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Rules, Britannia: An Insider's Guide to Life in the United Kingdom
How do you respond to a dinner invitation that says "Eight for eight thirty"? What might induce you to get off a London train at a place called Mud Chute? When is it okay to drive over a sleeping policeman? And why do teh Brits keep saying "Who's she, the cat's mother"? Rules, Britannia is an invaluable resource for Americans who want to make a smooth transition when visiting or relocating to the UK. This entertaining and practical insider's guide contains scores of established do's and dont's that only a Brit would know. Most of us know that an elevator is called a "lifet," a toilet is a "loo," and the trunk of your car is the "boot," but who would have a clue about a "sprog" or a "gobsmacked berk"? These phrases are part of daily conservation in the UK, and leave many visiting Americans as baffled as if they listening to a foreign language. Covering such essential topics as vocabulary, house- or "flat"-hunting, business culture, child rearing, and even relationship etiqutte, Rules, Britannia will ease the anxiety that comes with a transatlantic move or extended visit, and is sure to make any old Yank feel like a regular Joe Bloggs.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 1, 2015
I've read a couple of books for non-Brits wanting to emigrate to the UK, and this book is easily the best of the bunch. The target audience is Americans. People from other countries and cultures will also get something out of it, but the book is very clearly written for American visitors and expats.
The author discusses regions, shopping, school, food, entertainment, and so on, telling the reader how things in the UK compare to America and what to expect. The vocabulary lessons were extremely helpful--the author gives lists of words which could cause confusion and especially embarrassment when used on the other side of the Pond. And this isn't a dry read; it's written with a good sense of humour. I don't mean that there are laugh-out-loud jokes on every page, but the author just doesn't take herself too seriously.
Fun and entertaining, and it might also be interesting for those who just want to know more about British culture without actually relocating.
The author discusses regions, shopping, school, food, entertainment, and so on, telling the reader how things in the UK compare to America and what to expect. The vocabulary lessons were extremely helpful--the author gives lists of words which could cause confusion and especially embarrassment when used on the other side of the Pond. And this isn't a dry read; it's written with a good sense of humour. I don't mean that there are laugh-out-loud jokes on every page, but the author just doesn't take herself too seriously.
Fun and entertaining, and it might also be interesting for those who just want to know more about British culture without actually relocating.
November 25, 2014
I had such fun reading this book. It will give the readers many chuckles and surprises to discover the many differences of American English from Brit English.
Highly recommended for Anglophiles and those visiting or moving to England.
Highly recommended for Anglophiles and those visiting or moving to England.
January 18, 2015
I didn't realize when I picked up this ebook that it was written in 2006 as the ebook edition was 2013, so I found quite a bit of the references to be dated. Certainly in regards to cell phone usage and the like. Also, I found it to be written from a far more personal view than I expected. The reviews said it was hilarious, but it was not and only occasionally somewhat funny. There were far too many lists, and I, being Canadian, didn't find myself to be as mystified by the vocabulary here as the author apparently thinks Americans (I'm also American) would be. My reading of novels and mysteries helped in this regard as well as so many shared words and phrases from British English to Canadian English.
Overall something of a disappointment.
2015 Reading Challenge: A Funny book (but it wasn't funny as advertised)
Book by an author I've never read before
Book by a Female Author
Overall something of a disappointment.
2015 Reading Challenge: A Funny book (but it wasn't funny as advertised)
Book by an author I've never read before
Book by a Female Author
May 9, 2011
Funny, informative, full of lots of useful, interesting information. I mentioned to my friend who's currently studying in London that I was reading it and he said he read it before he moved and found it very useful. This would be a fun read for people who aren't relocating, too- or those going on a vacation, or just straight up anglophiles.
February 19, 2009
When I first got this book I just flicked through the chapters that interested me. Then I went back and filled in the gaps from start to finish. The list of words that may need translation at the end of each chapter is useful, especially for someone who has never had any exposure to the UK or British culture as she explains American words NOT to use. I found the chapter about the school system informative as I've never understood how it works despite my own experiences in the Australian school system. I also liked the chapter on holidays because it gave some background on some of the bank holidays celebrated. In general a good guide to the UK from the perspective of a native who has lived in the US for several years with her American husband.
This book was good, but not totally what I was looking for. I probably had pretty high expectations because I found this book while searching for another book of the same genre (Watching the English by Kate Fox) that was recommended to me. The book I was searching for has more of an anthropological approach to British culture. This book just seemed to describe the differences between American and British culture, most of which I already had a fair understanding of.
