Skip to Content

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock / pathdoc

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

8. Having a Second Home in the Cotswolds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 From The Green Voyage

Top 10 Trending Travel Destinations 2024

6 Essential Banking Apps for International Travel – Managing Your Finances on the Go

Traveling With Kids – 10 Tips to Create Memorable Family Holidays

The post 21 British Cultural Taboos: What Counts as Showing Off in the UK first appeared on The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pexels / 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 Trip

Related posts:

20 Terrifying Destinations: The World's Most Haunted Places for the Brave
The Cost of Comfort: What It Takes in These 22 US States
20 Critical Travel Insights: Navigating White Privilege and Destinations to Reconsider
18 Love Adventures: Unusual Romantic Date Ideas Globally
20 Essential Language Tips for Americans Venturing into Non-English Speaking Territories
22 Destinations Luring Brits Out of London - Beyond the Big Smoke
The 17 Hardest Languages to Learn in the World
Top 16 Countries Offering Americans Lucrative Job Opportunities Abroad
21 Thrifty Boomer Travel Trends - Budget-Friendly Adventures Redefining Retirement
Hidden Gems: 15 Overlooked UK Towns Ready for Revival American Travelers Must See
Travel Hacks That Are Actually Illegal
23 Opulent Oasis: The Ultimate Luxurious Spa Retreats Across the US
18 Changing Travel Trends of Americans: The Evolution of Wanderlust
19 Countries That Clash With American Values
Is Your Wallet Ready for This? The Ultimate Guide to America's Priciest Places to Visit
Most Dangerous Tourist Attractions in the USA
Retirement - 21 Ways to Save on Travel
20 Most Transgender-Friendly States in US
Where's the Best VIP Nightlife? Top 21 Cities
21 Wild West Wonders That Wyoming Still Preserves
20 Adrenaline-Packed Theme Parks for Ultimate Thrill-Seekers
Virginia vs. North Carolina: The Ultimate Travel Championship – Who Scores the Win?
Scam Alert: 22 Classic Tricks to Avoid When Traveling
21 Ways to Make the Most of Daylight Saving
21 Unbelievable Tales From Florida
23 American Heroes Leading Educational Programs Overseas
21 Things New Yorkers Say That Other States Don't Get
Illinois Corn Reigns Supreme Over Iowa's
Lost in Translation: 21 Times Americans Misunderstood Local Customs
20 Top Vegan-Friendly Cities Perfect for American Travelers