, and often get a great cup of tea!

6) Don't use the "Peace" sign, even with your palm toward a person, as it can be misconstrued as the "V-Sign" with your palm toward you and an obscenity in England.

I'm sure there's many more, but here's a start!

Answer 2

You're so lucky, I've wanted to go to England my whole life! Actually its funny, my biology teacher is English and she says ALL the time that textbooks and dead frogs and blahdy blah are always better in England. I suppose they are though ... :)
P.S. My uncle lives in London, and this is what he tells me about life there...

1. Always take off your hat inside.
2. Don't pass gass and don't say if you do!!! Otherwise, people will just laugh at you
3. Cover yawns with your hand
4. Always shake hands with people you meet, don't hug them or slap them on the back-- that's for your very best friends and relatives
5. Standing in line is a reaaaaaaaaalllly big thing.. don't be like a kindergartener.
6. Never ever be late to anything!
7. Don't be offended if people call you "cute" names.. my uncle is 43 and he was called duckie by an old lady in front all his friends.. just smile!
8. Don't eat off the fork.. might as well just cut your tongue off with a machete
9. If you bump into people, say sorry... it should just be automatic.
10. Do not spit on the street.. that is inexplicably gross and unlike us "Americans" the British like to keep their streets clean
(of course, I think that's absolutely nasty too, I nearly puke when I see people do that :( ... )

Anyway, have fun! Oh, maybe you should google up some other ones, but I suppose I got the basic facts above.

Answer 3

because there are not many Conservative MPs in Scotland or Wales. In England, the concern is slicing taxes for the further perfect off and kicking the very shown truth that we bailed out the bankers who brought concerning the monetary mess into the lengthy grass, while in Scotland and Wales they look to imagine searching after the human beings who stay there is quite significant. How stupid is that.

Answer 4

Be polite, willing to try new things, think about it like you are representing your country so don't give them a bad name. The English seem like nice people be respectful. And there is something with hands that they find disrespectful I heard, find out what it is.

Answer 5

A thumbs up is OK.

We English are a very tolerant people, but we do not like rudeness or arrogance. Do not push in, wait in a queue. Do not tell us how everything is better where you come from.

Just act as you would if you were a guest in somebody's house.

Answer 6

Don't be too loud on public transport. That's the only thing I can think that's irritating about American students-it must be the novelty!!

Answer 7

DO get a good travel guide that will cover these very questions.

DON'T drive on the right side of the road.

Answer 8

Don't punch the Queen in the face.

Answer 9

One of the do's is stand at Buckingham Palace and shoot obscenities at the queen. One of the don'ts is drink their beer. Ask for what would be a good import such as a beer from the USA.

Coach

Answer 10

Don't goose the Queen!