21 British Cultural Taboos: What Counts as Showing Off in the UK

British modesty and the art of underplaying achievements are time-honoured traditions. Yet, there are those moments and things that Brits consider as flagrant displays of flamboyance or “showing off.” Here’s a look at some of them:

1. Getting More Than 6 Hours of Sunshine

shutterstock 2323085203 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergii Figurnyi

In Britain, the sun is as rare as a quiet American tourist. So, if you’ve seen more than 6 hours of sunshine, you’re basically living in the Bahamas, and that’s just showing off.

2. Having a Barbecue in February

1 shutterstock 271163843 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Daxiao Productions

Deciding to have a barbecue anytime before June is seen as wildly optimistic and a bit of a show-off move. It’s Britain; you’re more likely to be grilling under an umbrella.

3. Getting a Haircut

shutterstock 529646581 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kamil Macniak

Post-haircut, walking around as though you’ve just had a personal makeover by a celebrity stylist is peak British flaunting. “Yes, I did indeed pay for someone to trim my split ends, thank you for noticing.”

4. Doing Well at Something

shutterstock 1299580009 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dean Drobot

In a country where “mustn’t grumble” is a national motto, doing well and talking about it is akin to screaming “look at me!” in a library. Best keep that Nobel Prize under wraps.

5. Owning a Big Dog in a City

shutterstock 1503284522 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ripio

Having a dog larger than a British flat in the city is a clear sign you’re living life more lavishly than the queen.

6. Drinking Tea From Anything Other Than a Mug

1 shutterstock 2001161177 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ground Picture

A teacup with a saucer? What are we, attending the Queen’s garden party? Keep it humble with a chipped Sports Direct mug.

7. Using Words Longer Than 10 Letters

shutterstock 225389362 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / pathdoc

Why use “antidisestablishmentarianism” when “long” does the trick? Don’t get fancy.

8. Having a Second Home in the Cotswolds

shutterstock 220267750 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Voyagerix

Nothing screams “I’ve made it” like owning a quaint cottage for weekend escapes while others queue for the National Express.

9. Making Eye Contact on the Tube

shutterstock 1837117015 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / BearFotos

The unwritten rule of public transport: keep your eyes to yourself. Anything more is social exhibitionism.

10. Wearing Sunglasses Anywhere, Ever

1 shutterstock 680930077 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Izabela Magier

Britain is not known for its dazzling sunlight. Wearing sunglasses is a clear indicator you’re living in a different climate zone, or just trying too hard.

11. Owning an Umbrella That Works

shutterstock 1212304216 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alena Veasey

A sturdy, functioning umbrella is a luxury item. If it doesn’t invert in the wind, you’re practically royalty.

12. Asking for a “Flat White” in a Cafe

1 shutterstock 388625185 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia

Fancy coffee orders are the equivalent of a peacock’s display. Stick to tea or instant coffee to avoid the stares.

13. Eating Lunch Anywhere Other Than Your Desk

shutterstock 1798966348 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / hedgehog94

Taking an actual lunch break? What’s next, a siesta? Clearly, you’re not as busy as the rest of us.

14. Having a Garden Larger Than a Postage Stamp

shutterstock 1731929572 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mariia Boiko

A sprawling garden? In Britain? That’s just showing off your gardening prowess and square footage in a country where a patch of grass is a luxury.

15. Talking About Your Holiday to Anywhere Warmer Than Spain

shutterstock 1912225570 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / New Africa

Mentioning your exotic travels is a surefire way to alienate yourself from everyone who considers a trip to Blackpool the height of summer luxury.

16. Owning a Car That Starts on the First Try

shutterstock 1141270592

Image Credit: Shutterstock / YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV

A reliable car is like a mythical creature; we’ve heard of them but never seen one. If yours starts without a fuss, you’re living in the lap of luxury.

17. Wearing Shorts in April

shutterstock 1111595840 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / FXQuadro

Daring to bare your legs before May is tantamount to declaring an early summer and jinxing the weather for everyone else.

18. Having a Full English Breakfast on a Weekday

shutterstock 1307328829 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / THANAN KONGDOUNG

Enjoying the pinnacle of British cuisine on a day other than Sunday? Clearly, someone’s living their best life.

19. Speaking a Second Language Fluently

shutterstock 65381824 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / coka

Being bilingual in Britain is like being a unicorn. Impressive, but also, are you trying to make the rest of us look bad?

20. Reciting Poetry From Memory

shutterstock 1677187762 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Bezgodov

Knowing your Keats from your Yeats and being able to prove it is a level of show-off many can only dream of achieving.

21. Queueing Correctly

shutterstock 1865562334 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Studio Romantic

Mastering the art of queuing is one thing, but doing so without tutting or passive-aggressively checking your watch? Show-off alert.

In Britain, standing out can be as simple as having a functional umbrella or as grand as owning a second home

More Articles Like This…

Barcelona: Discover the Top 10 Beach Clubs

2024 Global City Travel Guide – Your Passport to the World’s Top Destination Cities

Exploring Khao Yai 2024 – A Hidden Gem of Thailand

The post 21 British Cultural Taboos: What Counts as Showing Off in the UK republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Andrea Piacquadio.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.

431c2de7962d42a3f1e952bb2ada7f01?s=150&d=mp&r=g
+ posts