This book was good, but not totally what I was looking for. I probably had pretty high expectations because I found this book while searching for another book of the same genre (Watching the English by Kate Fox) that was recommended to me. The book I was searching for has more of an anthropological approach to British culture. This book just seemed to describe the differences between American and British culture, most of which I already had a fair understanding of.
April 5, 2008
Very informative and well-written. Found myself re-reading and laughing outloud at many of the US/UK differences explained. The pronunciation and glossary sections at the end of each chapter are very helpful. I'll likely read this again and again before (and probably after) temporarily moving abroad.
July 3, 2008
Very helpful. Explanation as to new terms that I am going to encounter in the UK. I will no longer call something a "fanny pack" - UK equivalent - "pussy pack".
Gross. I recommend to those who are about to live in the UK.
Gross. I recommend to those who are about to live in the UK.
December 27, 2009
A gift from the very thoughtful Laura! This has definitely come in handy. Some of the information she gives seems a little iffy, but for the most part, it is a useful guide. I will definitely be referring to it often.
October 4, 2014
I got some good insight into the differences between the UK and the US. I read it because I don't want to make an ass of myself on my upcoming trip to the UK. Some of the information seemed a bit obvious to me, some of it was enlightening.
December 21, 2012
This is an excellent "need to know" guide to living like a normal British person in England (or Scotland, Ireland, or Wales for that matter). If your planning to move there this is a must read. I enjoyed learning about the everyday life of living in the United Kingdom.
May 10, 2013
It was unreadable. There were a lot of lists. But it is a hell of a reference.
Beware of the Kindle edition. There are typos that are undetectable unless you already know Britspeak, which is problematic for a book of this kind.
Beware of the Kindle edition. There are typos that are undetectable unless you already know Britspeak, which is problematic for a book of this kind.
March 5, 2016
It was an interesting enough book, although I didn't finish it. It gave me interesting and useful tips for my stay in the UK. As a non-American, not everything spoke to me, but enough of it did for it to have been interesting.
July 19, 2016
Not great literature but a great read and laugh-out-loud funny. Those Brits are a total kick in the britches! Her explanation of language differences will make you afraid to say anything. A good culture study even if you don't plan to visit England. And, again, funny.
Read
July 8, 2016It's always interesting to learn about other cultures, and to be reminded that we really don't speak the same language! LOL of this book is no substitute for the Jane Austen walking tour I hope to take some day
August 12, 2007
Pretty good British etiquette book peppered with a bit of humor written by an ex-pat living in Chicago.
September 19, 2008
An OK read but didn't find it that helpful. I recently moved to the UK and found more useful information on-line. Also would recommend "Living and Working in London"
May 23, 2012
Someday this book will come in handy... Someday...
June 2, 2010
Cute but essentially not a lot of substance. It wasn't "insider" enough for me, not nearly as educational as the excellent "Bum Bags and Fanny Packs".
Read
July 25, 20112008- Basically a handbook for ""Yanks"" going across the pond to live. Not really what I was expecting, but I'm sure it's useful for those relocating.
July 4, 2012
Hiiiiiiiiiiiil-freaking-larious!
August 26, 2012
Book is both funny and educational, I loved it very much.
March 17, 2014
Fun read - although perhaps a bit dated - for the plane. The section on language and pronunciation is by far the best.
January 23, 2013
Will definitely be reading this again! Extremely helpful.
February 28, 2015
Good to know I've already made some blunders while visiting England last year. Here's hoping I'm ready to live there!
June 11, 2015
I thought this book was fantastic for any American visiting the UK.
January 10, 2016
Humour (with a U). Not a one-sitting read, but OK nonetheless.
February 6, 2016
Really just for Americans...
April 7, 2018
Interesting to read after being in the UK. Useful but not brilliant. A bit dated now.
June 4, 2019
Very good.
I will be keeping this book as a reference as it is my dream to live in the UK. Thanks
I will be keeping this book as a reference as it is my dream to live in the UK. Thanks
Read
August 18, 2021Rules, Britannia: An Insider's Guide to Life in the United Kingdom
When I first got this book I just flicked through the chapters that interested me. Then I went back and filled in the gaps from start to finish. The list of words that may need translation at the end of each chapter is useful, especially for someone who has never had any exposure to the UK or British culture as she explains American words NOT to use. I found the chapter about the school system informative as I've never understood how it works despite my own experiences in the Australian school system.We all know England's passion for football and sports. I also liked the chapter on holidays because it gave some background on some of the bank holidays celebrated. In general a good guide to the UK from the perspective of a native who has lived in the US for several years with her American husband.
