20 Weird things ONLY British people do! (+ Free PDF & Quiz)
TLDRIn this episode of 'English with Lucy,' Lucy explores 20 peculiar British habits, from the unusual practice of carpeting bathrooms to the national obsession with tea as a remedy for any situation. She humorously touches on British reactions to broken glass in pubs with a 'Waaay,' the excitement around Bonfire Night fireworks, and the cultural significance of the Colin the Caterpillar Cake. Lucy also discusses the British tendency to use phrasal verbs like 'pop' and the fixation on the weather. With a blend of humor and insight, she invites viewers to engage with her new website, englishwithlucy.co.uk, for interactive language learning tools and resources.
Takeaways
- π‘ British people sometimes put carpet in their bathrooms, although it's an old-fashioned practice and not common in renovated homes.
- π» When a glass breaks in a British pub, everyone shouts 'Waaay' as a traditional response.
- π On Bonfire Night, the UK celebrates with bonfires and fireworks to commemorate the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, often involving effigies of Guy Fawkes.
- β British culture holds the belief that a cup of tea can help remedy or comfort any bad situation.
- π° A popular British cake is the Colin the Caterpillar Cake, often enjoyed at children's birthdays and available at Marks & Spencer.
- πΉ J2O, a non-alcoholic juice drink, is considered exciting by British children due to its packaging resembling beer bottles.
- πββοΈ The phrase 'pop' is commonly used in British English to suggest a short visit or trip.
- πΈ The economic sentiment in Britain is sometimes humorously tied to the price of a small chocolate bar called Freddo.
- π₯ Pigs in blankets, small sausages wrapped in bacon, are a treasured British food traditionally eaten around Christmas.
- πΊ 'Gogglebox' is a popular British TV show featuring real people's reactions to other TV programs.
- π© A modern issue in UK Facebook groups is the posting of pictures of uncollected dog poop as a way to shame those who don't clean up after their pets.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video by English with Lucy?
-The main topic of the video is discussing 20 British quirks, which are peculiar aspects in the behavior or character of British people.
What is the purpose of Lucy's new website, englishwithlucy.co.uk?
-The purpose of Lucy's new website is to provide an interactive pronunciation chart using her own voice, a PDF transcript of the lesson with important vocabulary, and to offer a platform for her audience to access her content and practice their English.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Waaay' in British culture as mentioned in the script?
-The phrase 'Waaay' is shouted in British pubs when someone smashes a glass, and it is a specific cultural response to such an event.
What historical event is celebrated on the 5th of November in the UK, and how is it related to fireworks?
-The 5th of November in the UK commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, in which Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Fireworks are let off to mark this event, symbolizing the explosion that was intended.
Why do British people consider a cup of tea as a remedy for bad situations?
-British people believe that a cup of tea can help or at least provide comfort in any bad situation, as it is a common social ritual and a way to show care and support.
What does the phrase 'Oh, go on then' typically imply in British culture?
-The phrase 'Oh, go on then' is used when someone is offered something they know they shouldn't have, like unhealthy food or a cigarette, and they are giving in to the temptation.
What is a Colin the Caterpillar Cake, and why is it significant in British culture?
-A Colin the Caterpillar Cake is a long chocolate roll covered in chocolate with a caterpillar face on the end. It is significant in British culture as it is a popular cake for children's birthdays, especially when served at school.
What is the cultural significance of the drink J2O in the UK, and how does it relate to childhood experiences?
-J2O is a non-alcoholic juice drink in the UK that comes in glass bottles resembling beer bottles. It is significant because children often felt grown-up when they could have a J2O at a party, mimicking adult drinking habits.
What does the phrase 'pop' commonly refer to in British phrasal verbs, and how is it used?
-The phrase 'pop' in British phrasal verbs refers to a short, quick visit or trip. It is used in expressions like 'pop over', 'pop down', or 'pop up', indicating a brief interaction or visit.
Why do British people react strongly to the price increase of Freddo bars, and what does it symbolize?
-British people react strongly to the price increase of Freddo bars because they symbolize an affordable childhood treat. When the price of Freddos rises, it is seen as an indicator of inflation and economic hardship, as it affects something that was once very cheap and accessible.
