Mind The Gap

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

By Ruth Margolis | 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 ...

Two Brits Debate: Are Americans Sarcasm-Literate?

By Toni Hargis and Ruth Margolis | 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.

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

By Ruth Margolis | 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. ...

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

By Ruth Margolis | 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.

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

By Ruth Margolis | 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.

10 Questions Every Brit Expat in America Will Be Asked

By Ruth Margolis | Posted on January 22nd, 2013

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.

Love Me, Love My Child

By Toni Hargis | Posted on January 17th, 2013

One thing you’ll notice as a Brit in the U.S., is that Americans really like their children.

‘Want the Last Biscuit?’: A Very British Dilemma

By Toni Hargis | Posted on January 15th, 2013

A test of politeness: do you always ask if someone else wants the last biscuit?

There’s a Reddit post going viral at the moment that has touched a nerve with many Brits. Although it’s supposed to be a spoof on the many ridiculous habits of us Brits, I found myself going through the list and mentally agreeing ...

The Culinary Cultural Divide: British vs. American ‘Cheese’

By James Bartlett | Posted on January 10th, 2013

Note: this is cheese product, not cheese. (AP Photo)

Like countless Brits, lots of Americans love Wallace and Gromit. The two claymation characters — the dyed-in-the-wool Northern Englishman Wallace and his super-intelligent dog Gromit — have won several Oscars over the years ...