Great Britain is renowned for its great culture, fantastic accents, and their own Queen. Who doesn't want to pretend to be British? In fact, why didn't we all get to do this before? If you want to fool everyone around you for a few days or for the rest of your life, this is where to start.
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Method 1 of 4: Sound Like British
Step 1. Learn how to speak with an English accent
There's already a guide on wikiHow on learning to speak in a believable fake English accent, but you probably already know that. There's a lot to choose from and most don't sound like Queen.
- They are very difficult to imitate, so try to choose one that is easy for you. Do some research on a location and accent. The north sounds louder and more akin to a Scottish accent sound. The southern and closer parts of London are where you find the most recognizable accents, such as Cockney (which is uncommon, and Mary Poppins is cited as the worst example).
- Accents, both English, Scottish and Welsh, vary greatly from East to West and from city to city. Remember, not everyone talks like those from a British comedy show.
Step 2. Ask for vocabulary certainty
Although English, it is very different from American, Australian, South African, or any other dialect of English. There are several English vocabulary / American slang dictionaries online to start familiarizing yourself with the differences.
- Use "jelly" instead of jello. "Jam" is what is used for toast; You eat "sweets" not candy and French Fry is "Chip" unless the potatoes are very thin (eg French fries from McDonalds), and Potato Chips are "crisp." "Cookies" is "Biscuits." Don't say "Restroom"; use "Toilet" or "loo." You hooked up with a Girl ? No, you pulled a bird.
- Watch out for words like "fanny" which have different and offensive meanings. What's more, "Asia" correlates with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh, etc. China, Japan, Vietnam and so on and so on are "Oriental" or "Far East."
Step 3. Learn syntax and grammar (Grammar)
There's very little difference you'll notice in small talk, but put the icing on the cake. Do some research online, but here are some examples for you to use:
- In response to questions with auxiliary and main verbs, English people respond with: "Could you do the washing up for me?" " Could do " or " will do " (contrary to Americans, "I could.")
- "Do you have…?" in Americans correlates with, "Have you got…?"
- Watch out for things like "at/in hospital," not "at the hospital."
- Britons use the past perfect ("I have eaten") much more often than Americans, who automatically use the simple past ("I ate").
Step 4. Make it sound natural
You can have a decreased vocabulary and accent, but it won't be really convincing for native English if you don't have a pop accent and interjections. Language is much more formed by stringing sentences together!
- Interjections will make or break your ability to pull off a British accent. Without the ability to bet and react in a natural way, you are done. Example: Hello! Ah, oh, hmm, well, huh, etc.
- Start using, " "can't be arsed," "rubbish", " use "fancy" instead of "want," and "knackered" instead of tired. Those are just a few examples from a practically infinite list. AVOID using "jolly" instead of "very"!
- "Alright?" or "You alright?" often used in addition to "Hello, how are you?" This is really not a real question. You will respond the same, "Alright?" or "I'm good, thanks," regardless of how you really feel about it.
Step 5. Spell the words correctly
Look up English-Indonesian dictionaries online and study varied words and spellings carefully. Remember, "favorite color," not favorite color!
Think about your verb endings. Instead of "learned," "dreamed," "spelled" and "spoiled," can be "learnt," "dreamt," "spelt" and "spoilt." Those are just four examples
Step 6. Swear like England
We will not list the terminology here. Be aware that some of your words may not be the same as English. It's actually a lot more fun and leaves a lot of room for different personalities. Do your research - you'll have friends saying the words in no time. You'll quickly learn that "Bloomin' heck!" and "Blimey!" not really used. (Unless you are Hagrid.)
Method 2 of 4: Behave like an Englishman
Step 1. Be polite
British people generally care deeply about other people, be it friends, family or strangers. They know how to blend in efficiently, how to act in other countries, and when to get out of a problem. Care about the world around you and how you fit into it.
Definitely know how to queue. Immigration Secretary Phil Woolas said: "The art of queuing - the very simple act of taking someone's turn is one of the things that strengthens our country together." If your culture isn't in it, learn it now
Step 2. If you are American, be a little more calm and negative
The general rule is that Americans are loud, obnoxious, expressive, and smiley. While not always true, it is a good rule. If you want to look British, be a little more stoic. Compared to the Yankees, the Redcoats remain emotional but are a bit more hidden and pay less attention to themselves.
Many British people have little intelligence with a self-deprecating edge about them. “Colin Firth got an Oscar nomination? That's great. But, of course, he will lose”
Step 3. Look to the right before you cross the street
One of the most widely known things about England is how they drive on the left. If you cross the street, throw away your old habits! You always look right. Oops. You are ridiculous. What's with driving the right way? How can that make sense?
The steering wheel is also on the other side. The whole metric system is correct. If you want to bake cookies, find a good site that has in grams and milliliters. Obnoxious Americans and their cups
Step 4. Know your pub etiquette
Going to a pub in England involves a slightly different set of tactics than those used in America. At first, don't worry about tips. Bartenders make way more by the hour. Second, buy it for everyone! People take turns buying each other rounds of drinks. And if you can take them all at the same time – you're great.
