ESL Blogs

 Hello folks, this time I will deal with the British taboos in their social living together. When I say "dos and dont's" I want to refer about that implicit rules  on social environment long ago, so that who comes abroad must respect for not being seen as an impolite and inconvenient person by natives. Indeed, we're talking about nothing but taboos inserted the British society. I intend to make this post a reminder for the enthusiast travellers bound for Britain. Nice reading for you all!

  *DOS

  1 - Always respect queues;

  Standing in line waiting for your turn is a duty for everyone in Britain. They tent to form very orderly queues, like in a bus or train station. So, if you're in some of these situations, do stand in line. Queue  jumping is completely disapproved.

  2 - Men, take you hat off when going indoors;

  If you're a man and is indoors or is going indoors make sure to take your hat off, because acting this way you show you're a polite fellow, even though it's becoming increasingly usual to see men using hats indoors nowadays.

  3 - Use "Excuse me";

  If you're in a hurry because of any appointment or need just to cross over where somebody is blocking your way, just say "Excuse me" that really works;

  4 - Pay as you go;

  If you'll attend some place like bars or pubs, make sure you should pay for your drinks;

  5 - Overuse "Please" and "Thank you";

  It's not lie! Mainly in England, as well as , in other countries belonged to UK, natives overdo these greetings because it's an intimate part of their culture. So, it's good you get used to say that a lot;

  6 - Yawned, coughed? Cover your mouth!

  When yawning or coughing is highly advisable you alwyas cover your mouth when being in the company of persons.

  7 - Remember always to shake hands when meeting somebody you don't know;

  Did you know anybody? Remember always to shake your right hand with the right hand of your guest ;

  8 - Sorry if you bump into someone;

  For events like this, you should say "Sorry". Probably the person you bumped into will say too.

  9 - Smiles are welcomed;

  Bring a truly smile on your face, because people will probably like you at first glance;

  10 - Be kind opening doors for others;

   It's a rule that should be followed both men and women. Who's ahead has the duty of opening the door;

  * DON'TS

  1 - Don't kiss for greeting someone. Just kiss somebody is close to you like an old friend or your relatives;

  2 - Try  to talk loudly if you're in a public space;

  3 - Don't stare at anybody in public. It's an issue of privacy for Britons;

  4 - Don't want to know the age of a lady making questions;

  5 - Avoid to take your nose in public, because they think this is an issue of lack of hygiene. For that, try to use handkerchiefs;

  6 - No way backslappings and hugging gesture among unknown. Just do that if you know very well the person;

  7 - Don't spit on the street. Besides disgusting you're seen as a rude person;

  8 -  If you feel like to burp in public, try to cover your mouth with your hand;

  9 -  You feel like to pass wind in public! Calm down! Go to a private place and then do that. But, if you couldn't be able to folow this rule, say "pardon me" to your guests;

  10 - Don't speak with the mouth full of food. In fact, it's a basic and universal etiquette, but, Britons give special attention to this rule. So, stay tuned on it;

  11 - Don't ask for particular informations about somebody. For instance, don't ask questions like: "Why aren't you married?";

  12 - Never eat off a knife when having a meal.