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“Until you have cried on public transport, you’re not a true Londoner.” The line sounds as if it was taken from a book of modern proverbs, but it’s in fact something that was overheard in London.

With its historical landscape, vibrant culture, beautiful gardens and canals, narrow streets and arts, and double-decker buses, no wonder London is among the most visited cities in the world.

And where there’s a lot of action going on, there’s a lot of miscellaneous things to be overheard. Like the internet’s powerhouse “Overheard LA” that collects conversations which were not meant for others’ ears, “Overheard London” is exactly that but with a Greater London twist.

So make yourself some afternoon tea with bourbon biscuits and get ready to see what Londoners are buzzing about, which is honestly the most entertaining thing ever.

More info: InstagramOverheardLA.com

#3

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Hans
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I need to memorize this. It would fit in many situations, not just in London...

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The old stereotype is that people from London are usually unfriendly workaholics who only care about money and themselves. You'd better not look in the eyes of a Londoner on the tube, as they will give you the evil eye back. Some foreigners think of them as self-obsessed, arrogant and stingy.

But this is just an exaggeration. The rude Londoner stereotype might have been created by the standoffish reputation of London’s fine citizens, who are otherwise genuinely very polite and have great manners. There’s something about this etiquette that is simply unparalleled and that’s why it may have caused a side effect of foreigners getting the wrong impression.

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On the other hand, it’s more or less true that people tend to be in their own little worlds on the transportation network. However, the tragic London bombings in July 2005 and the optimistic 2012 Olympics certainly showed that Londoners can join together when it counts.

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Another belief is that food in London is expensive and simply awful. It’s true that not even a BLT sandwich is cheap in the city compared to other European capitals. But when it comes to British food, not everything there is bland and greasy. If unpretentious but hearty is your thing, you’ll like the traditional pub food. Plus think of the crazy meal names like toad in the hole, bubble and squeak, and spotted dick.

Also, the sheer level of worldwide famous British chefs suggests that we may be underestimating the British talent to cook. After all, it does have famous chefs like Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson and Gordon Ramsay flying the flag for British cuisine everywhere they go!

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Jon S.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember once having to tie my shoelaces in London. Though I tried to take care where I stopped, I was silently pushed to the floor by angry pedestrians striding with purpose. London has its on rules.

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troufaki13
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One time I was so terribly bloated (courtesy of my IBS) that someone offered me their seat. I was too embarrassed to refuse...

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David
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While I personally would never be in that situation if at all possible, I would both ask and oblige.

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Ren Karlej
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Packed in so you can't lift your arms. Rush hour on London Underground.

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Mary Peace
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me what the song is, first. If I like it, I'll borrow your headphones and listen myself.

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm waiting for a train, bouncing around to my music, when out of nowhere a young man grabbed one of my earbuds and stuck it in his ear. He excitedly flipped out when he realized this old broad was listening to some OG hip hop. Made his day.

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Riley Quinn
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pre-pandemic, being squeezed into a car like sardines was a daily occurrence, so I fully appreciate the need to "rely on the kindness of strangers".

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Anni
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loool it was like tinned contorted sardines on the tube.

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backatya
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the user can't what makes him think the guy beside him can?

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Mohsie Supposie
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is just something we voted for and we got it, but we still got no clue what it is!

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha. Again, this is why I love London. They take no sh!t and give no fu*ks.

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brexit is really hurting the British and it's sad. Just because a group of wankers wanted more money and lied to get it (and admitted they lied). Boris is a twat.

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oooooh it couldn't get more sarcastic than that. I love it.

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#31

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Adam C
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Earlier : Woman to Taxi drive- Go to La guadia, La gouida, Lagida...forget it JFK please.

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J. F.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, the UK is the place with the highest amount of convertibles in europe - talking about optimism here....

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Al Cook
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Question is, is the American disgusted or excited by that? I'd be disgusted personally.

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#43

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Scagsy
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went about twenty years ago and I'm still waking up every morning with a hangover from it.

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Valerie G.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom used to say "don't tell anyone your troubles, half of them don't care and the other half are glad it happened to you".

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Devil's Advocate
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it was like Brexit, there would be people hanging off the train trying to get back in after it's already left...

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S.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Guess I’m a true Londoner (despite the fact I’ve never stepped out of Asia) ;’)

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