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What’s totally acceptable and completely normal in one country might get you some funny looks elsewhere. Or, in other words, welcome to Planet Earth where there are loads of different countries and cultures that are bound to blow your mind when you travel.

This time, we’re looking at the differences between the United States and the United Kingdom. Even though both countries have a ‘special relationship’ (not to mention a rocky initial history together), far from everything is the same there. Hopping ‘over the pond’ means traveling a large distance both physically and culturally, too. Like you'd expect when going to any new country when you fly abroad.

Redditor TownImmediate9060 went on r/AskReddit and wanted to find out what’s socially acceptable in the US but would be horrifying in the UK. The thread went viral and the responses made us seriously realize the extent of the differences between the two allies. Check out some of the best answers below and remember to upvote your fave ones, dear Pandas.

#2

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Paying more than the price you see on a price tag in a shop due to taxes. WTF just put how much it costs!

gibsterminator , Akshay Chauhan Report

#3

Cashiers being forced to stand... give them a chair you masochists

andy_james_78 Report

Britain continues to use soft power to spread its influence abroad. Its cultural impact is off the charts. Just consider how influential the Harry Potter books, musicians like Ed Sheeran, and football entities like the Premier League really are.

They’re known and respected globally. As such, the UK’s able to draw in plenty of tourists (global pandemic notwithstanding because it’s hit everyone badly) and students from abroad because it remains at the forefront of people’s minds.

#4

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Politicians mentioning religion when campaigning

awbayley97 , wikipedia Report

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Religion should have no room in politics anywhere. (But for positive values such as grace of charity.)

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#5

New mothers going back to work almost immediately after giving birth, because they don’t have paid maternity leave

MultipleDinosaurs Report

#6

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK An $800, four-block ambulance ride.

jeff_the_nurse , REEET JANK Report

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Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anything about the so-called American health system is a mystery to the rest of the world.

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However, research shows that the confusion and uncertainty around the long-term effects that Brexit, the UK’s exit from the European Union, will have slightly dampened the country’s influence abroad.

Meanwhile, the British Council found that it’s actually culture, not politics, that deepens the ties between the UK and the US. And it’s culture that’s going to play a vital role in the future of both nations as well.

#7

That whole thing where American kids pledge their allegiance to the flag. That is completely weird and scarily totalitarian to us Brits.

Naugrith Report

#8

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Overworking. It's rewarded and encouraged in the U.S., but during my time in the U.K. my colleagues were horrified by the long hours and lack of holidays that was the norm in the U.S.

CuriousAboutLife0 , Alex Kotliarskyi Report

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Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What an awful soulless place. And I'm guessing the only reason they give them what looks like expensive chairs is so they don't get sued for workplace injury.

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#9

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Greeters in supermarkets. Just feels fake.

smokingthegateway , Kristina Paparo Report

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Are greeters real? I thought the Simpson's was exaggerating. I guess in a country so massive, you gta find a way to stand out? Still seems weird tho

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“Culture and history were the two top rated factors contributing to the UK’s attractiveness among American respondents, with 43% identifying ‘cultural and historic attractions’ as a major draw and 42% identifying ‘history,’” the British Council explains what it discovered in its research.

#10

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Driving everywhere.

In the UK it's perfectly normal to have your kid walk to school and walking to the shops to do your shopping.

X0AN , why kei Report

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Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This varies in the US too. In most cities it's normal not to have a car, but not in places where most people don't live within walking distance to anything.

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#11

Offering full-time employees anything less than 28 days of paid holidays per year - it's not only socially unacceptable - it's illegal!

RandGenUserName Report

#12

Bragging about how expensive something was.

In the US "this is a $100 shirt" ...smug face

In the UK "can you believe I got this whole suit for £25!" ...smug face

NCC-2000-A Report

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Despite some of the more superficial cultural differences between the US and the UK, both nations appear to care about pretty much the same issues.

“The research showed a high degree of shared concern about global issues among young people in both countries with poverty, extremism/terrorism, and climate change as the top factors chosen by young people in both the US and UK,” the British Council found. “The research suggests the relationship between the two countries is at root a cultural as much as a political phenomenon, and viewed in those terms it is indeed special.”

