Author Archives: Ruth Margolis

10 British Insults Americans Won’t Understand

By | Posted on February 28th, 2013
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While the big, punchy swears are the same all over the English-speaking world, some of our milder, more idiosyncratic slights will leave the uninitiated scratching their heads.

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Brits in America: How to Cope with Loss of a Loved One Back Home

By | Posted on February 19th, 2013
How to cope when you lose a loved one back home. (Photo via

Starting a new life thousands of miles from friends and family is hard work emotionally, even if everyone you leave behind is in excellent health. Add illness and death into the mix and living abroad can quickly become an excruciating ...

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How Americans Can Help Brits Get Over Their Anti-Ginger Bias

By | Posted on February 7th, 2013
Damian Lewis, Karen Gillan, and Rupert Grint are just three ginger celebs more appreciated on the left side of the pond. (Photos: AP)

Ever wondered why it took an American TV show to elevate Londoner Damian Lewis to the post of sex god? In his real-life homeland, having an orange mop is a bigger impediment to perceived attractiveness than bad breath and facial ...

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Two Brits Debate: Are Americans Sarcasm-Literate?

By and | Posted on February 5th, 2013
On 'The Big Bang Theory,' the sarcasm-impaired Sheldon is the odd man out. (Photo: CBS)

Two Brits-in-America discuss Americans and their use of sarcasm (or lack thereof).

Toni Hargis: I’d say many Brits have experienced Number 9 on the British People Problems list: “I phoned Netflix customer support, which is U.S.

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How to Enjoy the Super Bowl When You Know Nothing About Football

By | Posted on January 31st, 2013
Super Bowl parties promise a good spread. (Business Insider)

I need to confess something: up until a few years ago, I thought it was called the “Super Ball” and had something to do with that other popular American sport — the one with the leather gloves and players who wear pajamas. ...

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10 Things That Americans Don’t Realize are Offensive to Brits

By | Posted on January 29th, 2013
The two finger salute is not a peace sign to Brits. (XXX)

We may have hard shells, but Brits are a squishy, sensitive bunch underneath. Say or do the wrong thing, and we will get the hump. The following howlers are guaranteed to set us off.

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10 Things That Brits Don’t Realize Are Offensive to Americans

By | Posted on January 24th, 2013
Ricky Gervais makes good money offending everyone in sight, but if you just want to make friends and not alienate people in America, here are 10 things to avoid. (Rex Features via AP Images)

Admit it Britishers — subtly is not our strong suit, and it’s alarmingly easy to insult Americans if you’re unaware of their etiquette.  To get on in polite company, try to avoid the following faux pas.

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10 Questions Every Brit Expat in America Will Be Asked

By | Posted on January 22nd, 2013
Can You Repeat That?, 460x300

The folks here are friendly, inquisitive and oddly fascinated by Brits and British culture, which means I often find myself fielding the following well-intentioned inquiries.

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America vs. Britain: Which Country’s Better For Expectant Mothers?

By | Posted on January 3rd, 2013
(Press Association via AP Images)

Reassuringly, whichever country you pick to pop out a little person, it’ll most likely go well and you’ll come away with a healthy, fat newborn.

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How to Cope with the Expat Christmas Blues

By | Posted on December 20th, 2012
(WLPB)

Unless you’d rather visit Guantanamo than your family during the festive season, chances are you’ll be feeling a little glum come late December. Here’s how to lift your Christmas spirits when you’re thousands of miles from the ...

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