A few days back I posted about how long it takes the Brits to say goodbye! Have a read if you missed my first post on mannerisms across the pond in England:
yankeebrit.blog/2023/05/01/across-the-pond-mannerisms
Now, let’s take a look at more mannerisms across the pond in England that will give you additional insight!
Just as in Yank country, there are certain mannerisms, ways of talking and interactions that are used here when you are interacting across the pond in England!
How do you say thank you? Well, as simple as it sounds, even in Yank country we may say “Thanks”. “Appreciate it!”, “Great”, “Thanks a bunch!” Or, in an email or text, “Thx”!
Here in England, there are also multiple ways to express your gratitude! Of course, “Thank you” is always accepted! However, “Cheers” is not only used as a toast, it is also another way to say “Thanks!”. For example, a server brings you your drink, respond with “Cheers mate”. Another way, is to say “Nice one” when someone does something you ask! Or, for a more informal way to say thanks to family or friends, say “Ta”! That’s cutting it short and sweet! A mannerism my hubby uses with me often is to say “You’re a star!” What a lovely way to say thanks!
How about saying hello when you meet up with a someone?
A popular word used here in England is “Alright?” Short, sweet, and to the point! Your greeting doesn’t just say hello, it is also a quick way to ask the question, “How are you doing?” Of course, the pronunciation in England is also short and sweet! Often, when a brit says “alright?” it sounds more like “awwite?”! Another greeting that I picked up on right away is saying “Hiya!” rather than hello. I say it all the time now and must say, it feels natural, finally!
Next, let’s take a look at the ever popular England tradition of that famous cup of (cuppa) tea and the mannerisms it entails when you’re across the pond!
In the 17th and 18th century the china cups tea was served in, were so delicate they would crack from the heat of the tea. Therefore, milk was added to cool the liquid and stop the cups from cracking. This is why, even today, many English people add milk to their cups BEFORE adding the tea! I still add milk to my tea after it has steeped, but I generally drink my tea from a big mug! Also, I like my tea strong, and I found putting the milk in first doesn’t allow the tea to brew (steep) because the milk chills down the hot water!
And sugar? Well, less than half of Brits use sugar in their tea. However, if you have ever seen me prepare my cuppa, I make up for that 50% that don’t use sugar at all!!
Now, if you’re at a set table, the proper mannerism to drink tea is to raise the tea cup, leave the saucer on the table, and then place the cup back on the saucer between sips. It’s considered rude to look anywhere but into the cup while you take a sip. And absolutely no slurping!
Finally, the ever important question of mannerisms when sipping that cuppa! Pinky up or down? That is the question…
Sipping tea with your pinky up, comes from the fact that in old England, cultured people would eat their tea goodies with three fingers and commoners would hold the treats with all five fingers. This led to the misguided belief that one should raise their pinky finger to show they were cultured. Tuck that pinky finger in or you will be considered rude! See the Queen herself sipping her tea in a proper manner!
Something that is commonly used here, across the pond, is a kettle for heating the tea water.
Now, this doesn’t sound like rocket science, but these kettles are electric and heat water in less than 3 minutes to the perfect temp for your cuppa! It is quick and energy efficient. I even bought one for when I am back in the states and leave it at my aunts house! They are inexpensive and no more waiting for that old-fashioned tea kettle to boil on your stove (hob)!
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