#13

Labelling the winner of a sports tournament that only your country plays as ‘World Champions’

Calling Football ‘Soccer’

DM1994 Report

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Paul Davis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We're not the only ones doing that. No one seems to blink at the audacity of the Miss Universe beauty contest, where Earth seems to win every time.

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#14

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK A rubber in England is not the same as a rubber in the US.

Butwaip , Annie Spratt Report

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Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the UK, a durex is (or used to be) a condom. In Australia, it's sticky tape. Best not to get them confused.

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#15

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Gaps in bathroom stalls

8xxx5 , ttarasiuk Report

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Ironically, the actual term ‘special relationship’ sees very little use in the US, primarily being a British way of categorizing the tight bonds between the two nations. However, this doesn’t change the fact that both countries are very much skipping along arm-in-arm, primarily admiring each other’s cultural output (leaving politics a secondary concern).

#16

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Making tea in a microwave.

fantsukissa , MoneyBlogNewz Report

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troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is horrifying for the rest of the world not just the UK!!

DogMom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canadian here. The idea of microwaved “tea” distressed me greatly

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Something
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that really normal in the US? I've lived here my whole life and never seen this done.

Sam
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...i've always made tea in an electric kettle. microwave tea is just wrong.

M K Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I confess that am guilty of this…but no more as I’ve purchased a proper kettle and have put an end to the misuse full stop. Now, I use the micro for what is intended…popcorn.

Anita Pickle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooooo! popcorn. But I must admit, to me stove popped corn tastes better. However I will never turn down microwave popcorn.

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C_Wells
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I make tea in a Microwave all the time. Yes, I'm American.

John C
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to blind taste-test someone that denounces this. Warm up water in a microwave vs kettle (or whatever they think is "right") and then dip the tea bag in and let them taste. I'll give ya $100 out of my wallet if you convince me you can taste a difference.

Anita Pickle
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It depends on the cleanliness of the microwave. Unless brand new, only used to heat water, you may not have an issue. Even microwaves that look spick and span have odors that end up in the heated water.

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Dippin Dot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unpopular opinion: I don't want a kettle... I don't like things sitting on my stove and don't really have room in my kitchen for something that large that has one job - to warm water. I like tea and will microwave the water in a pinch, but generally save drinking it for when I'm at work and can get hot water straight from the coffee machine.

Dee Pond
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you own a toaster? Or, is this actually a reaction to feeling gas-lit when people tell you they can taste the difference between microwave or kettle tea? I can't tell the difference myself, and don't like tea for that matter, but lots of things in the house and kitchen require hot water, and I use my electric kettle daily....

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elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't use a microwave to make tea, but I can't say it horrifies me. There are much more important things to be horrified about.

Nubmaeme
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't speak for everyone on this side of the pond but I use the microwave just to heat the water for my tea. I then pour that water over the leaves. The leaves are never microwaved. Would someone please explain to me why should I need a special kettle just to boil water for the ONE (1) mug of hot tea I drink per day? I would be happy to comply if someone can give me a really good reason.

Gin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The temperature of the hot water affects the tannins in the tea leaves. When water temperature is too hot, the tannins are dissolved and other desirable compounds are destroyed. It will also taste bitter and astringent. When water temperature is too cold, the compounds are not released and the tea lacks balance and taste. You may need to experiment a little to find what temperature suits you best because the perfect water temperature is often a matter of personal preference. I'm not a tea snob - do what suits you but kettles make it easier to get the temperature of the water right and that's the only reason. Microwaves are very varied - alter the amount of water in the mug by a small amount and it can change the temperature up and down by a sufficient amount to impact taste. So, there's the reason - but just do what you want. 👍

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Spork420
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I've never even heard of or seen an electric kettle until just recently, on this site actually. We rarely drink hot tea here. And the stove takes ages to warm water, so why not microwave? Hot water is hot water.

Nikki Sevven
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't make tea in the microwave; we boil water in the microwave. Why would it matter how the water gets boiled? Why would I waste an entire teakettle of water for one cuppa? Now, if I had people over for tea, I'd use my teakettle and teapot like a normal person.

