Britain has an immense and fascinating culture, fantastic accents and its Queen. Who wouldn't like to pretend to be British? In fact, why didn't you think about it before? If you want to fool everyone for a day or the rest of your life into believing you're British, here's how to get started.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Looking British
Step 1. Learn to speak with a British accent
There is already a great guide on wikiHow on how to learn to speak with a credible British fake accent, namely How to Speak English with a British Accent, but you probably already knew that. There are so many to choose from and most of them have nothing to do with that of the Queen.
- Many of them are quite difficult to absorb, so try to pick one that is easy for you. Do some research on the place and the accent. Further north, you will find harder, Scottish accent-like sounds. To the south and around London is where you'll find the most recognizable accents, such as cockney (which isn't common, and Mary Poppins is cited as the worst example).
- Accents, whether they are English, Scottish or Welsh, also change markedly from east to west and from towns to cities. Remember, not everyone talks like they're straight out of a British romantic comedy.
Step 2. Become a vocabulary expert
Although it is English, this variant of the language is very different from American, Australian or South African or any other dialect. There are some good British / American slang dictionaries online to start getting familiar with the differences.
- Use jelly instead of jello ("jelly"). Jam, “marmalade”, is the product that is spread on toast; eat sweets, not candy ("candy"), a French fry becomes a chip, unless it is very thin (for example at McDonald's both words can be used), and a potato chip becomes a crisp. Cookies become biscuits. Don't say restroom, use toilet or loo. Have you got a girl? Then you pulled a bird.
- Watch out for words like fanny, which have different and offensive meanings. As if this were not enough, the word Asian is related to Indians, Pakistanis, those who come from Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, etc. The Chinese, the Japanese, the Vietnamese and so on are Oriental or Far Eastern.
Step 3. Become familiar with the syntax and grammar
There are many subtle differences that you will notice in the dialogues; they are not flashy, but they serve to put the icing on the cake. Do your research on the internet, here are some examples to get you started:
- In response to a question with an auxiliary verb and a main verb, Brits both use: Could you do the washing up for me?, Could do or Will do (as opposed to the American I could).
- The Do you have…? American correlates to Have you got…?.
- Watch out for details like at hospital instead of at the hospital.
- The British use the past perfect (I have eaten) much more often than Americans, who automatically opt for the past simple (I ate).
Step 4. Make it sound natural
You may know the vocabulary and accent perfectly, but you won't be totally convincing as a British native if you don't use slang and interjections. Speaking a language is more than just knowing how to form a sentence!
- The interjections will be what will give you or not the ability to be able to have an English accent. Without the ability to think and react naturally, you won't be very successful. Examples: Hello !, Ah, Oh, Hmm, Well, Huh, etc.
- Start using phrases like bugger ("curse"), can't be arsed ("just don't go to me"), bender ("drunk"), fancy instead of want ("want"), jolly instead of very (" very much ") and knackared (" exhausted "). These are just a few examples of a virtually endless list.
- Alright? o You alright? is often used in place of Hello, how are you?. This is not a real question to be honest. Would you answer with the same word, which is Alright?. When a stranger tells you the moment he meets you, it's best not to look amused around you and say I'm okay, I supposed….
Step 5. Pronounce the words correctly
Look at an online British-American dictionary and study carefully the words and spellings that vary. Remember, it's favorite color, non favorite color!
Think about verb endings. Instead of learned, dreamed, and spoiled, you can use learned, dreamt, and spoiled. These are just three examples
Step 6. Swear like an Englishman
We will not make a list of words in this case (the only one we say is Blimey, “damn”!), But knowing the versions of certain English words you probably use in your language is preferable. It is, in fact, much more fun and leaves plenty of room for personality expression. Do some research - you'll make sure your friends say those words too in no time.
Method 2 of 4: Act Like a Brit
Step 1. Be polite
British people are generally very aware of others, whether they are friends, family or strangers. They know how to get on and off the subway effectively, how to behave in other countries and when to step aside. Be very aware of the world around you and how you fit into it.
