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American TikToker reveals surprising rudeness gaps between US and UK etiquette

Saturday, 17 May 2025 12:19AM UTC

An American woman living in the UK uses TikTok to highlight everyday behaviours considered polite in the US but rude in Britain, from home tours and payment methods to volume and manners.

An American woman based in the UK has shed light on the cultural distinctions that make certain behaviours acceptable in the United States but regarded as impolite in Britain. Using her TikTok platform under the username @yorkshireyank, she highlights the nuances of everyday interactions that shape perceptions of rudeness.

One of her observations involves the practice of offering house tours, which is common in the US. According to her account, Americans often guide guests through their homes, showcasing areas where they cook, relax, and engage in daily activities. “It’s just weird and it would be considered rude in this country,” she noted. In contrast, a more reserved approach is typically favoured in British culture, where such personal displays are less common and viewed with scepticism.

The differences extend beyond home visits to dining practices, particularly regarding payment methods in restaurants. In the US, it is customary for waitstaff to take a customer's debit card away to process the payment, leaving diners in suspense about the whereabouts of their card for the duration. “In the UK, that just doesn't happen,” she remarked. Instead, patrons can expect the waiter to bring a credit card reader to their table, ensuring that transactions are transparent and secure—an approach many Brits appreciate and prefer.

Table manners also feature prominently in her discussions. While many Americans believe they understand proper etiquette, she asserts that the sophistication of British dining standards surpasses those commonly observed in the US. “Let’s agree to disagree,” she quipped, capturing the essence of the cultural divide. This highlights the broader understanding that the same dining etiquette can evoke a range of behaviours and interpretations across different cultures.

The TikToker further elaborated on the perception that Americans are generally louder than their British counterparts. She attributes this to the way American accents can carry in public spaces, often preceding their presence on a train or in a quiet café. “Sometimes being loud is considered rude,” she explained, reflecting a difference in communication styles. This aligns with findings that suggest British humour and conversation are typically more reserved, preferring indirect communication to avoid any potential confrontation.

Moreover, she pointed out a crucial variation in the manner of politeness. While some Americans do express gratitude frequently, she noted that there exists a tendency for a significant portion of the population to forego polite phrases. In a store, it is not unusual for someone to bluntly ask, “Hey, where’s the flour?” which may come off as abrasive to British ears. The expectation in the UK, as she articulated, is to phrase requests politely, exemplifying a deeper cultural appreciation for manners and formality.

This commentary resonated with many viewers, leading to a lively discussion within the TikTok community. Some commentators expressed enthusiasm for the idea of house tours, while others highlighted examples of British etiquette that might be surprising to Americans, such as the importance of not whistling to get a bartender's attention.

Overall, her insights reflect a broader tapestry of cultural differences that defines interactions between Americans and Brits. Whether in the context of dining, personal space, or communication styles, the variations underscore how customs shape perceptions of hospitality and civility across the Atlantic.

Reference Map

Insights on American and British cultural differences in home tours and dining etiquette.
Comparison of conversational styles in British and American dinner parties.
Overview of cultural differences regarding manners, communication, and etiquette.
Discussion of British manners that might shock Americans, such as queuing and dining decorum.
Key cultural differences in humour and communication between the U.S. and the U.K.
Ten cultural etiquette differences between the U.S. and the U.K. regarding conversation and dining.
British business etiquette and its implications for social conversations and interactions.