Nicole Leary
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American and I cannot stand the taste of water that's been heated in the microwave. I'm a huge tea drinker and I have both stove top and electric kettles.

Stephen Hutchison
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's nothing wrong with heating water in a microwave. I wouldn't put the tea in it at the same time though.

Gabrielle Causey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know why this one always makes me irrationally angry, but it does. Just such a stupid thing to be "unacceptable". It's leaf water. Coffee is bean water. Who honestly cares how its made as long as you enjoy it?

backatya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's so horrifying about heating up water in a microwave? Damn you people are so sensitive.

Tim Haight
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I am in a hurry I may heat water in the microwave (takes 2 minutes) and let is seep, Otherwise I will brew a 12 cup pot

Triv
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll only heat the water in the microwave. But boiling water's not good for tea, either

Rhon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just NO! I tried this once when I was in a hurry, NEVER DOING THAT AGAIN!

Fixin'Ta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a tea snob in America, I find it horrifying that people use microwaves to boil the water. I also find it horrifying to use tea bags and to NOT match the water temp to the kind of tea. We have British friends who boil the kettle and pour it over every kind of tea bag -- black, white, green, oolong. But that's not the proper way, y'all. Green, white and oolong are best at lower temps, and even black shouldn't be steeped with full boiling water. Love my electrical kettle that lets me choose the right temp for the right tea.

Laura Pantazis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've warmed water in the microwave to make tea. I don't understand why this is weird. Hot water is hot water.

Tony F
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do this sometimes as I don't want to boil a full kettle for one tea. I put the milk in after.

Christopher Troisi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to boil the water in the microwave once. Of course not with the teabag in it.

Chancey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess I am not understanding this. What is the difference if you heat water on the stove in a pot, in the microwave or in a kettle? Isn't it all hot water to put a tea bag in? This is a serious question. No one actually puts a tea bag in the microwave.

Gin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Accuracy of temperature. As I've said elsewhere (and I genuinely don't care how people do it) The temperature of the hot water affects the tannins in the tea leaves. When water temperature is too hot, the tannins are dissolved and other desirable compounds are destroyed. It will also taste bitter and astringent. When water temperature is too cold, the compounds are not released and the tea lacks balance and taste. You may need to experiment a little to find what temperature suits you best because the perfect water temperature is often a matter of personal preference. Honestly, do what suits you but kettles make it easier to get the temperature of the water right and that's the only reason. Microwaves are very varied - alter the amount of water in the mug by a small amount and it can change the temperature up and down by a sufficient amount to impact taste. Hope that helps explain the reasoning. Personally I prefer coffee. 😀

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Dee Pond
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

American who loves my electric kettle. Not only quicker for hot drinks, they boil water much faster than any other method, so it's a good way to shave off a few minutes with pasta, or soups from scratch.

Leo Domitrix
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who makes tea in the microwave? Heat the awter, fine, but who puts the tea in there? I'm in the US and never saw this in my life. Mug of water, yes. Mug with tea in it, no.

Joe Finley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine thinking that you boil water better than someone else

LeilaOdinis
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Noooo! Always with a kettle. Not the hot water tap either. Sacrilege

Lynn Morello
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boil the kettle, put the tea bag into the mug, pour the boiling water into the mug and jiggle the tea bag for a short time, Take the milk from the fridge and pour some into the tea until your brew is just right, Put the milk back in the fridge, Remove your tea bag and enjoy your tea. Not a Microwave in sight.

Wadong Shen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been making my tea in microwave since 2004. I'm in neither US nor UK.

Tim Haight
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I brew mine. I have a cuisinart 12 cup coffe maker and brew it 12 cups at a time.

Joyce Melton
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nobody does this, seriously. I've never seen it done. Heating the water for tea in a microwave, yes, making the tea in a microwave, no.

Demongrrrrl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heat the water in the microwave and add the teabag after the water is hot.

Cory Tollman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have some tea in k-cup form for my Keurig. Is that better or worse than using a microwave?

Faith Hurst
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only person I've ever seen microwave tea was British. I have an electric kettle.