- Don't scream for attention. Be a populist - the bartender is coming. And when it gets to you, order what they have on draft or cidar. Coors Light is drunk by Americans.
- And remember, in addition to "Thank you," you can say "cheers."
Step 5. Choose an English football team and support it
Learn the basic rules of soccer if you haven't already (learn the offside rules!) and pretend you don't care much for your local football. Despite what you might think, it's not a good idea to wear a jersey (called a "football jersey") all the time - you can be seen as chavy, especially if with a baseball cap. Always refer to football as football or footy'!"
At the same time, not all Britons play soccer, like how many Americans don't play American football. Rugby and cricket are some viable alternatives
Step 6. Make your tea the right way
If you drink tea, don't expect iced tea to be a substitute for diners - Brits rarely use it! Use Yorkshire Tea, or PG Tips, and make it the right way. Add milk, but no more than two teaspoons of sugar if available. And be sure to offer some to others and ask how it tastes.
You may want to offer instant coffee to friends (called like coffee), if they are not tea drinkers (you will convert in time)
Step 7. Don't be a chav
A chav is akin to a trash trailer in America. Avoid US baseball caps with team logos. The New York Yankees definitely don't exist, like the LA Dodgers. Don't wear too many sports brands and avoid tracksuits, especially cheap ones. Don't wear anything in Beige Burberry striped wool. While Burberry is a luxury brand that beige plaid has been associated with chavs who tend to wear faux Burberry scarves and hats. Avoid big earrings (especially hoops) if you're a girl and flashy gold chains if you're a guy. Also chav is a big insult you shouldn't mention to your friends.
Step 8. Watch British sitcoms and movies
If you want to know how to act like a British person, get some role models! Check out Sherlock Holmes, Inbetweeners, Downton Abbey, Misfits, IT Crowd, and other movies and shows. Not only will you sneak a peek into their culture, but you'll also develop humor. In case you've been living under a rock, the American and British views on comedy are very, very different.
Look for interviews with British actors. Anything you can get for real and better without a script. And it will be a good example of the variety of accents you can imitate
Method 3 of 4: Dress Like An Englishman
Step 1. Pack away with shorts and tennis shoes
Unless you're hiking through Thailand, you probably won't catch a grown boy or girl from England in rocking shorts and Nikes. Get rid of this outfit. The same goes for your Union Jack t-shirt - Ginger Spice did it in the 90s and it was fine, but only because nothing has been done since.
If you're unsure of your style for travel, have a look at New Look, Jack Wills, River Island and Top-shop/Top-Man for teens/adults, and Next, Debenhams, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer for adults
Step 2. Girls, add your femininity
The current general British trend, at least compared to the American trend, is one that is a little edgy and gentle. A floral dress might be paired with shoes or a leather jacket. Other lines and patterns can be combined. And as always, adjust to the weather!
Think in layers. It's often cold in England, so our kids at the pool have used to rock scarves, shoes, and definitely stockings. Even rain boots have their place! A fun dress or romper with tights, blazer, and plimsolls wouldn't be out of the question
Step 3. Don't look too put together
There is something about British fashion that is a little more eclectic than American fashion. If mixed, it fits. Feel free to use different tones, different textures, and different patterns. A little disheveled to look sexier, if not sexier, than looking like you're walking down the runway.
Eye makeup can really smudge a bit. Walking in your tights? Does not matter. Got wrinkles? Who cares? Think of Ke$ha after one quiet night
Step 4. Men, leave your manhood at the door
Daniel Radcliffe recently appeared with British men who seem a bit gay and part of that has to do with their fashion. Aside from just having a few pleasantries, dressing a little nicer is pretty standard, even when going casual. Keep T-shirts and baseball caps at home. Choose a polo, jumper (sweater), or pants. Own more than flip-flops.
Method 4 of 4: Knowing Your Culture
Step 1. Know your goulash
Indian food is the number one foreign food in the UK, and the number one takeaway food of any kind. If you see a sad American couple trying to figure out what "raita" or "samosa" is, give it a try.
Similarly, when it comes to Mexico, you are made to be a little confused. Burritos? Tacos? Enchiladas? Tostadas? It's barely popular in the UK
Step 2. Know your cheese
When it comes to things, the average British person knows a few personal favorites and would not accept artificial cheese preparations as "cheese" (referred to as 'cheeseburgers' or 'American cheeses'). The UK produces the largest amount of different types of cheese in the world (700), but they don't consume as much per capita as some other countries - it is a high class item and should be respected.
Step 3. Get to know British politics
Of course not most British people know everything about the House of Representatives, but make sure you know a little bit about British politics or you might be awkward pretending to understand politics. Since British politics is relatively unknown don't expect others to know about British politics, but at least they know the names of the three main party leaders. Decide whether you support Labor, the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives or someone else like UKIP, and be ready to support yourself! A good answer is that you don't support any "they're all bad for each other", especially if it's working class, although you can say your voice. The extreme right, like the BNP, is considered racist by many, so be sure to do your research.
