5 Lies Brits in America Tell Themselves 

Laurence of America.

When I moved to London, I recall the shock when my housemate asked to borrow a rubber but he’d return it after using it.

A woman originally from the north of England told me that in the UK her accent was considered rather “lowly” in terms of class. Here in the US, everyone told her she sounds so “fancy”. I love it!

AS an American who sometimes becomes weary of some of the America bashing (even from other Americans) that I come into contact with as well as being someone who has lived some years in another country, I absolutely love these insightful observations and commentaries. They never cease being fair, non-judgemental, informative and humorous as well as frequently accompanied by even greater observations on human behaviors regardless of the country of origin along with helpful suggestions/advice. Indeed, when living in another country one of the most beneficial activities is to make a point of trying to fully engage in that culture. And having grown up in Indiana and studied in Chicago, I especially relate to your comments. Sorry my comments are running a bit long, but I thoroughly enjoy these commentaries.

Love his humor. A traditional British mix involving a dash of self-deprecation, served dry. Very nice

I moved to rural England age 9 and stood out like, well...an American. When I was almost 22 I moved back to the States and stood out like, well...an Englishman. I even got the "what part of Australia you from" question. I've been happily completely re-absorbed in the US or the past 40 years, but still visit and feel warmly of my former home.

I continue to appreciate the way you portray America and Americans as just folks, and how you don't denigrate us just because it's fashionable.

It's good that your car has a place that's close where it can play and have fun.

I wish other youtubers (not just Brits) had the insights that you have, Laurence! You are so much more thoughtful than many other channels devoted to comparison!

I moved from Indiana to Texas. In many ways, these apply to me. Well, I’ve been Texanized?

I get asked in England “ What part of the US are you from? “ I politely point out that I am Canadian! 😁LoL

My grandmother has been in the US so long, that while she still sounds English to Americans, she now sounds American to the English.

Owning a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, likely sounds like a nightmare to nearly all swimming pool owners, just the thought of fishing all of those palm fronds out of the pool every time the wind blows raises my stress level by about 10 points.

The first Brit I've seen that knows "Soccer" is a British word.

I'm a British expat and I've lived in the US for almost 10 years. I was initially pretty stubborn about not adopting American words but eventually I guess I realized it was easier to just do it so I wasn't questioned every time I tried to have a convo with someone. As you mentioned, the attention is great, but when it would interrupt almost every discussion I ever had, I guess I slowly and subconsciously adapted.

Did you notice that often you now refer to Americans as "we"? Lol, your assimilation is complete. Resistance is futile.

"Moaning is honestly a British pastime!" LOL

You don’t need to be Americanized we love you as an Englishman.

You've been here 11 years and you still call it a "car park"...

I think that holds true for all people who move to a new country with a different culture. Initial wonder at the newness, but once that wears off you miss your familiar stuff and it manifests as resentment.

We're happy to have you here.

My ex was a Brit and her family accused her of having an Australian accent after being here a few years. I guess that is a real thing.

Make your transformation to an American complete and call yourself "Larry."

Here here, so true, this goes for me as a Canadian living here in the USA!

Most US supermarkets carry a good selection of Lindt and Ghirardelli. Why would anyone care about Hershey's vs Cadbury's?

Love your blog. While stationed in Germany my son picked up a wife from Yorkshire. Can't quite understand half of what she says, but we do love her dearly.

I moved to Texas last year & I’m already getting Americanized when I called a railroad & not railway. I think it just happens naturally without noticing it.

I mvoed from North East to Alabama and I cant talk Southern and cant even understand ppl most of the time. Been here 4 yrs.

It's very interesting how much our first experiences effect the way we perceive new places and experiences

What a sweet retelling of wisdom achieved through experience. This is my favorite (so far) of all your excellent episodes. Very insightful. Go Vlogmas!

"Soccer" was commonly used in the UK up through the 1970s, after which it fell out of favor, maybe out of a desire to be different from Americans.

You can never go home, again. Home will have changed ...and, so have you.

I love all of you from England. You are a very exciting group of people God Bless. Also your humor has won me over very fast.