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14719505/American-woman-living-UK-reveals-Brits-called-rude-typical-US-habits.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490 - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.ft.com/content/f8996348-a703-45b1-bfb5-042250100865 - This article contrasts American and British dinner party norms, emphasizing the difference in conversational styles. In the U.S., single-table conversations are customary, where the group engages in intellectual debates, often prompted by a glass-tap signal when the main course is served. In contrast, British dinners rarely feature such communal dialogues. British gatherings favor later meals, higher alcohol consumption, and are more reserved, avoiding serious conversations at dinner, viewing it as time for relaxation, not work. The writer highlights these distinctions and adapts by hosting single-table conversations in his Provost dining room, showcasing the strong influence of cultural norms on social interactions.
https://culture.netosee.com/travel/overseas-travel/cultural-differences-between-the-us-and-the-uk/ - This article outlines various cultural differences between the U.S. and the U.K., including greetings, dining etiquette, dress codes, queuing, small talk, punctuality, personal space, and humor. It highlights that in the U.S., a handshake is common, while in the U.K., a firm handshake with eye contact is important. Dining tips differ, with the U.S. favoring a 15-20% tip and casual eating habits, whereas the U.K. has a standard 10% tip and more formal dining practices. The article also discusses differences in queuing, small talk topics, and the use of humor in both cultures.
https://blog.imodstyle.com/the-british-manners-that-would-shock-americans/ - This article discusses British manners that might surprise Americans, focusing on queueing etiquette, tea time traditions, dining decorum, and respect for authority. It emphasizes that in the U.K., forming an orderly queue is a way of life, and cutting in line is considered rude. Tea time is a time-honored social custom with specific rules. Dining etiquette includes waiting for everyone to be served before starting and keeping elbows off the table. The article also notes that addressing someone by their title is a sign of respect in the U.K., and there is a strong sense of deference for authority figures.
https://support.ecitizen.go.ke/the-us-in-england-5-key-cultural-differences/ - This article highlights key cultural differences between the U.S. and the U.K., including humor and sarcasm, social customs and etiquette, and direct vs. indirect communication. It notes that British humor is often drier, more sarcastic, and self-deprecating compared to the more direct and straightforward American humor. Social interactions in the U.K. are more formal, with a preference for reserved and polite approaches, while Americans tend to be more casual and informal. The article also discusses the differences in communication styles, with Brits favoring indirect communication to avoid confrontation, whereas Americans are more direct.
https://blog.imodstyle.com/10-cultural-etiquette-differences-between-the-us-and-the-uk/ - This article outlines ten cultural etiquette differences between the U.S. and the U.K., including punctuality, conversation style, communication, humor, tipping, dress code, dining etiquette, and more. It emphasizes that in the U.S., punctuality is highly valued, while in the U.K., being fashionably late is more accepted. Conversation styles differ, with Americans being more expressive and direct, and Brits being more reserved and indirect. The article also discusses differences in humor, tipping practices, dress codes, and dining etiquette between the two cultures.
https://www.ft.com/content/8ccf5518-1689-11ea-8d73-6303645ac406 - This guide outlines important aspects of British business etiquette, emphasizing the tradition and subtle nuances that may not be immediately apparent to outsiders. Key points include greetings, meetings, socializing, dress code, and correspondence. It notes that a handshake is preferred over a cheek kiss, and if attempting a kiss, treat men and women equally. Meetings in the U.K. strive to start promptly but are often casual about extending them. Socializing may not involve personal events but often includes after-work activities involving alcohol. The dress code ranges from suits without ties to 'business casual,' and correspondence typically uses first names unless addressing titled individuals formally.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative discusses cultural differences in manners and communication which are generally timeless; there are no references to dated events, changed roles, or deceased individuals. The content appears original and tied to the TikToker @yorkshireyank’s recent commentary, suggesting it is fresh and not recycled from old press releases.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: The quotes come from a TikTok creator’s personal observations rather than widely documented statements. No earlier online references to these exact quotes were found, implying these could be original content from the TikTok video. The directness of the quotes supports authenticity but limits external verifiability.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from the Daily Mail’s Femail section, a popular but tabloid-leaning outlet with a mixed reputation for editorial rigor. While the Daily Mail is well-known and widely read, its content often blends celebrity and lifestyle reporting with less stringent fact-checking compared to high-tier outlets like Reuters or BBC.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims about cultural differences in manners, house tours, dining etiquette, and communication styles between Americans and Brits are plausible and consistent with generally accepted stereotypes and social observations. They align with known cultural contrasts and no extraordinary or unverifiable claims are made.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative reliably presents plausible cultural observations without outdated references. The original quotes from the TikToker add authenticity despite limited traceability. The Daily Mail’s reputation suggests moderate reliability but the content’s nature as lifestyle commentary on social media behaviour lowers risk of factual distortion. Overall, the information is fresh, credible, and plausible.

Cultural differences
Etiquette
US UK relations