American Reacts to Things Americans Do That Brits DON'T Do

Check out me and my twin brother reacting TOGETHER here:

As an American it is always fascinating to learn about how other countries view the United States. That is exactly why I am very excited today to learn about 9 things that Americans do that Brits do not. Living in American often makes me forget the little details about American culture that are different than British culture so I am looking forward to reacting to this video. If you enjoyed the video feel free to leave a comment, like, or subscribe for more!

[Dan-B]

I’m here to be the token person from northern England to say that not interacting with strangers isn’t universally British, it’s fairly common in northern England/outside of big cities.

[beverleyringe]

Laurence needs to visit Britain more often, we have had bags of ice to buy in Stores for ages, saying we don’t sell it.. he needs to update his facts..

[catherinehaywood]

British people do smile and even say hello to strangers in the street. I’ve always done it. I wouldn’t do it if I was visiting a big city but walking around smaller towns and villages it’s always done (by me anyway).
Most restaurants I’ve been in the U.K. always put ice in the water and a slice or 2 of lemon or lime.
We can also buy bags of ice in the stores here.
If you go to the store in your PJ’s here you’d be considered a “chav”

[melkin]

Here in South Wales you not only have conversations with complete strangers but you often get someone's life history while waiting for a bus!

[chrystpick]

The ice thing.
Most of us drink tap water. And it comes straight from outside so in winter it's ice cold anyway.
Even in summer the water is still very cold due to the volume going through system.
If we did want it colder most of us use a bottle (or a jug of your posh) and put it in the fridge

[kimberleyjanemcnab]

I’m beginning to think that “Lost in the pond” has actually been in America too long as his earlier work was spot on. Now he just continues American myths of Britain and its people!

[maumau]

It's actually very common here in Scotland to acknowledge passers-by with a smile, a nod, both or our personal favourite - "What's this weather like today?" In big cities it's less common. In rural areas it would be considered rude to totally ignore passers-by. I think it's important to show eachother a little courtesy.

[judithhope]

Oh dear, Laurance, I thought you Northerners were supposed to be friendlier than us Southerners, but we always smile and speak to people passing us on a footpath. In fact it happens most places we've encountered in the UK. Out in the countryside, we are likely to say Hello, lovely day or something appropriate to the weather, but among friends, we do say, how are you and we mean it. Yes we do say 'alright'. We are more likely to fly our individual nation's flag as we play football as individual nations.

[zo]

You need to remember this is USA today vs Britain 10+ years ago, Lawrence has said that he hasn't been back to the UK for a long time

[ChronicPlays]

The first one is inaccurate. British people smile at strangers all the time. I think it's just generally a human thing. If someone looks you directly in the eye, it's rude to not acknowledge that. As you say, you give a smile and/or a nod.

In regards to 'Alright', it's as you say. You use it to either ask someone if they're okay - "Alright?" - or you use it to acknowledge someone the same way you would with a smile or a nod. You might say "alright mate" to a stranger, meaning "hello mate" or "how are you?". The reply would either be "Alright" or "good thanks, you?".

[seanhickling]

I often wonder which Britain Laurance/Lawrence (guy in the video) grew up in. Apart from the South East (London area) Brits definitely smile and say hello to strangers.

[simonlockyear]

In South Wales we say "alright" especially to strangers and we would fly the Welsh flag, Scots their own etc.

[jeanettegreen]

I live in the North East of England, we smile and talk to strangers all the time. So don’t know why he’s saying that we aren’t friendly.

[leestirling]

Of course we sell bags of ice in Britain I got one in my freezer now. And yes every restaurant and food place does ice water it either comes from behind the bar or from the drinks machine depending on where you are. And some people in Britain have worn their pajamas to the shops for years and their dressing gowns. A few years back it was in the news because they said they were making it illegal. Whether they did or not I don't know but it was enough to make most people stop. It happens very rarely now. I don't know where this guy is getting his info tbh.

[davidbugler]

I've always thought that Americans flying the flag everywhere betrays a certain subconscious nervousness about their nationality. Like pledging allegiance first thing every morning in school -- it's as if they need to constantly re-assert it, or it will just drain away and leave therm with nothing. I don't have to fly the flag or pledge allegiance, I one hundred percent KNOW I'm British. Only people who have niggling doubts need to always be telling themselves and others who they are.

[puressenceuk]

Water from the faucet in the UK is usually very cold to start with, so most people don't see the need for ice apart from on scorching summer days

[James-ryve]

"Alright?" is just shortened "you alright?", or for me as a Londoner, "Yo'right?"

[BeeLZBeeb]

“Alright?” Is like you saying “what’s up?” It’s more a statement not a question.

[Scottistic]

My water comes out cold out the tap because my country is already cold. In the winter my water is actually frigid out the tap

[rozkirk]

I’m from Scotland and we smile and acknowledge people we meet