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Ah, Britain—my old love. From the fabulous invention that is tea time to the country’s storied history, impressive architecture, and most of all gorgeous parks, I’ve been enamored with British culture for as long as I can remember.

However, like some of the nation’s more errr creative meals (beans on toast, you might be delicious but I’m looking at you), its culture also has some quirks. Absolutely fun and uniquely witty? Definitely! Chaotic to the max in an oh-so delightfully and distinctly British way? You can count on it.

To show you the depths and bizarre niches in British humor and everyday culture, Bored Panda has collected some of the best examples of things that will make you wonder whether, this time, Brits have gone too far. Personally, I hope Britain will never change—it’s far too entertaining to watch from the sidelines.

Psst, Pandas, I’m off to make myself a spot of Earl Grey, so have a scroll down and remember to upvote your fave pics. And be sure to check out Bored Panda’s exclusive interview about the role that British humor plays in its culture with London-based comedian and comedy writer Ariane Sherine.

#1

Best Thing In Today's Daily Mirror

Best Thing In Today's Daily Mirror

psycoticmonkey Report

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    Good Old National Trust

    Good Old National Trust

    GamingStuffed Report

    #3

    Historical Figures Lined Up For Reopening Of Museum Of Gloucester

    Historical Figures Lined Up For Reopening Of Museum Of Gloucester

    Dommlid Report

    British humor, let alone culture, gets more difficult to define the closer you look at it. At first glance, everything seems to be clear-cut: the Queen, the Victorian era, rading P. G. Wodehouse's books, looking posh, sounding posh, pip-pip, cheerio, drinking tea and eating crumpets, liking ships (and having lots of them!), and the Beatles to name a few iconic images. You can probably picture these without much effort.

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    #4

    If You Can Read This, You Are Not A Train!

    If You Can Read This, You Are Not A Train!

    TropicalTito Report

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is the epitome of British sarcasm I love It!

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    #5

    There Is Something Terrifying Happening In Brighton, England

    There Is Something Terrifying Happening In Brighton, England

    Cookie0024 Report

    But once you start thinking about it, British culture becomes harder to define precisely. And naming a few examples of what’s overwhelmingly British doesn’t get to the essence of what makes British humor, well, British.

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    #7

    A Fine Example Of Sophisticated British Humour

    A Fine Example Of Sophisticated British Humour

    xeniaox Report

    #8

    Front Seat On A Double Decker Bus

    Front Seat On A Double Decker Bus

    LIS1050010 Report

    Julie C Rose
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same in New Zealand - those seats are ALWAYS taken first on the double decker bus I catch.

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    #9

    When The Pubs Have Been Closed For 4 Months, A Bit Of Rain Won't Stop These Lads

    When The Pubs Have Been Closed For 4 Months, A Bit Of Rain Won't Stop These Lads

    TheForthWallBreaker Report

    I wanted to get a better handle on the link between humor and culture, so I reached out to comedian Ariane who’s working on a number of witty projects. Who better to talk about what makes people laugh than a British comedian who knows what the entire thing is all about?

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    #10

    When The Council Forget About A Sinkhole In Your Town

    When The Council Forget About A Sinkhole In Your Town

    Nubetoobe Report

    #11

    It Gets Confusing

    It Gets Confusing

    tarbard Report

    #12

    Breakfast Trifle

    Breakfast Trifle

    Fannygobbler Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tbh, I would eat that. Certainly preferable to the traditional trifle lol.

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would definitely eat that, but I'll need toast soldiers to dip in the egg.

    tiari
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s just a change in presentation. Perfectly okay IMO.

    V Martinez
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Bacon! It's the future!" - Fred Buckle, Call the Midwife lol

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    Id row
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are those crushed up statins on top? That's a good idea.

    Valerie Page
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Coarse ground pepper. It uses bad language !

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    Miss Cris
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I saw it in the little pic, I thought it was an ice-cream. This looks awesome, too! Miam miam miam!!!!

    Curry on...
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Three of my favorite things to eat.

    Kenny Kulbiski
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfect! Destroys the myth about British food being blah.

    AzKhaleesi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    omg that looks lovely!!! *drool

    Alyssa Sweat
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That makes my mouth water just looking at that.

    Brendan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love a fry up! However, in cafés/restaurants, they're always skimpy with the baked beans.

    axolotl
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    what the flipping biscuits bro!?

    okpkpkp
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mouth is watering. And I've already had a bypass so my pipes are all good to go now.

    Robertson Shinnick
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would totally eat that, but I’m a zeppelin-sized American from the Deep South, where Biscuits & Gravy is a breakfast staple, and we like greasy stuff. (*Not what you Brits call “biscuits”. We call those “cookies”.)

    Caroline Overill
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's cooked really well. I'm still going to puke though

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bacon on top eggs on top of potatoes . . . gotta love the English

    Shun
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks delicious. I'll eat it

    TheBoredPanda
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks like a perfect hangover remedy.