ButterScot
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont know why this is always on the list. The majority of American's think this is horrible too. It's not as widespread as people think.

A Head
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife and kids do this (I'm not a big tea drinker), and I've never understood the problem. They heat the water, take it out, and put the tea bag (or infuser) in the hot water. Is water out of a kettle better?

KMill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please clarify- are brits grossed out by water boiled in the microwave or are we talking about a monster actually putting the tea in a cup of water and then putting the whole thing in the microwave? (Yeah that doesn’t taste good) I boil water in the microwave and then pour that into a cup with tea - I don’t see what’s wrong with that method.

Morgan Futura
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

'merican here, don't even have a microwave, it makes food taste horrible. Coffee is made in a cowboy percolator, tea in a teapot.

Dre Mosley
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tea is not a cultural thing here. We just want the water to be hot.

Jen Albert
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is mind blowing to me. My family has had an electric kettle since I was a teen. Before that one on the stove. I'm American. Who raised these people?

Jrizzy Jay
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

hot water is hot water. The microwave doesn't change the flavor.

Harlow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s quick and easy and doesn’t taste half bad. And I don’t own a kettle. So, I’m kind of out of options lol

TheGirlFromTheNorth
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

EXCUSE ME???? This is beacuse its's so much harder to boil or put the kettle on? I don't understand?

Bernard Franklin
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is actually not a problem. You can boil water for tea just fine in a microwave. Actually, it is more efficient, less waste of energy. And a preventive clarification in case you have seen that "research" from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. If you complain about the uniformity of the temperature, then the problem is not the microwave, it is that you need to learn to use the microwave. Everything can be used wrong.

CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m American and wouldn’t do this unless I’m just warming it up.

Sarah Grape
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah I will sometimes say 'what would nonna say' to people about to do weird things like that, with the idea that everyone has an Italian grandma on their shoulder tsk-ing as they do it

TexasWoman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never tried that. Any better or different than making it on the stove?

danielw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

most of us just heat the water in the microwave, and then brew the tea as normal. (i bring it to a boil and let it cool down to proper temperature first. functionally no different than a whistling kettle...)

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H G
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I'm american and I love tea. I have a proper tea kettle and special tea cup with a tea infuser. The laziest thing I've ever done when making tea is run water through my Keurig. Not my finest hour.

cybermerlin2000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I gave a sort of masterclass to some American friends online, and they all agreed the way I taught them how to make tea was a million times better than the 'microwave' method. I think I posted a cut down version on Bored Panda some time ago in the comments of another post

Candace Fitzpatrick
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t think I could bring myself to do this, even in an emergency situation

pat manna
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i was born in brooklyn, ny. my mom was canadian. i would go thirsty before making tea in a microwave. rapidly boiling water only

Philly Bob Squires
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Huh??? Oh no! I'm a brit by decent and American by birth... this is sacrilege!

rgr8
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in the US and I find this terrifying. Putting liquids in the microwaves scares me.

Carol Emory
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's make something clear..not all people in the USA are heathens when it comes to making tea. Microwave tea is gross. Get an electric kettle you slackers!!

Melissa TO
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American, I never microwave water for tea. Ew! Maybe because I grew up among tea drinkers who brewed properly well before microwaves were in every home. My husband doesn't understand it though, he doesn't believe me when I tell him it tastes different.

InfectedVoice
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only acceptable thing to make in a microwave is scrambled eggs, nothing else, making tea in a microwave here will get you cut mate.

marianne eliza
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We're NOT making tea in the microwave. We're boiling water for tea. What's the big deal? Boiled water is boiled water; stovetop, microwave, electric kettle, exhaust manifold, or campfire.

Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because boiled water tastes different in an electric kettle? I never understood that. That's just being pretentious.

Crochet lady
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know anyone who does this and I'm 58 years old. We have always had an electric kettle for tea.

Mark Jaress
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, you Brits use a campfire to make tea? Your stove is a machine

Bean flavored Fujioshi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...well i would think they boil water or kettle(idk I'm not a brit ).....but not a microwave :/

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Deep One
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find this one funny as hot water is hot water it doesn't which part of the spectrum you use to add energy to the water.

