Mind your Manners: British Etiquette

Everyday Etiquette: Great Britain

Meeting People
In general the British prefer to be introduced to strangers, if at all possible wait for a third party introduction when meeting someone new.

Physical Greetings
Great Britain (especially England) is a non touching culture. When greeting someone a handshake accompanied by a “Pleased to meet you” is appropriate. When departing be sure to shake everyone’s hand, a general group wave as is often done in the United States is not looked on favorably.

Physical Space
The British value space between one another.

Eye Contact
Strong eye contact is not overly common among strangers and casual acquaintances, too much eye contact is considered and invasion of privacy. Eye contact is used when one really wants to make a point, when speaking with close friends, and when interest in a person or topic wants to be stressed.

Good Topics of Discussion
If all else fails mention the weather!

Bad Topics of Discussion
Politics, religion, and sex. Also the common American question “what do you do?” is considered rude and too personal.

Communication Style
The British are a big fan of the understatement; this is shown in their choice of words (“indeed”, “quite”), their volume (almost always quieter than other cultures) and body language (when first meeting facial expressions are kept to a minimum). Gestures are kept to a minimum and a polite self possessed manner is strived for.

Waiting in Line
Waiting in line (or queuing) is a never ending occurrence in the UK. You will find lines at every public facility, event, meet-up, etc. No matter how long the line is always go to the back and wait, and stay in line no matter how long it takes.

Walking
In the United Kingdom one walks on the left hand side and passes on the right.

Shopping
Customer service is not as “in your face” as it is in the United States. Generally a salesclerk will ignore you until eye contact is made signaling service is required.

When shopping at the grocery store be aware that if you touch the fruits or vegetables—you buy them.

Public Transportation
Always wait in line for a taxi, bus or train. When on the bus or train it is polite to give up your seat for the elderly, handicapped, pregnant women and parents with children.

When you board a taxi cab be sure to enter the cab from the opposite side of the driver and to sit in the back.

Tipping
Standard amounts are 10 to 15 percent. Services that are tipped are generally the same as those that are tipped for in the United States.

At a hotel bellmen are generally tipped 1 to 2 pounds per bag.

Appropriate Dress
Styles of dress are similar to those of the USA; however colors are often more muted (especially outside London).

Meal Time
Breakfast is typically from 7 to 9 AM.
A traditional “English Breakfast” is a large hearty meal consisting of: bacon, sausage (“bangers”) toast/croissants/muffins/scones, juice, fried potatoes, eggs, cereal and juice. Tea & coffee are also commonly taken.

A traditional “Irish Breakfast” is called a “fry up” and consists of fried eggs, bacon (boiled pork, the name for American style “bacon” is “rashers”) tomatoes, hot cereal, potatoes and juice.

Lunch is typically from 12 to 2 PM
Standard pub fare tend to make up Lunch—sandwiches, salads, etc.

High Tea & Regular Tea
Standard “Tea” is taken between 4 and 5 PM and consists of cakes, sweets, finger sandwiches and of course—tea.

Traditional High Tea is taken around 5 PM and is often a substitute for Dinner. High Tea includes all the fixings of a standard tea but includes a hot dish as well (pot pie, etc.)

Dinner is typically from 7-9 PM, with 8:00 being the traditional time. Formal dinners begin with an alcoholic drink followed by an appetizer.

Table Manners
The British do not switch their knife and fork as people do in the States. The fork remains in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.

Placing your utensils down on your plate signifies to wait staff that you are finished.

When not in use keep your hands in your lap and pass dishes to the left.

Who Pays?
In general the person who did the inviting is the person that pays.

Punctuality
It is very important to be on time.

English American English

Lift Elevator
Toilet/WC/Loo Restroom/Bathroom
Fortnight 2 weeks
To Knock Up To Wake Up
Surgery Doctor’s Office
Kiosk Telephone Booth
Tube Subway
Subway Underground Walkway
Pants Men’s Underwear
Trousers Pants
Napkin Diaper
Lorry Truck
Flat Apartment
Chips French Fries
Biscuit Cookie
To Ring To Call (on the telephone)

For more travel tips about Great Britain visit Glamour Getaways at http://www.glamourgetaways.com