What is the cultural fascination with pigs in blankets in the UK, and why are they associated with Christmas?
-Pigs in blankets are a popular food item in the UK, consisting of a small cocktail sausage wrapped in bacon. They are associated with Christmas because they are traditionally served during this holiday season, adding a festive touch to meals and parties.
What is the concept of 'Gogglebox', and how does it reflect British TV culture?
-Gogglebox is a TV show where families watch and provide commentary on other TV shows. It reflects British TV culture by showcasing the nation's love for television and the shared experience of watching and discussing programs as a family or community.
Why do some British people not always put their eggs in the fridge, and what does this say about their preferences?
-Some British people prefer to keep their eggs at room temperature, which is a matter of personal preference and possibly a traditional practice. It indicates a difference in food storage habits compared to other cultures where eggs are typically refrigerated.
What is the debate surrounding the pronunciation and toppings of scones in British culture, and what are the common opinions?
-The debate surrounding scones in British culture includes the pronunciation of the word (scone vs. scone) and the order of toppings (clotted cream and jam). Common opinions vary, with some preferring to pronounce it one way or the other and different preferences for the order of toppings on a scone.
Why are British people considered to be bad at ending conversations, and what examples are given in the script?
-British people are considered to be bad at ending conversations due to a tendency to be indirect and avoid confrontation. Examples given in the script include using phrases like 'Right' and 'I must get a move on' to signal the end of a conversation without directly stating it.
What is the significance of the word 'sorry' in British culture, and how is it exemplified in the script?
-The word 'sorry' is overused in British culture as a reflexive apology or a way to express politeness. The script exemplifies this by mentioning a scene from Bridget Jones where characters apologize even while causing a disturbance in a restaurant.
Why do British people have a fascination with pre-made sandwiches, and what is the cultural significance of a 'meal deal'?
-British people have a fascination with pre-made sandwiches as they are convenient for quick lunches, especially during car journeys or at petrol stations. A 'meal deal' is a cultural phenomenon where customers get a sandwich, snack, and drink for a set price, reflecting the British love for value and convenience.
Outlines
π¬π§ British Quirks Introduction
The video script begins with the host, Lucy, introducing the topic of 20 peculiar British habits. She invites viewers to share their own experiences and relate to the quirks discussed. Lucy also humorously thanks herself as the sponsor of the video and promotes her new website, englishwithlucy.co.uk, which includes an interactive pronunciation chart and other learning resources. The introduction sets the stage for a lighthearted exploration of British culture.
π Carpets in Bathrooms & Pub Shouts
Lucy discusses two British quirks: the traditional practice of having carpets in bathrooms, despite the potential for mess, and the unique pub custom of shouting 'Waaay' when someone breaks a glass. She shares personal anecdotes, such as her mother's friend mistakenly shouting 'Waaay' in Portugal, adding a touch of humor to the cultural observations.
π Bonfire Night & Tea as a Cure-All
The script continues with Lucy's explanation of the British enthusiasm for fireworks on Bonfire Night, commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. She narrates a prank story involving her father and his friends, which highlights the excitement around this event. Following this, she touches on the British belief in the soothing power of a cup of tea, suggesting it as a remedy for any bad situation.
π° British Phrases & Colin the Caterpillar Cake
Lucy delves into British phrases, such as 'Oh, go on then,' often used when accepting something one knows they shouldn't. She also introduces the Colin the Caterpillar Cake, a nostalgic treat popular at British children's birthdays. The cake's significance and the joy of eating the caterpillar's face are emphasized, showcasing a charming aspect of British culinary culture.
π₯€ Childhood Drinks & Phrasal Verbs
The script moves on to discuss the excitement British children felt when drinking J2O, a non-alcoholic juice drink that came in beer bottle-like containers, and other similar drinks that made them feel grown-up. Lucy also explains the use of 'pop' in various phrasal verbs, illustrating the warmth and informality of British language.
π« Freddo Prices & Pigs in Blankets
Lucy humorously describes how the British gauge the nation's economic state by the price of Freddo chocolate bars, reflecting on the outrage when their prices rise. She then talks about another British favorite, pigs in blankets, typically enjoyed during Christmas, and the exaggerated excitement surrounding this food.