Very informative and well-written. Found myself re-reading and laughing outloud at many of the US/UK differences explained. The pronunciation and glossary sections at the end of each chapter are very helpful. I'll likely read this again and again before (and probably after) temporarily moving abroad.
This book was good, but not totally what I was looking for. I probably had pretty high expectations because I found this book while searching for another book of the same genre (Watching the English by Kate Fox) that was recommended to me. The book I was searching for has more of an anthropological approach to British culture. I got another interesting review of mine on this link. This book just seemed to describe the differences between American and British culture, most of which I already had a fair understanding of.
I've read a couple of books for non-Brits wanting to emigrate to the UK, and this book is easily the best of the bunch. The target audience is Americans. People from other countries and cultures will also get something out of it, but the book is very clearly written for American visitors and expats.
The author discusses regions, shopping, school, food, entertainment, and so on, telling the reader how things in the UK compare to America and what to expect. The vocabulary lessons were extremely helpful--the author gives lists of words which could cause confusion and especially embarrassment when used on the other side of the Pond. And this isn't a dry read; it's written with a good sense of humour. I don't mean that there are laugh-out-loud jokes on every page, but the author just doesn't take herself too seriously.
Fun and entertaining, and it might also be interesting for those who just want to know more about British culture without actually relocating
I didn't realize when I picked up this ebook that it was written in 2006 as the ebook edition was 2013, so I found quite a bit of the references to be dated. Certainly in regards to cell phone usage and the like. Also, I found it to be written from a far more personal view than I expected. The reviews said it was hilarious, but it was not and only occasionally somewhat funny. There were far too many lists, and I, being Canadian, didn't find myself to be as mystified by the vocabulary here as the author apparently thinks Americans (I'm also American) would be. My reading of novels and mysteries helped in this regard as well as so many shared words and phrases from British English to Canadian English.
When I first got this book I just flicked through the chapters that interested me. Then I went back and filled in the gaps from start to finish. The list of words that may need translation at the end of each chapter is useful, especially for someone who has never had any exposure to the UK or British culture as she explains American words NOT to use. I found the chapter about the school system informative as I've never understood how it works despite my own experiences in the Australian school system.We all know England's passion for football and sports. I also liked the chapter on holidays because it gave some background on some of the bank holidays celebrated. In general a good guide to the UK from the perspective of a native who has lived in the US for several years with her American husband.
Very informative and well-written. Found myself re-reading and laughing outloud at many of the US/UK differences explained. The pronunciation and glossary sections at the end of each chapter are very helpful. I'll likely read this again and again before (and probably after) temporarily moving abroad.
This book was good, but not totally what I was looking for. I probably had pretty high expectations because I found this book while searching for another book of the same genre (Watching the English by Kate Fox) that was recommended to me. The book I was searching for has more of an anthropological approach to British culture. I got another interesting review of mine on this link. This book just seemed to describe the differences between American and British culture, most of which I already had a fair understanding of.
I've read a couple of books for non-Brits wanting to emigrate to the UK, and this book is easily the best of the bunch. The target audience is Americans. People from other countries and cultures will also get something out of it, but the book is very clearly written for American visitors and expats.
The author discusses regions, shopping, school, food, entertainment, and so on, telling the reader how things in the UK compare to America and what to expect. The vocabulary lessons were extremely helpful--the author gives lists of words which could cause confusion and especially embarrassment when used on the other side of the Pond. And this isn't a dry read; it's written with a good sense of humour. I don't mean that there are laugh-out-loud jokes on every page, but the author just doesn't take herself too seriously.
Fun and entertaining, and it might also be interesting for those who just want to know more about British culture without actually relocating
I didn't realize when I picked up this ebook that it was written in 2006 as the ebook edition was 2013, so I found quite a bit of the references to be dated. Certainly in regards to cell phone usage and the like. Also, I found it to be written from a far more personal view than I expected. The reviews said it was hilarious, but it was not and only occasionally somewhat funny. There were far too many lists, and I, being Canadian, didn't find myself to be as mystified by the vocabulary here as the author apparently thinks Americans (I'm also American) would be. My reading of novels and mysteries helped in this regard as well as so many shared words and phrases from British English to Canadian English.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews