5 Major Differences Between British & American Culture

We may speak the same tongue oceans apart, but believe me, there are just some things that don't match when it comes to crossing British and American culture. And that can often surprise your typical Brit or American tourist when it comes to soaring to the neighbouring country for the first time. Like me, a Brit, for example. I, for one, didn't know that almost everywhere in the US requires tipping — even for a coffee. Like, there is a tax on practically EVERYTHING, and that was a total culture shift for me. Plus, it meant that every time I ventured somewhere, I'd have to calculate the additional costs that we don't really have back in the UK. But that doesn't mean we're slightly more protective over our money or anything. It just means that we're fitted with different mindsets depending on where we've grown up. And that's okay.

All of this got me thinking about the major differences between the UK and the US. Not just about taxes and the differences between Sterling and the Dollar, but all the little details, too. The likes of property and politics, laws and food — and everything in-between. When you put your mind to it, there are quite a few big differences between countries, and some might just surprise you.

We aren't as alike as you might think.

5. HOUSE DESIGN & PRICES

While I understand that not every American lives in Ken's dollhouse from Barbie, I do have to point out the elephant in the room here. And that is that suburban American home design is otherworldly, to the point where some structures are beyond believable; even surpassing the likes of The Sims. But, while not all US citizens live in the likes of the above, it's also worth pointing out that not all UK folk still live in Victorian manor houses in the countryside somewhere, either. In fact, most British suburban homes look something like this:

I'd say this is a fairly common property in a newly-built suburban area of the UK. But some homes go much smaller than this and date back several decades old. And, while this may just about house a small family; depending on where you live in the UK, you could struggle to afford anything slightly bigger. And that's when the price difference between countries comes in to play.

On average, a UK citizen can buy a three-bedroom home, relatively similar to the image above, for approximately £180,000. Whereas in the US, your chances of getting something triple the size (plus swimming pool, basement and attic), would probably be in the same ballpark ($240,000). And that's pretty much because in the UK, planning permission is strict and we don't have the amount of space as seen in the US. Land is so much cheaper in the States, and that goes to show when comparing homes between countries. And yes, us British are very jealous of this fact.

4. GUN LAWS & CRIME

While it's noted that in America gun laws are slightly laid back, UK citizens are compressed into a rather strict bubble where weaponry isn't tolerated unless absolutely necessary. And even then, you have to be a farmer within reason or in the special forces to obtain such a permit. But, chances are you'll never even see a gun over a lifetime in the UK. But that isn't to say that gun-crime isn't a thing in the UK — because it is. But, it's merely a single percentage or two (approximately 650 recorded in 2019) compared to the many other crimes that take place on a daily basis, whereas in the US there were just over 10,000 for 2019 alone.

Firearms are seen as a hobby in the States, but aren't considered a pastime in the UK. Of course, there are little things like paintball outings — but nothing to the extent of firing ranges or hunting parties. And that's where a huge difference lies between both countries.

3. FAST FOOD & SNACKS

As much as I love the UK cuisine, I can't deny the fact that America has greater portion sizes. Even fast-food chains like McDonald's; even they dish out jumbo-sized versions of everything compared to anywhere else in the world. And, sadly, I have been to my fair share of fast-food joints. But, let me tell you; I have never felt more fully satisfied in anywhere but the US.

Peanut butter seems to play a major part in American candy, that's for sure. In fact, it's almost everywhere, on every brand, and in every store. The US love peanut butter products, whereas British sort of enjoy it — but not that much. Instead, Brits prefer more savoury snacks, and don't overindulge in too much chocolate. But, then again, the UK has Cadbury — and that's something you can't quite beat in itself.

UK citizens often express their jealousy over the likes of Wendy's, IHOP, or Denny's, which play a big part in American food culture. Sadly, the UK doesn't really have any diners as seen on most Hollywood flicks. There is, however, tonnes of American-inspired restaurants that almost every Brit loves. Only they can't ever seem to match the portion sizes.

The UK typically cherish the beloved carvery dinner; with roast chicken, Yorkshire puddings, broccoli, carrots, crackling, and beef gravy drizzled over. And, this is something almost every British family has on most Sundays of the year. However, US citizens tend to opt for Thanksgiving for shared meals, which usually consists of turkey, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and a dessert of some sort.

2. ACCENTS & DIALECTS

In reality, both the US and the UK speak English. But, the biggest shock that came my way was when I was in a Las Vegas Denny's three years back. To me, I was speaking in clean English — but, to my surprise, the oblivious waitress completely blanked me as I tried to cycle through the other ways of pronouncing "diet Coke." Only, what I wasn't taking into account, was that I held one of the forty British dialects — and one of the toughest ones to understand, too. So, where I'd say "diet Coke" to the waitress, I practically forgot that she would've heard it as "di-ah Coke." And that, my friends, is a Gloucestershire accent, where the letter "T" is dropped off of most words, and the "R" is heavily rolled. And that's just one of the many.

WA-ERR (water) - Gloucestershire

Depending on where you go in the UK, you might just struggle to understand the person you're talking to. Even British folk who've lived in the UK from birth; even they sometimes struggle to make sense of a fellow Brit from the opposite end of the country. But, for the US; there are around twenty different dialects, and the majority of them are pretty straight-forward to understand. Boston, on the other hand, is supposed to be the toughest to decipher.

1. DRINKING RESTRICTIONS

One thing that took me by surprise was when I was Las Vegas as twenty-three — and I was asked for ID when trying to buy a beer. That, to me, was strange, because I hadn't been ID's since I turned eighteen back home in the UK, where the actual legal drinking age is eighteen. But, in the US, you have to be twenty-one to be served alcohol in any establishment. That, to most Brits, seems rather ludicrous; especially with the fact you can drive in the US at sixteen, or even purchase a handgun at eighteen. But you can't have a beer until you're twenty-one. And that, to Brits, is one of the strangest differences between both cultures.

British pubs are the crowning achievement to classic English culture, and every tourist has to spend at least one night getting hammered in a local spot. There's an essence that you don't find anywhere else, and it's one of the most fascinating things to do when passing through new counties, too. US tend to opt more for fancier bars or themed drinking spots, unlike British pubs. Either way, the drinks usually taste the same, so — no big deal.

The US and the UK have shared a close relationship for hundreds of years, and will more than likely remain in close quarters for many more, too. Despite the differences between the two countries, there are still so many things that bind the two places together, and that forms a rather special connection unlike any other.

Brits will often be jealous of something an American has, and of course, vice versa. Everything might be slightly different, but in the end — I guess we're all human.