12 British Stereotypes Americans Believe (That Are Totally True)

6. We Are Incredibly Sarcastic

British people tend to have a reputation for saying things in a sarcastic manner, and that's probably because we do. All the time. Not a true British sentence goes by 'less it's layered with some sort of underlining wit or ironic statement, because otherwise why did you bother to say it? This sort of talk has slipped its way into every sitcom we've ever produced, of course, whereupon sarcastic characters say sarcastic things for 22 sarcastic minutes. And our sarcastic natures tend to get us in trouble now and again, really, because it - apparently - comes off as being a bit rude? Not sure what that means, exactly, so onto the next point, hm? Thank you very much.

5. We Like To Say Sorry

"Sorry." Whereas a lot of people tend to think of the British as being somewhat "rude," what with our snobby attitudes and posh accents and large mansions in the country and butlers and whatnot (we all have these by law), it's also pretty much factual that we tend to say sorry a lot. Move past somebody on the street and come a little too close to them? "Oh, sorry." Complaining about something in a situation where you've been wronged? "I'm so sorry." We can't help it, because deep down we're all terribly insecure and can't think of anything worse than "making a fuss," especially if it's possible to ignore the situation entirely.
Contributor

Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.