Step 4. Become aware of British world politics
Americans are considered too right - both the population and their party. By and large most Britons leave and are unpatriotic. But they may be angry with people from other countries who are not patriotic. Iraq and Afghanistan are politically controversial, and don't take America's stance too far.
In general, completely leave politics with anyone. No one nationality has the same views. It's stupid to generalize them all together. Whether you're British, American, Indonesian or Martian, feel what you want, but be prepared for the repercussions if you're passionate about it
Step 5. Get to know some popular British shows, shops and other things
Start watching Mighty Boosh and Big Brother. Watching BBC America will help a lot! Be warned that even though it shows a lot of shows, on BBC America it's not really a BBC show. The Many Gordon Ramsay show, for example, airs on Channel 4, not the BBC.
If you have to talk about popular stores (don't call them "stores") like Topshop, Marks and Spencer (often referred to as "M and S" or "Marks and Sparks"), and Harrods: only old people and tourists shop at Harrods! Unless you're a girl, talking about shopping will come across as a bit odd, and most find Harrods too expensive
Step 6. Know the differences between English spoken by English people, English in general, Scottish language, Welsh language and Northern Irish language
Most Americans refer to someone who speaks English as British. Scots are people who speak English as the British do, just like the people of Wales, Northern Ireland and other small islands. Make sure you are aware of this as some people can be quite offended when their English is referred to as English in general - Great Britain is made up of Wales, England, Northern Ireland and Scotland! Not just England.
Step 7. Location, location, location
It is important, firstly, to have a 'home location - what area should you be from? What city? What district do you live in? Where are you? Is that close? What's the custom there? It may also be important to know important areas and cities. If you can't find London on a map, it's pretty obvious you're not British.
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If asking where you are from, say where you are in relation to the big city, but don't say the city. Don't say "London city" / "in the city"; This is a special area of London, which has few residents and is somewhat of a business district. Don't settle in London, say (for example) Beckham North London. Be careful - North London has Croydon (area of riots). Just down from there one more level for Londoners around the same area, eg Purley. Don't try and assume people know where it is, even if they act a little annoyed if they don't.
The term "city" is used much more strictly in England than in America. Unless it's culturally significant (like Cambridge) or meets the true definition (a lot of people, owns a cathedral, etc.), it's just a city
Step 8. Have proof, but don't mention it
You don't realize it actually exists! Go out and order something completely and distinctly British online. Maybe a copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone? Remember, to account for quirks and inconsistencies in your home, you can always have American relatives or take them back from your trip to South Africa.
Some places like World Market or Whole Foods often sell general British stuff like Hobnobs or PG Tips. Your closet stock is full of stuff because you're a little homesick
Tips
- The UK emergency number is 999 not 911, just in case.
- Downplaying things and using a lot of sarcasm. Just a safe general rule to always hire.
- Master your choice of British accent before you use it with your British accent.
- British people don't always have very precise and extravagant accents. Many British people, especially British people will miss the 'T' sound in words – British people will sometimes be pronounced as 'Bri-ish'.
- Real British people don't call themselves British. They would call themselves after the country they came from, so that English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish could be tricked into straying from the Irish and English words as some hostile people being part of England or being classed as Irish!
- Mostly English no mention Mom. They say "Mum" or if you're really fancy, "Mother," although people from Wales or Northern England tend to use "Mam," while areas like the Midlands tend to use "Mom" collectively.
- Find out quickly what type of Briton your age range is.
- Start loving a tea or pint and learn about the culture. It will benefit you while being observed in the public eye.
- Avoid Northern accents as they are much more difficult. Especially avoid Newcastle (Geordie), Liverpool (Scouser) and Manchester. You're better off sticking to a southern accent which is generally easier and more familiar to the average American.
- Be knowledgeable about current British politics and their media. Not everything enjoyed or discussed in the US is considered interesting in the UK.
- Learn about British history, such as the King and Queen and famous events like when they created the National Lottery.
- A British friend can help you master your mannerisms and accent but if you have to ask, don't sound like you're mocking them by trying to imitate them.
- Watch Soap Opera. Coronation Street is the most popular, then EastEnders, and shows like X Factor and Top Gear are also favorites. They're great for picking up accents and actually quite entertaining. Choose one or two types of events. The Simpsons and Family Guy are generally watched occasionally.
Warning
- Remember: Don't say "sports," say "sport," and 'math' is "maths."
- Be careful when watching BBC America because many shows that the BBC doesn't show for example The F Word is a Channel Four program that is played on BBC America.
- Don't overdo the accent; remember, some words in an American accent sound the same as a British accent!
- Don't mix up your accents. Watch out for consistency, because saying one thing like you're from Cornwall and then the next like you're from Ireland, and then something like Scot will sound fake to everyone, not just real Brits!
- Never call someone from the Republic of Ireland "British," and be wary about people from Northern Ireland because some republicans may not be nice. (The Republic of Ireland is a separate country, which at one time was part of the United Kingdom but eventually became a sovereign nation in the 1920s. Ireland was divided into the North and the Republic, the North being a separate nation as part of England, such as Scotland). The official name of England is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- Tipping is customary in England, but not so far in America. Leave 10%, as a rule.
