10 American Things Brits Pretend to Hate (But Secretly Love)

There are plenty of things about America that leave Brits scratching their heads. Why can you drive at 16, but can’t order a beer until you’re 21? Why are the food portions so big? And why do strangers insist on talking to you in lifts? But this article isn’t about confusion. It’s about the truth that hurts. Many of the things Brits roll their eyes at are exactly the things they secretly love.

So, here’s the guilty list. Ten American things that Brits pretend to hate, but absolutely love the moment they arrive in the US.

1) American food: Bigger, bolder, and better than we admit

Brits love to joke that Americans eat nothing but super-sized fast food. But, once we try proper American dishes like Tex Mex, barbecue ribs, Southern fried chicken, or a diner breakfast, we often start to back track. Add in the fast food chains we don’t have at home, like Chick-fil-A or Wendy’s, and suddenly a Big Mac feels a little underwhelming. The portions are pretty big, but we clear the plate every single time.

2) Customer service, with a smile

In the UK, customer service often feels non-existent. You’re lucky if people nod in your direction when they serve you and there’s not much “going the extra mile”. But to be fair, most service staff in the UK are on minimum wage and don’t get US-size tips that make the extra effort worthwhile. While we don’t want to hear “Have a nice day” every five minutes, having someone actually smile at you, talk to you, and bring you something because they thought it might be useful is priceless.

3) American cars: Power, space, and secretly dreamy

Brits often find American cars a little OTT, but the first time we sit in one it all makes sense. There is so much space. The seats are huge, the cup holders are enormous, and the engines actually sound like engines. While we say we prefer our nippy hatchbacks that can squeeze down country lanes, deep down we envy having a car that could drive across an entire continent without breaking a sweat.

4) Patriotism on full display

Observing the amount of flag waving and anthem singing in America can seem intense from the outside looking in, but it’s also strangely impressive. There’s something refreshing about a country that celebrates itself so openly. Brits secretly love that American flags are everywhere and that this patriotic approach pulls communities together for parades, holidays, and big national moments.

5) Free refills (yes, please!)

England recently banned free refills for sugary drinks in cafes and restaurants, so Brits like to argue the health angle when it comes to topping up your soda for free. But, the second your glass gets topped up for no extra charge, you start to be converted. Yes, it might not be the healthiest habit, but most people don’t have more than two drinks on an occasional meal out anyway.

6) Being direct: Straight talking we secretly admire

Brits pretend to hate it when Americans say exactly what they mean, yet secretly admire how efficient it is. Conversations are clearer, misunderstandings are fewer, and no one has to decode layers of sarcasm to discover what someone actually wants. It can feel brash at first, but its also a lot easier than tiptoeing around an argument with, “No offence, but…”

7) Sports as a lifestyle

Sports culture in the US looks chaotic from afar, but in reality it’s fun, communal, and extremely welcoming. Games turn into full day events with tailgating, music, face painting, and a level of enthusiasm that feels infectious. British sport can sometimes feel tense and tribal, but Americans treat it like a celebration even when their team loses.

8) Confidence is king

American confidence can feel a bit too much to a nation that says sorry when someone bumps into them. Still, there’s something appealing about people who start conversations easily and genuinely enjoy social interactions. In the US, strangers chat in queues and compliments are handed out freely. Brits pretend it’s their worst nightmare, but secretly wish they had even half that level of social ease.

9) Reality TV madness

The wild theatrics of The Bachelor or Real Housewives of NYC may earn a few eye-rolls from Brits, but they still secretly binge watch entire seasons. American reality TV is polished chaos with better budgets, bigger casts, and dramatic exits. It’s the same guilty pleasure we get from Love Island or Made in Chelsea, just a little extra! Deep down, Brits love the drama just as much as Americans do.

10) Peanut butter: Better than marmite?

Quietly, many Brits love American peanut butter even though many pretend to hate it. Sales of this American favourite have soared in the last decade, with Brits embracing favourites like Reese’s Cups, peanut butter cookies, and peanut butter on toast. Has peanut butter taken the crown from Marmite or jam? The jury’s out for now, especially on the PBJ sandwich!

The bottom line

Brits and Americans are far more alike than either side likes to admit. We tease each other out of habit, but beneath the cultural quirks is a genuine appreciation for the things the other country does well. Maybe the real secret is that we don’t actually hate these American things at all. We just wish we’d thought of them first.

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