Covid Pan Demic
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, please, no. Making tea in the microwave is horrifying. How does anybody do this!?

Bean flavored Fujioshi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

0-0 people do this (excuse my stupidity) I'm is the U.S but :/ literally boiling water isn't hard... ;w; No hate on people that do this but...why 0-o? i understand no stove or it's faster but ^^||| it's a stove...not hard to heat up water

Arctic Fox Lover
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, I'd much rather burn gas with my gas stove and my broken kettle (it broke a while ago and my mom has no intention of buying a new one... and I ain't buying one any time soon cuz I'm broke as a joke) to make some tea rather than throwing a cup into the microwave. I don't really see what's so bad about making tea in the microwave o/-\o

Hermione Granger
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American I don't get what the big deal is, both ways get your water hot?

danielw
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as an American, I can assure you, if you include the tea bag in the water before heating it, you most certainly should not be drinking tea.

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Miss Frankfurter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I find this horrifying🥴. Have patience my friends! Good things come to those who wait. Water that has just settled from boiling, let it steep for a few minutes. And yes, this is part of the instructions: enjoy!

Vicky Z
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's horrifying for me is drinking tea instead of coffee!

Dee Pond
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coffee is just gross, and I personally have a not uncommon reaction to tea that makes me vomit. Great people of culture get a gourd, a bombilla and drink delicious yerba mate. ;)

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N G
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

UK person here.... Put a single tea bag into your mug. Pour boiling water over it and wait 30 seconds before you squeeze and remove the tea bag, add fresh semi skimmed milk, then it's ready to drink.

Bill
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's the difference ? Water molecules get excited by electrically produced heat either way

Auzi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Water doesn't heat evenly and you can't really set temperature to, say, 70-80 C. Not all tea should be made with boiling water, like green tea. White tea is ok with 50C, while black tea requires 100C.

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Jim Day
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, we can poach salmon in a dishwasher. Some people would consider this resourceful. Keep it up Britts and your tea will end up in the harbor again.

Aurelia!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American, yet I agree this is a TRAVESTY. I don't even know HOW to use a microwave. Maybe I'm British at heart.

Luna Lovegood
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, as an american and tea enthusiast, I agree. Tea made in the microwave is an atrocity. However, what you have to understand is that tea is not all that common of a drink over here, so most people don't know it's bad to do that, or they just don't care. Just how it is ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Pedro
Community Member
3 years ago

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AHAHAHAHAH in a bloody microwave? Makes me think that tea incident in Boston that sparked the war for independence was actually Americans just trying to make tea. :)

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#17

When my Brit friends were visiting, they were horrified when the waiter took their credit card to swipe back at the terminal. This made them REALLY uncomfortable.

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#18

Cutting lines for things, I’ve seen some people when going to Disney world trying to cut lines for random reasons. Queueing in the uk is like our national sport

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Redditor TownImmediate9060’s thread about the differences between the US and the UK was a roaring success. It got more than 67.7k upvotes in just over a week. What’s more, the thread got over 51k comments which just goes to show that the OP hit the nail on the head and chose a niche topic that plenty of folks were interested in.

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The thread also got over 300 awards, proving that TownImmediate9060’s fellow Reddit users really appreciated them asking the question in the first place.

#19

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK My (British) partner & I (American) were in London, running late to meet our friends. Just as we get to the tube station, I see our train has just pulled in; we haul ass across platform and I yell, “HOLD THE DOOR.” Someone does, we make the train, I don’t see a problem. My partner, by contrast, is mortified. This was 4-5 years ago & he is still mortified. Apparently we were meant to just...let the train leave? Without us?? & wait for the next one???

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Linus Nilsson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the tube, there's absolutely no reason to "hold the door". The next one will be in in a few minutes, and you will just be a little late. By holding, everyone on the train will be late, and there is actually a possibility that it travels down the line, delaying several trains.

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#20

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Asking new neighbors, "Have you found a church yet?"

boganvegan , Cosmic Timetraveler Report

#21

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Huge portion sizes. Kids meal in U.S is like a adult meal in U.K.

