24 Major Differences Between the U.S. and Britain That Have Nothing To Do With Accents

Americans and Brits speak the same language, have similar laws, and participate in similar cultural customs. Still, beneath these similarities lie distinct differences. These are a few of the most notable.

1: Ordering Ketchup 

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While Americans are known to ask for ketchup with their fries, in Britain, ketchup eaters specify “tomato ketchup.” This isn’t because there are lots of other ketchup flavors in England, it’s just the way the British say it. 

2: Volume

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In general, the British perceive Americans as loud and sometimes brash. In contrast, Americans tend to perceive the British as more reserved and quieter.

3: Sense of Humor

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Americans and the British don’t see eye to eye on comedy. The British have a classically dry sense of humor that many Americans don’t quite understand. 

4: Optimism 

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According to a survey by Cultural Mixology, the British are more likely to take things negatively or see subtext in conversation. For example, if you tell an American, “Let’s do lunch soon,” they’ll probably take it positively, but the British do the opposite. 

5: Communication

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The U.S. values frank and direct communication, especially when something is positive. In England, many opt for toned-down and understated forms of communication. 

6: Sense of Tradition

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Americans have traditions just like any other culture, but the sense of tradition in England is arguably stronger. From daily teatime and Sunday roasts to Guy Fawkes night and turkey on Christmas, tradition emanates throughout British culture. 

7: Restaurant Seating

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In America, asking for a seat with a view is common if there’s something to look at. In England, though, many are willing to wait for a window seat even if it’s grey and raining. 

8: Making Tea 

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If you’re getting up to make a cup of tea in England, you better offer to make everyone else some too. Not offering is extremely rude. In the U.S., it’s nice to ask, but most people won’t think any less of you if you don’t. 

9: Alcohol Consumption

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According to Gallup polling, the British drink more heavily than their American counterparts. Forty-two percent say they consume alcohol a few times a week or more, compared to only 23% of Americans. 

10: Driving

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The British drive on the opposite side of the road, as any American can attest to who’s tried driving on the left side for the first time there. They also have smaller streets and smaller vehicles in general. 

11: Grocery Shopping

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In the U.S., most stores bag your groceries for you, but that’s not the case in England. Stores often have you bag your own purchases and they charge for every bag used. 

12: Vacation Time

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Residents of the U.K. get 28 days of paid vacation plus nine recognized holidays. In the U.S., employees receive an average of eight paid holidays per year, and companies aren’t legally required to offer any vacation time. 

13: Firearms

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While firearm ownership is relatively prevalent in the U.S., few British citizens own a gun. Even the police force often doesn’t carry firearms.

14: Leaving Events

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Events in the U.K. can extend to awkward lengths as the reserved British guests don’t always know how to make an exit. In the U.S., people are less likely to worry about being rude and are happy to make an excuse when they’re ready to go. 

15: Autumn Obsession

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Many Brits enjoy autumn, but they don’t have the cultural fall obsession that seems to hit the U.S. every year. You can still get a pumpkin spice latte and dawn your flannel prints, but Brits don’t make a huge deal about the new season as many do in the U.S. 

16: Ice in Drinks

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If you order a Coke at a restaurant in America, the glass will likely be two-thirds full of ice. In the UK, ice is minimal, and many beverages are consumed at room temperature or warm.  

17: Coffee Consumption 

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Ask any American for a cup of coffee, and the chances are pretty good they can make you one. That’s not the case in the U.K. If a British citizen has coffee in their home, it’s almost always the instant kind. 

18: Bathroom Outlets

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Americans rely on bathroom electrical outlets for everything from their hair dryer to their toothbrush, but in the U.K., most bathrooms don’t have outlets. Instead, the English often have dressing tables and mirrors in their bedrooms. 

19: Keyboard Rage

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The English may be known for being reserved, but that doesn’t mean they’re never upset. While an American may be more likely to express anger face-to-face, some British folks are known for having keyboard rage. 

20: To-Go Boxes

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In America, asking for a to-go box when you dine at a restaurant is common. In the U.K., to-go boxes are almost non-existent. 

21: Dates

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If you ask an American for today’s date, they’ll say month-day-year, as in January 1, 2024. If you ask the British, they’ll say day-month-year, as in the first of January 2024. 

22: Pay Periods

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Americans typically receive their paychecks bi-weekly. In England, workers typically only receive payment once a month. 

23: Telling Time

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Using a military clock is slightly more common in the U.K. than it is in the U.S. The real difference in time telling, though, is spoken. Rather than give you the hour, many Brits will simply say “quarter past” or “half past.” 

24: Receiving Mail 

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Mailboxes are a common sight in front of American homes, but that’s not the case in the U.K. There, having a letterbox built into one’s front door is the norm. 

24 Foods Americans and Brits Totally Clash On

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In this culinary clash, we examine 12 distinctly British and 12 entirely American foods that fall short across the pond. How many of these gross British foods have you tried?

24 Foods Americans and Brits Totally Clash On

15 British Terms That Baffle Americans

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It’s hard to believe that American English originated from the British, given our differences in accents and word use. These are some of the top British terms that confuse and amuse Americans. 

15 British Terms That Baffle Americans

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