Learning about other cultures by living in different countries is an excellent way to broaden your perspective. Although, some customs that are considered polite in your country may be seen as rude in England. If you’re planning on visiting England, or if you’re already living here, it’s important to know these things, so you don’t offend anyone! Here are just a few examples of things that are considered rude in England.
Asking Personal Questions
It’s considered rude to ask personal questions in England that are none of your business. This includes questions about someone’s age, income, weight, or relationship status. You should steer clear of inquiring about these topics if you’re not close to the person. Also, avoid talking about sensitive topics such as religion or politics unless you’re sure the person is okay with it. In addition, asking for someone’s opinion on something controversial can be considered rude.
Interrupting People
If you’re in England, it’s considered very rude to interrupt someone when they’re speaking. You should always wait until the person you’re talking to is finished before interjecting, no matter how important what you have to say may be. If you need to ask for a favour, it can be difficult– especially if the person you are asking is in a position of authority. When speaking to someone, make sure to give them your full attention and avoid doing other things, such as looking at your phone.
Being Late
In England, being late is considered very rude. If you don’t want to be late, aim to arrive early for your meeting or appointment. If you’re invited to someone’s home for dinner, it’s considered good manners to arrive on time or even a few minutes early. If you think you’ll be more than a few minutes late, call the person to let them know. Being rude by making someone wait around causes stress for that person, so it’s best to avoid it if possible. So that you’re not late, it’s a good idea to plan and allow extra time for things like traffic or public transportation.
Spitting in Public
In England, spitting in public is considered very crude and rude. Whenever you need to spit, make sure you do so in a secluded area where no one else is present. It’s also considered very rude to blow your nose in public, so it’s best to find a bathroom or step away from people before doing so. According to common courtesy, when you sneeze or cough, please use your sleeve or a tissue to cover your mouth. It’s impolite to do so directly to another person.
Paying With Large Notes
In England, it’s considered rude to pay for something with a large banknote. For example, if you’re buying a coffee for £2.50, it’s considered rude to hand over a £20 note. It’s best to have the correct change ready, so you don’t inconvenience the person behind the counter. But if you need to pay with a large note, it’s considered good manners to say “thank you” afterwards. If you’re in a situation where you can’t break a large note, it’s best to ask the person if they can give you a change first.
Dressing Inappropriately
In England, it’s considered rude to dress inappropriately for the occasion. For example, if you attend a wedding as a guest, it is appropriate to dress more formally than you would for everyday wear. If you’re going to the beach, it’s also considered rude to walk around town in your swimsuit. To avoid any potential embarrassment, it is advisable to dress more formally than you believe the occasion warrants. Additionally, please be mindful of what you wear and refrain from clothing that could be seen as offensive, such as shirts with profanity.
A few examples of things considered rude in England are listed below. If you’re unsure about etiquette in a particular situation, it’s always best to ask a local or someone familiar with the customs. And, if you want to move to England, it’s a good idea to do some research, so you know what to expect. Also, talk with expert immigration lawyers like Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors in London to get a professional opinion.
Conclusion
As you can see, many things are considered rude in England. If you’re planning on visiting or moving here, it’s important to be aware of these things, so you don’t offend anyone. Making a good impression is key, and you can do so by being respectful and polite.
