ADVERTISEMENT

Welcome to the land of the weird and the beautiful—the ancient sceptred isles, where people drink their beer by the pints, celebrate mysterious Bank Holidays that occur several times a year, and toss their trash out the first time they see a bin. Bins are holy there and the chance to do so comes very rarely, if ever.

But according to Jessica Rose, an American who’s been living in great Blighty for the past few decades, the list doesn’t end there.

Recently, Jessica listed all the “weird as hell things” Brits do in a thread that amassed 64.8K likes and went viral with people praising how spot-on it is. Let’s get ready for the quaint and quirky ride in the land of Britons.

Image credits: F7wiki

Image credits: jesslynnrose

Bored Panda reached out to the author of this viral thread, Jessica Rose, a woman in her 30s who works in the technology industry. After 10 years, Jessica still lives in Birmingham, UK and says that she really likes most things about life in the UK.

When asked what British things Jessica really likes, she said that as an American, she finds the National Health Service “mind-bogglingly amazing.”

“I also really love the public transport here. And almost everything about Birmingham. Am I allowed to mention it's the best city in the UK? I don't think there's much I dislike about living here, some things are just still weird after 10 years.”

#3

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's called courtesy. No harm in being polite, and it brightens the drivers day to know he is appreciated. Happy drivers are less likely to hit the curb

View more commentsArrow down menu

But that doesn’t mean that Jessica doesn’t miss the American way of living. “It seems like a silly thing to miss, but as my days get really busy, I miss shops being open as late as they are in the states,” she told us.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jessica also believes that “a lot of the misconceptions of and stereotypes about the British mistakenly group all of the UK into a homogeneous lump while the UK is really a massively diverse group of people across our 4 countries (N. Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England).”

#5

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
gensaccs avatar
Gëë Bëë
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah many beaches in the north are mostly pebbles and yes......you will be mugged by seagulls for your watch, keys, wallet and finally your chips and there is nothing you can do about it and nobody can help.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

orionmhall Report

Add photo comments
POST
deeslater avatar
louisebruton avatar
Louise B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a born and bred Manc, the only acceptable answer to, 'Ya'right?' is 'Ya'right?' Please don't confuse this with a genuine question. We have NO interest in your wellbeing. At no point do we want to know if you are, in fact alright. We're just pretending to be polite and that

chris_lee103 avatar
Chris Lee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An American explained this: Bert Leston Taylor. "A bore is a man who, when asked how he is, tells you."

Load More Replies...
biljanamalesevic avatar
Biljana Malesevic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In my country people ask you that if you suddenly get pale, drenched in sweat, or scream in pain.

smpietzka avatar
Bumble
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, you? That's all you need. No-one wants to know if you are not ok, British people don't talk about these things.

anne-colomb1986 avatar
cassiushumanmother
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the same in France. "Salut, ça va?" "Bien et toi?"/"Hey, are you OK?" "Fine and you?". You can reply "fine and you?" while walking away from people, everyone knows that's just a greeting sentence, we don't care at all.

branka-mrdjen avatar
Alexa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

German version: Alles klar? It took me almost a year to stop responding with "Ja".

anne-colomb1986 avatar
cassiushumanmother
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Ja UND?" was your mistake, you misses the "und". Like "yes and?" in english. Not a problem in German, "ja und" is maybe the sign that you are bonding with people in Germany.

Load More Replies...
kayrose avatar
RoseTheMad
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You never respond with how you actually feel, it's just "alright thanks, you?"

danielmasonx avatar
DanieLegz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because every other country seems to think we talk like the Queen!

infectedvoice avatar
InfectedVoice
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a rhetorical question really, no more a question than 'hello'.

henrycheves avatar
Henry Cheves
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How's it going probably sounds weird to a foreigner. What is "it"?

davidwilliams_7 avatar
David Williams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

or just saying "alright", you just respond with "alright". It is similar to just saying "mornin'" it is just a declaration that it is morning, the correct response is also "mornin'".

jamespointer avatar
James Pointer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You reply the same thing they said lol.. "You 'right?" " alright?".... It's a question that asks your well being whilst also replying about your well being. it's small talk to show friendliness. That means literally nothing other than you crossed paths with this person.

mayadobre avatar
Maya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"You ok?" is what I ask my friend who as just fallen down the stairs, not my friend who I am casually meeting at Starbucks.

rogiyi6271 avatar
Lord Ponsonby
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The US "What's up?" is equally confusing to brits, as it means "What's the matter with you?"

wendy_scopes avatar
Wendy Scopes
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live near Bristol, where the 't' sound is pronounced as a glottal stop. The whole thing is shortened to "'righ-?". That's the sum total of greeting someone. You might add their name.

