9 Things Americans Do That Brits Don't

Between Britain and America, there are quirks, customs, and actions that the people of one country do, while the other does not. Here are 9 things Americans do that Brits don't.


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[rowynnecrowley]

In America, acknowledging the presence of a stranger is pretty much required. The rule is, if you make eye contact, you must acknowledge their existence at least non-verbally, with a smile or a nod. If you don't, you're being rude.

[deadasparagus]

If my drink isn't cold enough to freeze a Mammoth for thousands of years it's undrinkable.

[pdf]

America sounds alot like Australia. People go out in PJ's . Often with no shoes. We often smile at strangers and randomly chat to each other in queues.

[MikeDCWeld]

The biggest reason we buy bags of ice is that they come in greater quantities than people can typically make at home. They are often simply poured into coolers to keep the food and/or drinks cold. They are also great for serving large groups of people, especially if the event lasts for a few hours.

[joemckibben]

I blew the mind of a hotel desk clerk in Swindon when I told her that every hotel in the US had an ice machine and every room had an ice bucket. Her response was, “Why?”

[saphiregirl]

I sat in a five guys at a mall in London and there were free refills and it made me smile to no end to see the British reaction. Some people responded with physical anger, “why would anyone need that much pop?” Others, especially teenagers, so much happiness!

[Jillianrc]

I recently moved to a classic American suburban neighborhood, and it’s honestly just like “in the movies and tv shows”. Everyone’s out working on their lawns or their cars in the garage, and when I walk my dog I always get roped into a conversation with a stranger. People are just so genuinely friendly which I think is nice...most of the time.

[jomesleveque]

As an American, I find these videos fascinating. I think it’s very interesting to see how people from foreign countries experience new things in other countries like America

[victoriae]

Clarification on why people buy bags of ice: they're handy for when people need lots of ice at one time. Usually, people will buy them for parties such as barbecues or to fill coolers for trips and the like.

[kristal]

As a Floridian, I can confirm we put ice in nearly all of our drinks. The only exception would be if the drink is suppose to be hot, like hot chocolate or some coffees or teas. There might be less ice in the winter and more ice in the summer, but there is always ice in the drink. It feels wrong without it.

[carlied]

When I was walking in Paris with my friends, a couple stopped us and said “ You are Americans, right ? “ I asked them ...how did you know, and they said because you people are smiling at everyone .😂😂😂😂

[isaacwood]

When I was visiting London, I went to the post office to purchase stamps. There was a woman in front of me who had a baby in a tram. I commented to her about how beautiful her baby was. She looked at me with a sheer state of horror and ran out of the post office. It's not like I said I wanted her baby to sacrifice in a demonic ritual!!

[CathyMiller]

Bags of ice are used in coolers of soft drinks or beer too in summer-for BBQs, camping, tailgating.

[mmartin]

I love it when your wife explains something to you from off-camera. In this one she’s explaining why people buy bags of ice. She voices something that many Americans viewers are doing — sort of shouting out (in their heads) why something in America is the way it is. Any away, just a suggestion. You might do more of that. I think it works well.

[danielleking]

I chuckled so much when he was shocked people go out in their pajamas and sweat pants, and then he mentioned Walmart 😂

[starfursuits]

I recently moved to the UK from the US, and smiling in public thing is what has gotten me in the most trouble just while out for a walk. Even had a mom clutch her small child close to her after I said "good morning" while passing by.😅

I didn't realise greeting people would creep people out when I first got here. So getting all these confused and worried looks from people really confused me.😂 Still learning!

[christystewart]

My dad back in either the late 60s or early 70s made a business trip to London. At some after work function he was served a glass of scotch with an ice cube. Then the guy serving him said “oh, I know you Americans like your ice” and promptly added a second cube.

[MDStallings]

"It gets very hot in Chicago and Indiana"

Me in Georgia: "ha that's cute"

[tracychristenson]

Sometimes, it gets over 100 degrees! Sometimes! (People in Arizona burst into hysterical laughter.)

[lesliefish]

It's also common in the US to keep a flag flying in front of your house if you have a family member actively serving in the military.