Until recent events have unfolded, I’ve always wished to visit the UK. And if I could have picked a dream place to live, it would’ve been there. If I were there, I would proudly, lovingly and happily display the British flag and embrace all that is British. 🥰

Ive travelled to the UK 4 times in my life and count them all as a great life experience. It only took a week from understanding 2 words in 10 to 8 words in 10.

I’m s Brit that came to Texas for a year in 1977 and I’m still here 43 years later. Your videos are spot on. Orig from Yorkshire.

Regarding Cadbury and chocolate in general: the US Cadbury actually contains more natural coco butter by law while in the UK more of the fats are added from other sources. As for Hersheys, it definitely has a different taste. That's because those in Europe who discovered how to successfully blend milk and chocolate kept the process close to the vest. That forced American producers to develop their own solution. The process Hersheys came up with resulted in the milk souring a bit, resulting in the characteristic flavor of its milk chocolate.

I have to laugh thinking of Brits insisting that America won't change them.....when in England the favorite national dish is curry and chicken Marsala Lol!

In uni I had a class specifically focused on the phases one goes through as they assimilate to a new country as an immigrant. To be succinct these are good lies and it’s normal! Whew ❤️

I grew up in a rural part of north central WA and there's a "big" department store named and owned by a local citizen. One of the cashiers who worked in the general apparel section who had a distinctive English accent. I loved listening to her talk. Never once did I think 'She's saying it wrong,' just different. I hope she's still around and hasn't lost her accent.

I live in London. A lady I know has a brother who had beein living in the USA for many years. Despite that he spoke in a very distinctive British accent.

Your opening monologue on this video is brilliant. Well done.

This channel is very refreshing. Great humor (humour) and an awesome outlook.

American here, I enjoy Hershey chocolate but I love Cadbury’s. So I agree with your statement.

I love you even more now that you've quoted Mark Twain which is something I do frighteningly often! Watching your videos that go into language differences always brings the inimitable Twain to mind. Specifically a conversation he documented with some random gent on a train to London about the differences between England's English and American English. The writer's use of an before words beginning with h stuck with me in particular. No self respecting stable boy in Texas would say anything about an 'orse. LOL

Most Brits that I know over here seem to adjust and fit in pretty well. With the exception of some minor terminology there's obviously no language barrier and the basic social customs are fairly common throughout the English speaking world. They tend to be proud of their British background but what the hell, there's people who are proud to be from Texas (pick your state) too.

I was born in Anderson, Indiana and moved away almost 16 years ago. Anderson has been in a recession for years. I enjoy your videos. Keep up the interesting commentary.

This is way down the road from when this was posted. But I had a lovely man at a grocery store bring my groceries to me. I heard his accent and almost recognized it. I was wrong on the first guess (England) and then I said “Wales”. And he looked shocked! Im big on culture, accents, locations, people etc. He told me no one had ever guessed it. I try to be cultured but I’m also a huge mess lol

lol I never heard that quote before but I love it. "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans" oh god is that ever true..

i'm yankee but i lived in the u.k. for 2 1/2 years. i'd have to confess i was somewhat the same way when i moved over to live with my english gf insofar as not becoming "anglicized / anglicised" but although my life over there didn't demand i make alot of changes (and my gf LOVED my "americaness" and didn't want it to change) sure enough after a while it was a 'CAR PARK', not a 'PARKING LOT', a 'TROLLEY' not a 'CART', 'COURGETTE', not 'ZUCCHINI', a 'PITCH' not a 'FIELD', etc. etc. etc. even when hanging with other yankee ex-pats you still find yerself using the british terms because not only do you hear them all the time but it just simply makes things easier in the long run and it's less confusing not having to flip back and forth. oddly enough, though, when i returned once to the states to visit and then when i went back to stay i "reverted" to americanisms immediately without even having to think about it and even though i did start using british terms everybody said my accent itself never changed so i suppose it's all down to the individual how much they will or will not change when they move to a new country.

These video essays are brilliant! I am always entertained --and frequently informed--by them.