    Paul Aguilera
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    oh dude, that looks so good! i don't know what a trifle is and dont care, as long as it tastes great

    sam puckett
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Id def eat that. Wont finish it, but ill eat it

    marianne eliza
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Potatoes always taste better when soaked with yolk. And you dredge up the rest of the yolk with the bacon.

    Duncan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Would you like a cardiac arrest on the side?

    InfectedVoice
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No problem eating that, it's just in a dish instead of on a plate, not a massive fan of fried eggs in general though.

    Sawdust
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I suddenly need to go buy some eggs and bacon

    Robyn Fraser
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That looks gorgeous. Where can I get one?

    Vicki Perizzolo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my arteries are hardening looking at that

    Suzanne Haigh
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have seen a lot stranger thing on BP which where classed as 'food'

    jk nbt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    want some, feed me now!

    Mysricxs
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that looks delicious 0-0 where can find

    Donkey boi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me who loves trifle & loves cooked breakfast: That'll do!

    Desto
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I didn't eat breakfast this morning and this just looks delicious

    *me*
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need that now. Starbucks would prob make it

    Ambar
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I WANT THAT!! >:( (looks good!)

    Wistiti
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just finished my lunch but I am suddenly very hungry again.

    Carissa Halliday
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would eat a vegan version and tbh might make this tomorrow

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    Professional comedian Ariane told Bored Panda that humor plays a “huge role” in British culture. And this isn’t bound to change anytime soon. “I think it is inherently witty and quirky but coupled with a huge dose of irony and self-consciousness,” she noted that British wit often has a dollop of self-deprecation mixed into it.

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    #13

    Challenge Accepted

    Challenge Accepted

    UberPirateNinja Report

    #14

    Found An Angry Note On My Car Today. I Replied

    Found An Angry Note On My Car Today. I Replied

    superhove Report

    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The most polite, "F**k You Letter" I've ever read.

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    #15

    Ok, Who Did This?

    Ok, Who Did This?

    Dopebox81 Report

    According to Ariane one of the best things that sum up the essence of British humor is the Very British Problems book series that also has a Twitter account. “It's sarcastic, petty, ridiculous, embarrassed, self-conscious, and underpinned with the knowledge and awareness of how silly Brits are,” the comedian said.

    #16

    This Is The Most British Headline I Have Ever Seen

    This Is The Most British Headline I Have Ever Seen

    hatefax Report

    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just bought these exactly biscuits less than an hour ago XD nom nom!

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    #17

    My Local Cinema Being A Little Pessimistic About Reopening

    My Local Cinema Being A Little Pessimistic About Reopening

    david_dremel Report

    #18

    The Joys Of Living In Britain

    The Joys Of Living In Britain

    Jonesy27 Report

    I also talked to Ariane about the impact that British soft power, films, and media have globally. In her opinion, the way that British culture is characterized all around the world is slightly inaccurate and doesn’t represent the reality of being a Brit.

    #19

    What's More British Than Trains And Sausage

    What's More British Than Trains And Sausage

    trundleforth Report

    #20

    Got A Baked Bean Mug For My Birthday So Naturally I Did The Right Thing

    Got A Baked Bean Mug For My Birthday So Naturally I Did The Right Thing

    ImNOTmethwow Report

    #21

    A Very British Headline

    A Very British Headline

    johnnydobbo Report

    They’re not all as glamorous as the stars you’re used to seeing on your TV screens (though I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that all brits have a secret use-in-an-emergency top hat and monocle kit; pity I haven’t been able to prove it yet).

    #22

    An Actual Job Here In The UK

    An Actual Job Here In The UK

    TrixieLaBouche Report

    Hans
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She soon will be promoted to mince pie research and development evangelist.

    View more comments
    #23

    Google Maps Accurately Capturing U.k. Life (Leeds)

    Google Maps Accurately Capturing U.k. Life (Leeds)

    Stotallytob3r Report

    Ekate
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a lot of skin - must be over 12 degrees!

    View more comments
    #24

    Northumberland... Lowest Population Density In England... Just How I Like It

    Northumberland... Lowest Population Density In England... Just How I Like It

    blueskybel Report

    “When people think of us, they think of the Royal Family, iconic images like London buses and phone boxes, afternoon tea, period dramas, and posh people—like Hugh Grant in Richard Curtis films!” Ariane explained how the world tends to think when it thinks of the UK.

    #25

    A House Overtaking A Boat On The A30 Today

    A House Overtaking A Boat On The A30 Today

    iago1984 Report

    #26

    This Guy Is An Absolute Baller

    This Guy Is An Absolute Baller

    Brownian-Motion Report

    #27

    I'll Never Get Tired Of East London

    I'll Never Get Tired Of East London

    king_cardashian Report

    See Also on Bored Panda

    “They see us as charming and antiquated and think we're adorable. Spoiler: we're not really like this! Which they'll find out if they ever visit Britain, but I guess most people never do, so we remain cute and posh in their imaginations,” she said.

    This proves that even a lack of travel can have its upsides, namely, maintaining the illusion that all brits are as charismatic and gorgeous as the delightful Mr. Grant.

    #28

    Hipster Level: London

    Hipster Level: London

    imgur.com Report

    #29

    Cheerio Germs

    Cheerio Germs

    GREEKTRGEDY Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At first I was thinking "hang on, aren't cheerios American" lol. Was thinking of the cereal not the colloquial term for goodbye.

    View more comments
    #30

    At First I Thought It Said Cornhole

    At First I Thought It Said Cornhole

    Stotallytob3r Report

    #31

    Mom Brought A Slice Of Bread To Try Out Toasters

    Mom Brought A Slice Of Bread To Try Out Toasters

    ColmMutton Report

    Aski Markup
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know the pain. You think you've just bought a great little toaster. Open it up, and flipping a third of the bread sticks out when toasting. Why do they do that?!

    View more comments
    #32

    Banksy Really Outdid Himself This Time

    Banksy Really Outdid Himself This Time

    boundtew Report

    #33

    Found This In The Staff Room After The Morning Meeting...

    Found This In The Staff Room After The Morning Meeting...

    CarlCarlito Report

    #34

    Its Bank Holiday, Payday Friday. The Efforts For A 17:00 Post Work Pint Fill Me With National Pride. Liverpool

    Its Bank Holiday, Payday Friday. The Efforts For A 17:00 Post Work Pint Fill Me With National Pride. Liverpool

    yflmd Report

    #35

    A Bloke Tucking Into Full English Breakfast On The Tube

    A Bloke Tucking Into Full English Breakfast On The Tube

    VR3X Report

    Hilary Mol
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, as long as you don't spill it on someone else's shoes, enjoy your breakfast!

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    #36

    Looks Like A Rave

    Looks Like A Rave

    ichoosemag Report

    TheRandomBorger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can we just appreciate the woman in the donut costume

    View more comments
    #37

    You Just Are

    You Just Are

    iNeedHealing24_7 Report

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    #38

    Breaking!!! Breaking!!! Hat Found!!!

    Breaking!!! Breaking!!! Hat Found!!!

    RegisterFirm1014 Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If it is in good condition why destroy it, wash it and donate it instead.

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    #39

    Coronavirus Restrictions Are Being Eased Too Quickly

    Coronavirus Restrictions Are Being Eased Too Quickly

    Proud_Idiot Report

    Sasy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My tongue always picks my pastries...it is very reliable that way.

    View more comments
    #40

    Who Amougst Us Hasn’t Dreamed Of Smelling Like Cherry Bakewell Tart Or Love Hearts?

    Who Amougst Us Hasn’t Dreamed Of Smelling Like Cherry Bakewell Tart Or Love Hearts?

    limamikegolf Report

    Iron ass
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wanna smell like cherry bakewell tarts

    View more comments
    #41

    Truly A National Tragedy

    Truly A National Tragedy

    Denaltro Report

    #42

    The Waitrose Way

    The Waitrose Way

    jacoblb_ Report

    Dutchdancemum
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good old Farnham, one of the most poshest towns around!

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    #43

    "British Cuisine Is Bad" - Oh Yeah? Think Again

    "British Cuisine Is Bad" - Oh Yeah? Think Again

    Jalapeno-Head Report

    Iron ass
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gah im hungry those really tiny pizzas

    View more comments
    #44

    British Town Names

    British Town Names

    headfallsoff Report

    Kira Okah
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Should I point out Stone? Or Tring? Mudchute? Cockfosters? Beer? Cockermouth? Thong? Been to all of those personally. How about I plop some Welsh in here and mention the village of Ysbyty Ystwyth.

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    #45

    Came Across This House That Uses A Baby's Gate As A House Gate, Interesting Choice

    Came Across This House That Uses A Baby's Gate As A House Gate, Interesting Choice

    MissEmeralds Report

    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey if it works. Seeing as the rocks are uneven, a baby gate kind of makes sense since the ends are adjustable.

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    #46

    To Be Honest Asda, I'd Rather You Got It From The Cow

    To Be Honest Asda, I'd Rather You Got It From The Cow

    waggywaggydogdog Report

    #47

    I Took Cuthbert For A Charity Skydive

    I Took Cuthbert For A Charity Skydive

    fizzy_elephant Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #48

    Bands Will Put Their Name On Anything These Days

    Bands Will Put Their Name On Anything These Days

    guarding_dark Report

    #49

    Wrong Sort Of Heat

    Wrong Sort Of Heat

    F1isP1 Report

    #50

    Pie On A Barm! Why Not!

    Pie On A Barm! Why Not!

    teastreet Report

    #51

    Looks Very British

    Looks Very British

    Vegalyp Report

    Iron ass
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wHy ARe tHerE f UckINg bEaNS oN piZzA????

    View more comments
    #52

    Wine And Jam

    Wine And Jam

    col_6 Report

    Fabrice
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "What does the bottle matter, as long as you're drunk?" Alfred de Musset (in french : "Qu’importe le flacon, pourvu qu’on ait l’ivresse ?")

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