As a British person living in the US I frequently do things that amuse my coworkers and friends and cause them to say “that’s the most British thing ever!” Here I compile a few of the most recent and ridiculous examples.
- I filed a trouble ticket at work when we ran out of English Breakfast tea in the kitchen. I also started the ticket with “I’m sorry to bother you but…”. I felt a little guilty about filing the ticket but a good brew is important for my productivitea (see what I did there).
- I have a tea wallet. I should add that it I did not buy this myself (it was a gift) but I am in possession of a wallet just for holding tea. It’s actually surprisingly useful, if I ever forget my British passport when returning home I’ll just show them my tea wallet and they’ll let me in. Needless to say, everyone who has seen my tea wallet thinks it is the most British thing in the world.
- Normal people go jeans shopping or coat shopping. This weekend I went cardigan shopping. I now have a grand total of three cardigans so who’s laughing now?
- I pressed the button on the bus by accident and got off about 5 stops too early because I didn’t want to admit to having made a mistake. I told people this and they said “why did you not just pretend someone else pressed it”. I can’t handle the guilt!
- I have been known to complain that it doesn’t rain enough where I live. This sounds strange but imagine it’s the middle of a big heatwave in summer and you just want a grey, dreary day for everything to cool down a little bit. Also in winter rain is a lot better than snow because rain doesn’t require shovelling and plowing.
- I never say “mate” when talking to Americans because it makes me feel like a stereotype but the other day a British guy was in the office and within 10 minutes I was calling him mate. People found this amusing of course.
This is just a small sample of the reasons people say “that was the most British thing ever”, if I can think of any more I’ll let you know!
I did not know they made tea wallets and now I want one in place of a passport because I am embarrassed for people to know I’m from the country that elected Donald Trump.
Aw don’t worry, anyone can make a mistake!
Have a cup of tea, it’ll be ok!
There is not enough tea in the world to make up for Trump.
Do they make gin wallets?
If they don’t they should!!
๐๐๐ป
Hahaha yeah totally understandable! But CA didn’t vote for him so at least there’s that part. ๐
I should stamp my passport with that disclaimer. Only then our Stormtrooper/ Customs & Immigration personnel won’t let me back in the country.
Hahaha yeah that’s probably a given.
You could have explained to the bus driver and said you were sorry – that would probably still be quite British!
My claim to Britishness is that my sweetheart bought me a very tiny glass dish for Christmas in a gauze bag. The idea is that I take it out with me so I will have somewhere to put my tea spoon when a saucer is not provided, which it usually isn’t.
Brilliant! ๐
That is a pretty good idea, nobody provides a saucer for the tea spoon! I have a little dish to put my used teabag in once the tea is good to go. ๐
Donโt worry, the Anericanisms are creeping in: plowing?!
Ugh yeah don’t judge me!!
The โwhat would you like for your birthdayโ questions have started for me – now I can say that I want, no NEED a tea wallet. Although, I guess it should be a purse for me, but a wallet sounds far more distinctive! Does it carry bags or loose leaf?
Hahahaha it carries 8 tea bags. You should ask for one! ๐