Lawrence you are a gem...keep up the observations. Love the (gentle) banter between you and T also. You guys are definitely binge-worthy👍🙋

I mightve been a brit in America 200 years ago does that count?

My neighbor is from London proper...when he found out that one of my hobbies was shooting at my local gun club...he let me know he was uncomfortable around firearms and wanted nothing to do with them...after a little prodding he went to the range with me to shoot one of my AR15 rifles. Long story short, after a few magazines he quickly overcame his discomfort and “fear” of guns and totally enjoyed himself...I added another person to the pro second amendment lifestyle 😊 (now I have to work on my Scottish neighbor 😆)

In my head as soon as you said "... Camp out in Anderson Indiana and wait for this all to blow over" was Simon Pegg in Shawn of the Dead - "We'll pop on by the Winchester, have a pint, and wait for this all to blow over"

I like that your videos focus on your own specific experiences rather than making broad sweeping generalizations. This let your audience agree or disagree with you without feeling like they’re being accused of things. It’s refreshing

I knew a brit in 7th grade. Really stuck up, always wearing a soccer shirt and had the deep british accent. 2 years later. Stoner, accent completely gone. Sounded American and never saw a soccer jersey on him ever

If it's any consolation, the term "American" was considered a derogatory term to Colonialists up until the end of the Revolution. As my grandfather used to say an Englishman can live on Mars for 400 years and will still consider himself an Englishman.

From California... I ALWAYS enjoy your videos! Have a happy holidays! :)

Glad you live here now , happy new year to you and your family.

LOL, met my ex (From Surrey) when in college and she asked to borrow a rubber... She didn't know how to respond when I said ... Sure I just don't need you to give it back when you are done. Struck the conversation abt these same topics you discuss in the vlog.

I'm glad you were americanized. Otherwise, you wouldn't have made an extraordinary channel.

Your vlogmas is going very well. Nice job!

I am sorry I didn't find your channel sooner. We lived in Muncie, IN until 2016 when we moved to Tennessee in 2016. I enjoy your channel, keep up the great work.

I am an expat American in Finland, and it is a fact that the flavor of Fazer Chocolate makes Hershey's taste like a form of wax.

Every day, in every way, it's getting better and better.

You have an astute understanding of inter-cultural dynamics. And you have a wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humor. Hope you make it down to North Carolina eventually. One of the prettiest places one earth.

I love your videos, Lawrence! We’re glad to have you in America! I really enjoyed visiting London! I know there’s more to the UK than London but that’s just where I happened to visit.

Well there's an old saying "When you lie with dogs , you rise with fleas." I once said that after a friend remarked that I was picking up a "Southern Accent".....that didn't go over too well.

One of the oddities of accents is that there are a lot of "English" accents from all over the world, from New Zeeland to Canada. When we hear an accent and are curious, we don't want to offend you and for some reason, the most obvious answer can't possibly be right. We start taking wild guesses as to where you're from.

3:29: " ... approximately all of my friends..." LOL

"Our ice-cold retort is often a British way of saying 'Thanks'". LOL awesome!

I thought the whole point of traveling was to grow as a person.

We had a Persian couple living across the street from us for a while. It was so endearing how he happily embraced American football, hot dogs and baseball. He even went by Steve instead of Sahid. He wanted to do what Americans did. He was so excited to embrace our ways. Had he moved there and snubbed his nose at what we do and talk about how much better Iran was, I don't think he would have been as loved. It is human nature to try to hang on to your identity, For Better or For Worse. But letting go and jumping in with the rest of us lets us know that you are mindful that you came here, we didn't go there, and you are a guest in our home? Your experience will be so much richer and we will miss you all the more when you go.

I really like that you’re aware of how nothing is necessarily better or worse in either place. Just different. You seem to come at it with a great attitude and I love that. I’m in Champaign, IL. If you guys are ever in the crappiest state (mine), I’d love to take you out to eat or for a coffee (or tea).

This was over 25 years ago, but when I moved to Britain I remember a boy half my age and height asking me if I wanted to go to his backyard and play football. I blankly stared at him thinking "Don't you realize I will destroy you?" until I realized my mistake in understanding. Anyway, those were 3 of the best years of my life and greatly appreciate this video.

