British Eccentricity

As a relatively young county, America is brash, bold, and flashy. In the States, if you've got it, flaunt it. Even if something or somebody is mediocre, it will be called "awesome" or "brilliant".

In Britain, which is old and staid, the opposite applies. Some of the nation's richest people, the Royal Family for example, dress as though they have raided a Thrift Store. The idea is, if you've got it, keep it hidden.

Only the crass, vulgar, and newly rich flaunt their wealth. No one with class and breeding wears bling, drives a flashy car, or wears clothes with the labels on the outside. That stuff is for Americans and reality tv starlets.

Brits can be forceful about saying nothing in particular. They'll rubbish you and your views, but it will all be hedged and couched with words such as "quite", "somewhat", "rather", and "relatively".

When a Brit's health and mood are "not bad", he's perfectly ok. When he's "a bit under the weather", he's at death's door. When he "doesn't think much of" somebody, he loathes them.