You absolutely need to know how to stand in line. The Minister of Immigration, Phil Woolas, is said to have said "The art of queuing, the very simple act of taking turns taking care of people, is one of the things that keeps our country united". If your culture isn't queuing up, learn to stand in line right now
Step 2. If you are American, try to be a little more quiet and negative
According to the stereotype, Americans are loud, reprehensible, expressive and smiling. While this is not always true, it is a common misconception. If you want to sound British, be a little more stoic. Compared to the Yankees, the Redcoats kept their emotions a little more hidden and attracted less attention to themselves.
Many Brits have dry humor with a touch of self-criticism. Was Colin Firth nominated for an Oscar? It's wonderful. But, of course, he will lose
Step 3. Look to the right before crossing the street
One of the most widely known things about the British is the fact that they drive on the left. If you cross the street, get rid of your old habits! Always look to the right. But then how does it feel to drive on the right? How can it make sense to do such a thing?
So the steering wheel is on the opposite side with respect to what you are used to. As for the metric system, you will have no problems instead. You will be faced with the kilometers, and if you want to make a cake, the English recipes on the websites will be in grams and milliliters. The Americans, on the other hand, will have problems with their cups
Step 4. Get to know the pub's bon ton
Going to an English pub involves a lot of slightly different tactics than those that might be from other countries. For example, don't worry about tipping. The bartender earns a lot more based on his working hours. Secondly, shop for everyone! People take turns buying drinks for others in the group. And, if you can bring all the drinks at once, congratulations.
- Don't yell and yell for attention. Be civil: the bartender will come. And, when he gets close to you, order a draft drink or some cider. Leave the Coors Light to the Americans.
- And remember, instead of thanks it's cheers.
Step 5. Choose a British football team and cheer
Learn the basic rules of football if you don't already know them (learn the offside rule!) And pretend you don't care much about your home country's football. Contrary to what you might think, it's not a good idea to always wear football team jerseys (called shirts), you might be considered a chavy, particularly with a baseball cap. Always talk about football using words like football or footy!
At the same time, not all Brits are passionate about football, just as not all Italians are. Rugby and cricket are some alternatives to consider
Step 6. Make the tea the right way
If you drink it, don't expect to be able to serve iced tea as a substitute for visitors - British people rarely use it! Use Yorkshire Tea or PG Tips and prepare it properly. Add milk, but don't add more than two teaspoons of sugar in case you are using it. And be sure to offer some to others and ask what they think of their teas.
You may want to offer instant coffee (called coffee only) to your friends in case they are not tea drinkers (you will convert them over time)
Step 7. Don't be a chav
A chav, in general, is a person belonging to the working class and characterized by a low level of culture. Avoid US baseball caps featuring team logos. Absolutely avoid those with the New York Yankess or the LA Dodgers. Don't wear too many sports brands and avoid tracksuits, especially cheap ones. Don't wear anything with Burberry's beige tartan. Although Burberry is a luxury brand, beige plaid has been associated with the chavs they tend to sport the brand's fake scarves and hats. Avoid chunky earrings (especially hoops) if you're a girl and tacky gold necklaces if you're a boy. Also, the word chav is an insult that you shouldn't use with your friends.
Step 8. Watch British sitcoms and films
If you want to know how to act like a Brit, you must have role models! Watch Sherlock Holmes, Inbetweeners, Downtown Abbey, Misfits, IT Crowd and other films and shows. Not only will you get a peek at the culture, you'll also develop their own sense of humor. In case you don't know, the Americans and the British have a very, very, very different view of comedy.
Check out the interviews with British actors. Anything you can get that is real and not based on a script is even better. And it will give you good examples of the variety of accents you can emulate
Method 3 of 4: Dress Like a Brit
Step 1. Put your shorts and tennis shoes aside
Unless you're hiking in Thailand, you probably won't see an adult, man or woman, from England wearing shorts and Nikes. Put them away. The same goes for the Union Jack shirt. Ginger Spice wore it in the 90s and it was fine, but no Britons have done it since.