πΊ Gogglebox & Dog Poop on Social Media
The script introduces 'Gogglebox,' a popular British TV show featuring families watching and commenting on other TV programs. Lucy also addresses the contentious issue of dog poop in local Facebook groups, where community members post pictures of uncollected dog waste, leading to online disputes and a call for civility.
π» Drinking in Rounds & British Frugality
Lucy explains the British tradition of drinking in rounds, where group members take turns buying drinks for the entire group. She humorously describes the passive-aggressive behavior of avoiding one's turn and shares a story of a university student who was forced to withdraw money to pay for his share.
βοΈ Rain & British Egg Storage
The script touches on the British nonchalance towards rain, with people often not using umbrellas unless it's pouring. Lucy also shares her preference for room temperature eggs, a common practice in Britain that differs from other countries where eggs are typically stored in the fridge.
π¦οΈ British Obsession with Weather & Scone Debate
Lucy discusses the British fixation on discussing the weather, no matter how mundane, as a common conversation starter. She also brings up the contentious debate over the pronunciation of 'scone' and the order of toppings, highlighting the diversity of opinions within the UK.
π€¦ββοΈ British Conversational Challenges
The script reveals the British struggle with ending conversations, often resorting to vague phrases like 'I must be off' instead of directly stating their desire to leave. Lucy includes a candid conversation with her fiancΓ© Will, who is also guilty of this social awkwardness.
πββοΈ Overuse of 'Sorry' & Pre-made Sandwiches
Lucy humorously points out the British habit of over-apologizing, even for trivial matters, as seen in the movie 'Bridget Jones.' She also notes the popularity of pre-made sandwiches in the UK, particularly during car journeys, and the variety of options available, suggesting that the choice of sandwich can reveal something about a person's character.
π£οΈ British Meal Deals & Conclusion
The final paragraph focuses on the British love for meal deals, especially pre-made sandwiches from petrol stations or supermarkets. Lucy recommends trying a petrol station sandwich for an authentic British experience and concludes the lesson by directing viewers to her website for further resources and social media connections.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘British quirks
π‘Bonfire Night
π‘Tea
π‘Oh, go on then
π‘Colin the Caterpillar Cake
π‘J2O
π‘Pop
π‘Freddo
π‘Pigs in Blankets
π‘Gogglebox
π‘Dog Poop
π‘Drinking in Rounds
π‘Scone
π‘Sorry
π‘Pre-made Sandwiches
Highlights
Introduction of 20 British quirks and peculiar aspects in behavior or character.
Sponsor announcement and launch of Lucy's new website, englishwithlucy.co.uk, featuring an interactive pronunciation chart.
Availability of the lesson's transcript and important vocabulary on the website for listening practice.
British tradition of putting carpet in bathrooms, despite potential issues with maintenance.
The unique British response of shouting 'Waaay' in a pub when a glass is smashed.
Excitement over fireworks on Bonfire Night, commemorating the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
The British belief in the restorative power of a cup of tea in any bad situation.
The phrase 'Oh, go on then' as a common British expression of indulgence.
The popularity of Colin the Caterpillar Cake in British birthday celebrations.
J2O's, a non-alcoholic juice drink, and its significance in making children feel grown-up.
The British use of the word 'pop' in various phrasal verbs to imply a short visit.
The economic sentiment attached to the price of Freddo chocolate bars in the UK.
The British enthusiasm for pigs in blankets, especially during the Christmas season.
The popularity of the TV show 'Gogglebox', featuring people watching and commenting on TV shows.
The phenomenon of posting pictures of dog poop in local Facebook groups as a form of public shaming.
The British practice of drinking in rounds during social outings to ensure everyone takes a turn buying drinks.
The British tendency to not always use an umbrella, even in light rain.
The British habit of not refrigerating eggs and preferring them at room temperature.
The British obsession with discussing the weather as a common conversation topic.
The pronunciation debate over the word 'scone' and the order of toppings when eating them.
The British difficulty in ending conversations and the indirect ways they use to signal it.
The British overuse of the word 'sorry' as a cultural habit.
The popularity of pre-made sandwiches in the UK, especially for short car journeys.
Transcripts
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