Revolutionary_Ad5901 , Ashley Green Report

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What’s your opinion about the relationship between the US and the UK, dear Readers? What, in your opinion, makes this relationship between the two special? What do you think are the main cultural differences between Americans and Brits? Let us know what you think in the comment section below. We’d absolutely love to get your take on this, especially if you’re currently living in the US or the UK.

#22

I was in Japan once and there was a vending machine selling beer outside my hotel room.

So, being British, I bought a can and went to the elevator where I shared an excruciating couple of minutes with two American business men. They were horrified at my early day drinking, and I at their willingness to express this.

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Shelp
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's particularly wrong with day drinking? I mean, night won't reduce your drunkenness

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#23

As a Brit in the US, this is a fun one!

Pharmaceutical adverts on the TV are still weird af to me

The length and frequency of commercial breaks in general on TV is shocking

Low hanging fruit, but anything relating to child beauty pageants just makes me feel physically sick

Here's a nice one: taking 20+ minutes to help a complete stranger who is struggling with something. The amount of times a total stranger has stopped to assist me or someone I know? Y'all really make my heart melt!

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A Cat Named Dragon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This happens in the UK too. I am a woman and I traveled by train with a suitcase too heavy for me to lift and always some lovely man immediately assisted me with getting on and off.

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#25

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Addressing a stranger as ‘Sir’

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chi-wei shen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To me, this sounds like a good style. How would you address a stranger in the UK?

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#26

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Responding to work emails while on leave/vacation.

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N G
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I fear this one may be culturally appropriated - I'm in the UK and have worked for people who have done this, and been "encouraged" to do this myself. I have offered once (but that was because it was a big, serious project, and my time off was looking after the MIL's house for two days and I was BORED!)

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#27

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK high fructose corn syrup

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David Beaulieu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What else should we do with all this corn we grow? Feed the world? Bio-fuel these machines? Nope. Lets make something like sugar, but way worse for you.

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#28

Chanting the acronym of your country at any given opportunity.

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#29

I don’t know how common it actually is there, but going fucking wild at the cinema during a hugely popular film like Avengers: Endgame or a Star Wars film. There’s a bunch of videos on YouTube of the audience reactions to various big franchise films and I don’t know how anybody lasts more than a few minutes in that room.

When I saw The Force Awakens, like two people half-heartedly cheered when the title screen came up and then someone immediately told them to shut up.

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Linus Nilsson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While talking about american cinemas, why don't they have seat reservation? In Sweden, we book in advance, choosing our seats by how many we are, where the screen is and availability.

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#30

Refuse a drink to a grown-ass taxpaying 20 year old

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lenka
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can legally buy a gun and hold a hunting license, I can legally get married, vote, make medical decisions, have a mortgage and go to an adult prison for legal infringements but cant enjoy a cold beer on a Saturday afternoon.

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#31

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Telling me how much the tip is going to be.

dumbdoogy , Sam Dan Truong Report

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Hans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tipping as the only chance for some people to make a living is the issue!

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#32

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Not wanting to call for an ambulance if hurt

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#33

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Anything taking over an hour to get to being a "short trip"

Drakeskulled_Reaper , Flemming Fuchs Report

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Bobby
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in the Navy and we were going to England I had a chief tell me "the difference between US and UK is that in the US 200 years is a long time, and in the UK 200 miles is a long distance"

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#34

Chatting with a stranger on the street. I do it all the time. My best friend is English. It horrifies him.

I said “how do you meet new people, like to date?”

“Oh, we get positively trashed in a pub and then it can happen.”

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A Cat Named Dragon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an American, I first learned this on Bored Panda! That Americans are the only people who talk to strangers. I thought that people talk to strangers in every country that I’ve ever been in. It’s only now that I think back and wonder if it was really only just me engaging strangers in other countries in conversations and them humoring me by politely talking back?

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#35

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Chatting casually at the lift.

Maleficent_Chance , Steven Ley Report

#36

Not pronouncing the 'h' in 'herbs'.

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A Cat Named Dragon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the extra “I” in aluminium : ) and I heard a new one recently that I am not sure about. Americans pronounce “router” to rhyme with “outer” but I recently heard someone on the Beeb say it rhyming with “scooter” Is that how it is said in British English? I couldn’t even focus on the rest of the story because I kept thinking... “ did he say rooter?”

