7 Fun Facts about British People

7 Fun Facts about British People

1. British people drink 165 million cups of tea every day

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Whether it’s with milk or sugar, it’s clear Brits have a fondness for tea, going through a staggering 165 million cups every day, or 60 billion cups a year! That’s more than 900 cups for every man woman and child in the country! Drinking tea has become firmly entrenched in British culture, from a simple tea break at work to the afternoon tea in some of UK’s poshest hotels and restaurants.

The reason Brits love tea so much can be a somewhat complicated matter. There is, of course, the taste, which goes perfectly with a biscuit. There is also the warmth, which goes perfectly with the cold weather in the UK. However mostly drinking tea is a deep part of British culture, going back hundreds of years and an iconic part of being British.

2. Brits love to complain

Brits love to complain about everything! Among the most popular things that Brits complain about include the weather. Britain’s weather is so unpredictable and always changing, one minute it could be sunny the next pouring down. There is always something to complain about as well as being a conversation starter. It could also be a distraction from more serious issues such as politics. Whatever the case moaning about the weather is a typically British trait.

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Another thing Brits love to complain about is queuing. Whether it’s the line in the supermarket, the airport check-in, the bank or anything else, Brits will moan about it. Although it is considered rude to shout ‘hurry up,’ Brits usually show their displeasure and impatience through tuting.

Queuing is the one thing we complain about after we have finished. You never complain while you stand there. The worst thing mistake you can commit is queue jumping and will always be met with disapproval from those patiently waiting in line. Brits don’t like the queue but they will always respect it unless it is waiting for a tube train during rush hour!

3. Brits love to say sorry for everything

Brits are practically sorry for everything. Whether it’s someone bumping into you on the street or when you can’t hear what someone is saying, there is never not an appropriate time to say sorry. They don’t care whose fault it is, apologising is just an automatic reaction even if they don’t actually mean it. It will come as no surprise that Brits will say sorry up to 200,000 times in their lives! Brits say sorry all the time as a way of showing good manners. Many people also apologise to a stranger to help diffuse a potentially awkward situation.

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4. Etiquette and manners are important

Etiquette and manners are something that is important to Brits. You might notice that many Brits say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ more than is necessary. It is considered polite and a regularity in British speech and is always welcomed.

Good table manners are also important, especially when you are in a guest’s home. You are usually expected to wait until everyone has been served before eating. It is also important to engage with your guests/friends/family while eating as it is considered by many Brits to be rude to be using your phone while at the table.

Good etiquette is also important to Brits, in public, especially on public transport. It is important to let others off the train before you start to board. It is considered rude and many people may stare at you if you try and board first! Another thing  that is important on public transport, Brits like to offer their seat to someone who might need it more such as an elderly, disabled or pregnant person, Again, people may not be impressed if you don’t do this, they may not say anything but will silently judge you!

5. Brits value their humour

With so many great comedies originating from Britain, including Peep Show, the Inbetweeners, Friday Night Dinner and Only Fools and Horses among many others, it comes as no surprise that Brits value their humour. There are many forms of British humour such as sarcasm, and irony, satire and the absurd.

The key to understanding British humour is not to take yourself too seriously by making fun of yourself and flaws. It’s important not to take everything they say seriously or get too offended.  It’s also a surefire sign the person likes you if they insult you in a joking way!

Sometimes it can be difficult for a non-British person to understand a Brit’s humour, especially sarcasm, but you’ll come across it on a regular basis and you will become used to it in no time. It may, however, not be everyone’s cup of tea.

6. Handshakes are an important way to greet people

A firm handshake is a common way to greet someone in Britain and usually used in formal situations such as business meetings and meeting someone important. People often make assumptions about someone just by their handshake. For example, if you offer a limp handshake if can indicate you are not interested or confident. To give a good handshake firmly grasp the other person’s hand. It’s important not to press too hard but also not too limp. The handshake should be brief, shaking the hand about 2 or 3 times before letting go, followed by eye contact and a smile.

7. Brits love their pets

Britain is a nation of animal lovers with an estimated 51 million pets in the UK. With the population of the UK being 60 million, this means that on average there is more than one pet in every household! Brits love pets for their companionship and friendliness, especially for those who  are lonely or live by themselves.

It comes as no surprise that dogs are the most popular pets with 9.9 million and are owned by 26% of the population. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed among UK owners, known for its warm, friendly and loyal nature. Cats are also popular with 24% of UK adults owning one. Other popular pets include fish, rabbits, birds, and guinea pigs.

Labrador Retriever: Wikimedia Commons