marksrules_1 avatar
Mark's Rules
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Defs in Harry Potter. Hagrid says "Aright Harry?" and HP replies "Aright Hagrid". Wish I could remeber which one...

brightbunny avatar
Nicki
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I learned this from watching Love Island, a guy or girl will just walking and say "You alright?", just keep walking by, it confused me until I realized it was kind of a greeting.

badmole avatar
Bad Mole
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That messed me up for ages; every time someone was saying hello I went into a moment of anxiety.

marythepoem avatar
Mary Peace
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

tehbonz avatar
B
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I arrived in the UK someone said this to me and I replied 'Yes, I'm fine thanks. How are you?' I got the strangest look. In Glasgow (Scotland) when you're asked 'Oit?' (are you alright?) it is usually followed by the request 'giss a fayg' (do you have a cigarette). If you say no, expect to get stitched up (headbutted).

kevincampphoto avatar
Kevin Camp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You always reply with the Cajun response: "How y'all are?"

michel_2 avatar
Marcellus the Third
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes because that's so much better than American "How do you do" to which the only acceptable reply is "How do you do" as in --- I'm just asking because I'm a good guy, I 100% don't actually give a flying eff.

lmarkuszewski avatar
Łukasz Markuszewski
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine being from Eastern Europe where no one asks about it, but when finally someone is asking we (as a Slavs) are required to complain for at least five minutes. First weeks in UK and people were looking at me like a weirdo, cause on causal 'y'alright?' I was replying 'actually my back hurts, I don't like my job, the washmashine is broken...' ;)

simon_37 avatar
Treessimontrees
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The inane American "Howareyou,good,howareyou,good" is awful, I throw a spanner in this pointlessly oiled machine by saying "I'm doing alright, thanks, how about you?" it causes a moment of awkward pause which I enjoy.

karenjohnston avatar
Louloubelle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Inane if you aren't American. I try to be polite to the Brits here, and not bash their habits and traditions. Why don't you try the same?

Load More Replies...
loganclermont avatar
marythepoem avatar
Mary Peace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So JK Rowling is an imposter, you think? How could anything British not be in Harry Potter?

Load More Replies...
nightspirit174 avatar
Aisling Allan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're in the UK at the time, no one's okay. The question's just giving you a chance to moan. XD

dillhenricks avatar
Dill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Argh no!! It's just hello and anyone actually answering (especially to moan) is going to get weird looks, see Lukasz Markusewski's comment!

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

This is the case with the famous English breakfast. “For example, people from outside the UK often think of the English breakfast as something singularly British, while overlooking the (far superior) Scottish fryups,” Jessica said.

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

tommorris Report

Add photo comments
POST
mutchandy7 avatar
Andy Mutch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please, oh please, cure us of that one! (Not that you're much good at picking rulers,)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#12

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

Lizsview Report

Add photo comments
POST
earloflincoln avatar
Martha Meyer
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The difference is in the smell and sticking to your shoes intensity. Dpg poop is extremely disgusting. Horse poop not so much.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
cybermerlin2000 avatar
cybermerlin2000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We go to the counter and let them know what is wrong. We very rarely have to ask for it to be corrected as the person behind the counter usually offers to fix it and offer options.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Jessica didn't expect her Twitter thread to go as viral as it did. “I half hoped a few people would see it as I was quite proud of the phrase 'sugared houseplants.' I hope folks liked it!”

#16

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
dmarsh avatar
Daniel Marsh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"After you." "No, after you." "No, dammit, I SAID AFTER YOU." "Look you little f***face, I said after you!!!"

View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
tsimmons avatar
T Simmons
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hot water supply comes from a tank in the loft, which could be contaminated. It was UK law to keep hot and cold separate to keep drinking water (cold) clean. now its just tradition.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
padmeb avatar
Sarcastic Panda
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the old-fashioned SWEET shops have some of the best sweets out there, tbh

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
lolawootwoot avatar
Periwinkle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, This is an irish thing, Also a British thing but we will slam dunk you if you don't complete your round in ireland.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
comerfordsamantha46 avatar
Samantha Comerford
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Classical music played by classically trained musicians. Outdoor , elegance at its finest

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#21

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

caitlinmcmullin Report

Add photo comments
POST
gensaccs avatar
Gëë Bëë
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It was actually introduced during the war when water could be cut off or there were many shortages. Filling up a bowl uses half the amount of your sink. People just carried on using them as saving water is always a good idea. Remember our tap water is our drinking water too.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report

Add photo comments
POST
jameskramer avatar
James016
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are two types of people, those who put the milk in tea last and those who are wrong ;)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

American-Tweets-Funny-Weird-Things-British-Living

jesslynnrose Report