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#37

Not horrifying but pausing a show or event to ask members of the military to stand up for an applause would be weird over here.

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troufaki13
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Τhey create wars on the other side of the world, send people over there to kill and be killed and then welcome them back as heroes who defended their country...

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#38

The fake enthusiasm that everyone knows is fake but everyone buys into and plays along with.

I'm Irish but work for a company that has a very large UK client and a very large US client and I don't really see that fake enthusiasm coming from the Brits. You might get the odd person but everyone will just think they're a wanker where as with the yanks it's on a whole other level. Gets pretty dry when absolutely everything is "awesome".

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#39

Talking so loud that everyone within 100 meters can hear what you are saying.

Whooping. Just don't Chad, you aren't on a bucka-roo now.

Listing your positive qualities like you are in a job interview, but in a normal conversation. You must only speak ill of yourself.

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JennyLaRue
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I went to Venice, which seemed to have an awful lot of loud American tourists, listening to their conversations in restaurants was our entertainment. I would call it eavesdropping, but they were so loud it was impossible not to hear.

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#40

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Americans will ask 'How ya doing?' but not really expect an answer.

thefirstdetective , Victor He Report

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A Cat Named Dragon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean this goes both ways though. In UK countryside, they ask “Are you all right?” And I’m always taken aback like, “shouldn’t I be?”

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#41

Naming your child Randy.

British people ITT: wait, people don't really name their child Randy, do they?

Americans: what's wrong with Randy?

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James016
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can google these but they are real names: Randy Bender and Willie Stroker. ;) Yes I'm being a child.

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#42

As I found out is done in another thread the other day "eating sandwiches without butter on the bread" being from the UK this horrifies me.

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#43

Coming from the perspective of a British guy, your style of customer service. Not universally, but very commonly, it’s way too over the top for us.

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AnnaBanana
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The US knows how to do customer service properly. Sure, it may be a little over the top at times, but it's better than being treated like s**t by some teenager who's more interested in their phone or gossip with their colleagues, when all you want to do is give then money!

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#44

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK I’ve learned from my British friends that you have to be very careful giving peace signs. If you have your hand facing a certain way, it’s like a “f**k you” in the UK basically, whereas in the US it doesn’t matter which way it’s facing really. Several years ago I sent them a picture with me doing an “incorrect” peace sign and they were appalled

ETA: The offensive version is where your palm is facing inwards

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Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If my memory serves me correctly, the origin of the two-fingered f**k you was this. In the middle ages, English archers were much feared by enemies for their deadly accuracy. When English archers were captured, the French used to cut off their two bow string fingers. In battles, English archers (who hadn't been captured) would stick up their two fingers at the opposing French forces to show they still had them.

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#45

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK When somebody says you should come to their house sometime, actually going by their house sometime.

Overall_Dependent_43 , Milan Popovic Report

#46

Asking for a tour of their house. *SHUDDERS*

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#47

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK Saying “hello” when you pass people.

Interesting_Shock788 , Jacek Dylag Report

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not? You can tell if someone is open to a smile or "hi", by looking at them. Well through trial and error you can XD

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#49

strangers asking "where" not if you go to church.

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A Cat Named Dragon
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is this common in the US? I have lived here my whole life and I don’t know that anyone has ever asked me that.

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#50

When someone says, 'make yourself at home' actually making yourself at home

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les
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was meeting a friend at his house one day, but when i got there he was still in the shower. His mum was just heading out and said to make myself at home, so I rearranged her living room to how mine was. My friend was horrified but his mum couldn't stop laughing when she got back

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#51

A lot of ice in drinks. My grandfather visited Ireland and asked for ice in his drink. He said the people at the restaurant were confused and gave him two ice cubes.

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#52

30 People List What Things Are Accepted In The US While Are Totally Horrifying In The UK "Bum bag", not "fanny pack".

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#53

Saying someone has a lot of spunk

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#54

Talking about money. It's a bad habit of our never to discuss wages.

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#55

Looking around someone's house and complimenting things

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