1. Stuff's better in Britain (No "authentic 'Fish 'n Chips"?) 2. My Accent? (You're the one with the accent!) 3. I won't be Americanized (It's a sneaky process...) 4. I'll move back soon (How many decades has it been?) 5. My friends envy me (Foreign travel/residency has a "cool cachet.")

Very insightful and true.... but still... home IS where the heart is.

I have a Russian friend who brought his daughter to the US. I warned him that she would be totally Americanized. She was 11. She is an American all the way through. He is still pretty much Russian, though he really happy.here. I wish you the best. My family came on the Mayflower and Daniel Boone was my great great (who knows how many) grandfather but England has always been my ancestral home. I was born and raised in southern Indiana, and just want to say "Welcome, y'all". A phrase that we only use to address more than one person, probably taken from the "thee and thou" usage. We also said "store boughten". Again a usage probably brought from Scotland. Cheers!

As a Texan traped in the US I welcome all kinds of people to come to America become a citizen become an American but I reserve the right to keep at least one somewhat drunk eye ball on them to make sure they don't get up to funny ideals like taxing tea more or the taxing mail service more , must be vigilant

Ive been an Englishman in America on and off now since 2014, and like everybody else in England grew up on American TV, and the first thing Ive noticed that both countries have as of today is a lack of culture, here in New England for e.g the lack of knowledge on the ancestors/ancestory of England and the rest of the UK has been largely I believe ignored in place of pushing neo-liberalism/marxism. E.Michael Jones says it best when he says up until the 1960's people in America largely group identified by their ancestors country of immigrance, not by race, up pops the race baiters of the ADL/SPLC and modern day America feels like it is in the middle of a soft civil war.

I have a friend who was born in Ireland, been in America many yrs. and when I called him Irishman one day he corrected me and said no I'm an American.

Great video! This is random but I never quite noticed how green your eyes are. That shirt makes your eyes really pop.

😄 you make me laugh very vid! Thank you!

Very interested to hear your thoughts on chocolate tbh 🤗🤗

That "PARKING LOT" is in America. Lol! Although I love how they can be lorrie-parks and bus-parks. So, if parking either a truck or bus or a car in it, would it be a car-bus-lorrie-park?

Do you consider yourself a Hoosier? LOL, I HAD to hit that subscribe button after hearing you were in Indiana! HOOSIER NATION!

I LOVE to travel.I have been around the world.I always learn something new.But I LOVE home the most.

I actually like Hershey’s milk chocolate better, I like the sour taste. But I like Hershey’s dark the best.

Hershey's chocolate is one chemical reaction away from being a shower curtain.

It's true universally, to think you can move somewhere without it affecting you in some way is pure vanity.

Happy Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good on you for looking up the quote. It annoys me that everyone quotes Lennon when he was quoting someone else.

I was devastated when Cadbury discontinued the chocolate covered ..cookie. It is my favorite..sweet snack of all time. I can’t eat nuts, so I never tried the fruit & nut one. Also, for over 10 years, I watched Eastenders and noticed that characters were often written out of the plot by moving to an English speaking country. Maybe you’re a character in a British show who has been written out of the show. Did you make a guest appearance while you were on vacation, like Ian’s mom/Phil’s wife returned from South Africa revealing that she had faked her death and was being held against her will?

Laurence, your video was preceded by an ad for a Ford Expedition. You have arrived! God Bless America!

Car park lol, sometimes still slips out of my mouth after almost 50 years away from the UK. Some words I dropped immediately, like "petrol". Others come out messed up hybrid, like 'tomaaaah-ate-oh." A few of them just won't go, like Ok YOU LOT, get your SWIMMING COSTUMES on, where's my dressing gown and does anyone have a plaster?

You CAN very much have a SWIMMING POOL. Just do it in a warmer state. It's the upkeep that's a. n̶i̶g̶h̶t̶m̶a̶r̶e̶ pain.

I used to ask, "What part of the British Empire are you from"

How wonderfully human! Thank you.

Merry Christmas to you and yours. 🎅