19 Things That Instantly Make You British

Whether you were born British or just like some of the quirky charm, there are some British habits that are at the root of British identity. Things like talking about the weather, drinking buckets of tea, and saying sorry for anything and everything are just a few. These habits, should you partake, make you British instantly; that’s how deeply ingrained they are in the nation. Today we’re diving into 19 things that instantly make you British! Stay tuned until the end to find out just how British you really are!

1. Mastering Weather Small Talk

The British love talking about the weather! Whether it’s gloomy, rainy, chilly, or warm, you name it, they love talking about it. It’s a great topic for small talk, and the Brits are the best at using it!

2. Complaining About Public Transportation

There are always delays or cancellations, which can really fumble up someone’s day! It makes people late for work and school every day.

3. Drinking Tea Like You Breathe Air

Okay, but literally! The British LOVE their tea. It’s a comfort thing that offers a cosy, creamy hug in a mug. It’s not uncommon for British people to use tea to make unfortunate situations better. Tea makes everything better when you’re British!

4. Apologising For Everything

Sorry, were you not expecting that one? (See what we did there! LOL) The British are famous for apologising for everything. They’ll even apologise for apologising! 

5. Queuing Perfectly Without Complaining

If queuing is what makes sense and that’s what you do without complaining, then you’re probably British. The British appreciate a good queue and won’t stand for anyone cutting through the line to get to the front. The British are people of order and won’t stand for anyone breaking it.

6. Loving a Good “Full English” Breakfast

Sausages, hash browns, baked beans, blood sausage, tomatoes, bacon, and toast or fried bread are most Brits favourite breakfast. It’s called the “Full English” breakfast and offers a very hearty and delicious experience.

7. Making Self-Deprecating Jokes

If you’re not making crude jokes about yourself, are you sure you’re even British? This is such a standout point when it comes to British characteristics. Many newcomers find it bizarre to hear how the British talk about themselves, but it really is in good nature and with the best of intentions. Making self-deprecating jokes is just what the British do. 

8. Having an Undying Love of Fish and Chips

The British love a good fish and chips meal. Battered, deep-fried fish and thick-cut potatoes make the best comfort food.

9. Overusing the Word “Lovely”

This might feel oddly specific, but the British love the word lovely. Everything and everyone is just simply lovely! And we love that kind of positivity!

10. Obsessing Over Your Local Football Team

If you find yourself following football news and becoming increasingly more obsessed with your local or national team, then you’re probably British. The British have a long history of being passionate fans!

11. Making Sarcastic Remarks

Sarcastic remarks go well with the self-deprecating humour, and the British couldn’t agree more. They commonly are belting out snide and sarcastic remarks, not because they’re rude, because they’re actually quite the opposite, but they just have a way of saying what we’re all thinking. And we love that. 

12. Having a Cuppa for Every Situation

Bad day at work? Have a cup of tea. Boss mad at you for something you didn’t even do? Have a cup of tea. Weather gloomy and bringing you down? Don’t worry; have a cup of tea! There’s a perfect cup of tea for every situation.

13. Loving Your Local Pub

If you’re not a regular at your local favourite pub, are you sure you’re even British! Local pubs are the centrefold of the community and serve as a place for people to unwind, relax, enjoy good food, and have a great time. 

14. Using Imperial Measurements

If you use imperial measurements, then you’re definitely British. (Nearly the rest of the world uses metric!)

15. Loving the Countryside

The British have a knack for finding beauty in the countryside. The deep rolling hills and fields of green grass make it beautiful, and the British can always see that. If you’re someone who enjoys a countryside drive or picnic now and then, you might be more British than you originally thought!

16. Making a Coworker a Cup of Tea at Work

If you make tea for a coworker, then there’s a good chance you’ll be the favourite employee there. Because the British associate comfort with tea, it’s a very nice thing to make a coworker a cup of it while at work. It’s like saying, “Hi, I care about your day,” in tea form.

17. Enjoying Thrifting

Brits have a history of enjoying thrifting! If you love spotting a good deal or shopping at your local thrift stores, then you might have some British in you just yet!

18. Being Excited to Decorate for Christmas

Most Brits are very excited to kick the holiday season off and enjoy the entire process of decorating, gift giving, and market going. The United Kingdom has many incredible Christmas markets, and that’s always a big excitement for locals. The lights and smells, along with the rustic charm of the Christmas spirit, make it the holiday that it is.

19. Being Very Polite

The British are known for being exceptionally polite. If you find you’re always belting out the pleases and thank you’s, then you’re likely more British than you think!

The Takeaway

There you have it! Nineteen things that instantly make you British. Whether it’s having a cup of tea for every occasion, being exceptionally polite, loving the countryside, enjoying thrifting, or making dry, sarcastic remarks that leave others both amused and slightly perplexed, these quirks define the British spirit. It’s a unique blend of tradition and modernity that creates a charming, albeit often eccentric, identity that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.