I’ve been dating my boyfriend for a little over a year now and I must say it’s been extremely interesting dating someone from across the pond. I was born and raised in America but my boyfriend was born and raised in England and recently moved to Pittsburgh for college. As I’ve gotten to know him, there are some things about British culture that baffle me and vice versa, so I’ve decided to compile his answers into an article to educate Americans on British culture.
Favorite thing about America?
JA: That is certainly a tough one, I would probably have to go with my accent being a magical key/escape mechanism to many situations. Although the craft beer scene is a very close second.
Least favorite thing about America?
JA: Also, a difficult one, there are many things I dislike about this country. Out of the lot I would select paying for healthcare. To this day, it still disgusts me.
Food you miss most from England?
JA: Easy, Full-English Breakfast is at the top closely followed by a Sunday Roast Dinner (Basically Thanksgiving dinner on a weekly basis because why not?), then Indian food (Curry houses are very prevalent in English society).
How sad do American “biscuits” make you?
JA: Very sad. I mean they are pretty much scones, which are great. However, the fact you smother them in savoury gravy is very upsetting.
Strangest thing Americans do?
JA: I would say the obsession with deep-frying every single piece of food in existence.
Favorite type of British tea?
JA: English Breakfast and Earl Grey are my two favourites. I have my tea shipped in from back home, it’s called Yorkshire Gold and is renowned as one of the best cups of tea in the world.
Why does American small talk bother you so much?
JA: Just that. This necessity for small talk drives me insane. Obviously, we have small talk in England but here it is on another level. This need to stop and have a conversation with a stranger is a bit too much. I’ve just started ignoring people.
Favorite place you’ve been to in America?
JA: New Orleans. That town has so much character and colour, I completely fell in love with it.
Where’s the next place in America you want to visit?
JA: San Francisco just because it’s so iconic.
Where’s one place in England you’d recommend for all Americans to visit?
JA: North Yorkshire because there’s some incredibly beautiful countryside.
Word you say that confuses Americans the most?
JA: On a daily basis, I will say something that will confuse somebody. In recent memory, I referred to someone I know as a “fruit cake” whilst talking amongst friends, to which one friend questioned me “They’re a Christmas dessert?” The term “fruit cake” is a reference to somebody being slightly mentally unstable (not used as derogatory slang for the mentally ill).
Most American thing you’ve heard someone say?
JA: “Yinz going downtown to watch the Steelers?”
Best American drink?
JA: Within a month of arriving in this country, a friend of mine introduced me to a Sazerac. It quickly became my favourite drink.
Best British drink?
JA: It is a tie between Ribena, which is a blackcurrant cordial that you dilute with water for a refreshing and sweet drink. The other, English Bitter, which is beer that is bitter in flavour, served at room-temperature and is non-carbonated. Which may sound disgusting to some, but it means the world to me.
How is British bacon better than American bacon?
JA: What I don’t understand is the s**t bacon you lot have. There is barely any meat on it. Not to mention that you overcook it to the point where it crumbles to pieces on your fork. Our bacon is 85% meat with a thin line of fat around the outside of the slice. Plus, we cook it adequately. Next time you have bacon, cook it for a few minutes on high heat and eat it whilst it is chewy, I guarantee a much-improved taste experience.
Last question, what does “half ten” mean?
JA: PSA for all you Americans; when we say, “half ten” in regard to the time, we mean 10:30. I don’t understand why you lot struggle with that concept.
*Side note when my boyfriend first said “half ten” to me I swore he meant 5:00. He still teases me about it to this day and I was very confused.