If you're not sure which style to choose, check out stores like New Look, Jack Wills, River Island and Top Shop / Top Man for teens / young adults and like Next, Debenhams, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer's for the adults
Step 2. Women should add an extra touch to their femininity
The general British trends today, at least in comparison with those of other countries, such as the United States, are a mix of decisiveness and softness. A floral print dress could be paired with a pair of boots or a leather jacket. Lines and other motifs can be combined. And, as always, dress according to the weather!
Think in layers. It's often cold in England, so girls across the Channel always wear scarves, boots and, of course, socks. Rain boots also find their place! A short dress or long sweater with stockings, a blazer and a pair of canvas tennis shoes could make for a good outfit
Step 3. Don't look too composed
What distinguishes English fashion from that of other countries, such as the American one, is the fact that it is more eclectic. If you have a mix, you can't miss a match. Feel free to work with different shades, different textures and different motifs. Being slightly disheveled is as sexy as it looks like you've just stepped off a runway (if not more so).
Eye makeup can definitely be a little smudged. Did the socks go down? No problem. Has a dress wrinkled? Who cares? Think Ke $ ha after one of his calmer nights
Step 4. Men can leave their machismo outside the door
Daniel Radcliffe recently stated that British men all look a little gay and part of that has to do with their fashion. In addition to being just a little less cocky, men should dress slightly better to meet the standard, even when wearing casual pieces of clothing. Leave sports jerseys and baseball caps at home. Go for polo shirts, sweaters and classic trousers. Try to have more shoes besides flip flops.
Method 4 of 4: Know Your Culture
Step 1. Know your curry
Indian food is the number one foreign food in the UK, and the number one takeaway food ever. If you see a couple of sad Americans trying to figure out what the hell raita and samosas are, try to help them.
Similarly, when it comes to Mexican food, you're allowed to be a little confused. Burritos? Tacos? Enchiladas? Tostadas?
Step 2. Know your cheese
When it comes to cheese, the average Englishman has more than one favorite and would not call processed and artificial cheeses 'cheeses'. The United Kingdom produces the largest amount of cheese varieties in the world (700), but it is not consumed as much per capita as it is in other countries: it is a more common food among the upper class and must be respected.
Step 3. Become aware of British politics
Of course most Brits don't know everything about Parliament either, but make sure you know your Ed Balls and your Ed Miliband or things could get awkward if you pretend to know about politics. As they are both relatively unknown to foreigners, don't expect others to know them, but try to find out the names of the three main party leaders. Decide if you support the Labor Party, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives or a party of another kind, such as UKIP, and be prepared to explain why! A good answer is to say that you don't support anyone because they are all equally bad, particularly if you belong to the working class, even if you can tell that you vote anyway. Far-right parties, such as the BNP, are considered racist by many, so be sure to do your research before talking about politics.
Step 4. Become familiar with British world politics
Americans are considered too right-wing, both in terms of the population and in terms of parties. In general, most Brits are more to the left and not so patriotic. However, they might be surprised by those nations that are not very patriotic. Iraq and Afghanistan are controversial issues, do not assume that there is an attitude similar to that of the United States.
In general, don't talk about politics with anyone, really. Not all nations share the same views. It is ignorant to make a bundle of all the grass. Whether you're British, American, Lithuanian, or Martian, feel however you want, but be prepared for the repercussions if you get mad about it
Step 5. Learn about some British shows, shops and other popular aspects
Start watching Mighty Boosh and Big Brother. Watching BBC America will also help a lot! But be warned, as many programs broadcast by BBC America are not actually from the BBC. A number of Gordon Ramsey programs, for example, are broadcast on Channel 4, not the BBC.
Talk about popular shops (don't call them stores) like Topshop, Marks and Spencer (often called M and S or Marks and Sparks) and Harrods only if you have to, remember that only older people and tourists shop at the latter place! Unless you're a girl, talking about shopping will be considered a little weird, and Harrods is identified as too expensive by most people
Step 6. Know the difference between British, English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish
Most foreigners refer to someone who is British as English. Scottish people are just as British as those of Wales, Northern Ireland and many other islets. Make sure you understand this, since people can be quite offended when the adjective "British" is confused with "English": Great Britain is made up of Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland! Not just from England.
