Category Archives: Cultural Differences

How to Host a Dinner Party in the U.S.

Dress up the table, your friends are coming over. (SheKnows.com)

Americans love to entertain so as a Brit living here, you’ll soon find yourself on the invite list. This of course, means that at some point, you’ll be reciprocating.

Choices, Choices: How to Navigate American Restaurant Menus

Too many choices can leave a customer overwhelmed. (FoodRepublic)

Brits are often taken aback at the number of choices when dining out or ordering food in the U.S. Most menus are at least two to three pages, and if you’re in one of those TGIF-type joints, it’s like being handed War and Peace.

Relax, Brits: It’s OK to Make a Fuss in the U.S.

"Waiter, there's a fly in my soup." (CNN.com)

Many Brits refrain from requesting something or complaining about something because they don’t want to “make a fuss” or put someone out.  The now viral British People Problems post includes the seemingly ridiculous “I ...

Valentine’s Day: American Style

Here's a modern day twist on the traditional candy hearts.

In the U.K., it’s very common to get someone else to write out your Valentine’s cards. They’re supposed to be sent anonymously to the object of your heart’s desire, hence the need to disguise the writing.

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

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 ...

Two Brits Debate: Are Americans Sarcasm-Literate?

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.

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

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. ...

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

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.

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

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.

10 Questions Every Brit Expat in America Will Be Asked

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.