Step 7. Place, place, place
First of all, it is important to have a point of origin: which county are you from? From what city / town? What district did you live in? Where is it? What area near? What are the costumes? It may also be important to know the main counties and cities. If you can't locate London on a map, it will be quite obvious that you are not British.
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If they ask you where you are from, answer in relation to a big city, but don't have your say. Don't say "the city of London" / "the city": this is a special area within London, which has few residents, in fact it is, more than anything else, a business district. Don't say you are from London, say (for example) that you are from Beckingham North London, But watch out: South London is mainly Croydon (an area where riots occurred some time ago). Delve just another level with a Londoner who is from the same region, say you are from Purley, for example, so you will be more specific with people who know the area. Don't jump in and assume that people know where he is, but act slightly annoyed if they don't know.
The term "city" is used much more strictly in England than in America. Unless it is culturally significant (like Cambridge) or meets a certain definition (it has many inhabitants, a cathedral, etc.), it is just a small town
Step 8. Try to have evidence of your "Britishness", but don't mention it
Carry them around as if it were normal for you! Go online and order something completely and obviously British. Maybe a copy of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"? Remember, to justify the quirks and inconsistencies in your home, you can always say that these are gifts or that they are things you bought on your travels abroad.
Some places, like World Market and Whole Foods in the US, often sell things that are stereotypically British, like HobKnob or PG Tips. Fill your beliefs with this stuff because you feel a little homesick
Advice
- Real British people don't call themselves such. They are defined according to the nation they come from, so they can be English, Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish; these terms are more appropriate to keep you away from words like 'Irish' or 'British', as some people are hostile to being part of the UK or classified as Irish!
- Learn to love tea or enjoy a pint and learn about the culture. It will be of benefit to you when you are observed by others.
- Find out quickly what things Brits in your age group like.
- Minimize things and use a lot of sarcasm. It's just a general and safe rule to always use.
- Learn about British history, such as kings and queens and famous events, for example when they introduced the national lottery.
- The British emergency number is 999, 911 is the American one. You never know.
- Master your chosen British accent before showing your "Britishness" in public.
- Watch their soap operas. Coronation Street is the most popular, then check out many favorite shows like Eastenders, X Factor and Top Gear. They are great for picking up the nuances of accents and actually quite funny. Choose one or two types of programs. The Simpsons and Family Guy are widely popular, occasionally even American Dad.
- British people don't always have very refined and posh accents. Many of them, particularly the British, take away the sound generated by the "T" in words: the British, for example, sometimes say Bri-ish.
- In most of Britain, Not they say Mom, but Mum, or, if you are very posh, Mother, although those from Wales or the north of England tend to use Mam, while areas like the Midlands tend to collectively use Mom.
- Avoid northern accents, as they are much more difficult to acquire. Especially, avoid those from Newcastle (Geordie), Liverpool (Scouser) and Manchester. You will have a better chance of mastering a Southern accent, because they are easier to absorb and more well known among foreigners.
- Be aware of the latest news in British politics and their media. Not everything that is liked or discussed in your country is considered interesting in the UK.
- A British friend could help you master the quirks and accents, but you need to ask him for help, don't give the impression that you are making fun of him or trying to copy him.
Warnings
- Don't mix your accents. Be careful to be consistent, because if you say one thing as if you were from Cornwall and then the next as if you were Irish, and finally you speak like a Scotsman, you will sound artifact to everyone's ears, not just real Brits!
- Don't overdo the accent; remember, some words belonging to the American accent have the same sound as the British one!
- Be careful when watching BBC America, as many of these programs are not really from the BBC. For example, The F Word is a Channel Four show broadcast on BBC America.
- Remember, don't say sports, you say sport, and math is maths.
- Never call someone from the Republic of Ireland "British" and be careful with the people of Northern Ireland, as some Republicans may not take it very well (the Republic of Ireland is a separate country which was once part of the UK, but later, in the 1920s, it became a sovereign nation. Ireland is divided into Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland; the north is a nation belonging to the United Kingdom, just like, for example, the Scotland). The country's official name is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- Tipping is typical in Britain, but the value is not the same as in other countries, such as in America. As a rule, leave 10%.
