# The Brits are OK and America should lighten up **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 26, 2003, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581 "2003-05-26T15:28:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![istara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/e79b87/32.png) [@istara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/istara)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/21 "2003-05-26T20:15:52Z")
Yes! The **Modern Parents**! My total favourites - I always save that one for last. Best. Moment. Ever. - the weirdy husband wearing a “Hi! I care” t-shirt. Can’t get Viz here. Damn censorship. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/22 "2003-05-26T20:40:46Z")
Anthony Hopkins is faking the Queen’s English anyway - he’s Welsh. From Port Talbot, I believe, which is an _enormous_ steel refinery with a horribly depressing town attached to it. ---
**Author:** ![Kal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Kal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kal)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/23 "2003-05-26T20:49:12Z")
That’s Sheffield, innit? ---
**Author:** ![Jaade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/dfb087/32.png) [@Jaade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaade)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/24 "2003-05-26T21:08:23Z")
> [@](#): > > I’ve met people from Great Britian who butcher the english language just as much as any uneducated American rural southernor. First…it’s southerner. Secondly, if you are going to be picky about his post, get yours straight. Speaking incorrectly is not restricted to “uneducated American rural southernors”. Yankees cain’t talk werth a damn either. ~J ---
**Author:** ![Wolfian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ea924/32.png) [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/25 "2003-05-26T21:14:33Z")
\ Here’s a country that stood up to Hitler \ As did the US, the Soviet Union, the Netherlands, Denmark, Beligum, and France. Don’t give me that look. If the German army didn’t wimp out and invade though Beligum (well sure it makes sense, but darnit that’s against the rules!) the French would have had something to say. The English were just lucky that tanks can’t float and Hitler was a dumbass (bomb London instead of their airbases, what a tool). I do respect the Brits for not welching on their allaince with France. Hitler probably would have left them alone if London had said “Do whatever to Europe, but leave us alone” after Paris fell. I do love England though. I was lucky enough to go 4 years ago. The accents, the redheads. It was a fight to get me out of the country. By the by, is this a parody of another thread, or did you just fell like expressing your love of England and the language in the Pit, you rasberry tart. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/26 "2003-05-26T21:17:05Z")
Of course the english are great. I’m one, ain’t I? Oh right, it’s my dad that’s english, which makes me Canadian. Fear my wrath NYC, I’m coming and I’m gonna make you take those terrorist alerts and stuff up sideways up your arse! ---
**Author:** ![ruadh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@ruadh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ruadh)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/27 "2003-05-26T21:18:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Wolfian \* > **I do respect the Brits for not welching** That was completely unintentional, wasn’t it. ---
**Author:** ![chattywine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5daacb/32.png) [@chattywine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chattywine)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/28 "2003-05-26T21:34:47Z")
Is welching/welshing a derrogative term? :eek: I looked on [dictionary.com](http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=welsh) and the verb was classed as origin unknown… 😕 ---
**Author:** ![RexDart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b77776/32.png) [@RexDart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RexDart)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/29 "2003-05-26T21:42:00Z")
Ahhh, remembering the days when Pit rants were also sarcastic, goofy and funny…no, wait a minute, that was before I got here. Oh well, I’m sure this is a lovely throwback to some bygone era, and waves of nostalgia are being traded like used underwear on eBay. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/30 "2003-05-26T21:44:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by djf750 \* > \*\*And if it is so laid back there , why do so many of them come here and love it here? \*\* I dunno – why do so many Americans move to the UK and love it here? Let me ask one: > [@](#): > > [Me]: Excuse me, Me, but could you tell me why _you_ moved to the UK? > > [Me Too]: I’d be delighted to. While the wife and I originally moved to London from the US for educational reasons, the UK’s commitment to art and culture, the provision of at least a minimum of healthcare to all people, semi-functional public transport, and the ability to mock public leaders without being threatened at gunpoint were all strong attractions. > > [Still Me]: So which country do you prefer – the US or the UK? > > [Me Again]: Why, both countries have their good points and bad points, and I could not honestly say that one country was better than the other overall. > > [Me Once More]: Thank you for your time, Me. > > [Moi Aussi]: Glad to be of assistance. So does that answer the question? ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/31 "2003-05-26T21:58:18Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jaade \* > \*\*First…it’s southerner. \*\* I admit I make mistakes from time to time. Those mistakes include spelling. > [@](#): > > \*\* > Secondly, if you are going to be picky about his post, get yours straight. Speaking incorrectly is not restricted to “uneducated American rural southernors”. Yankees cain’t talk werth a damn either. > > ~J \*\* Of course it isn’t. As Brett Bulter said during one of her acts “I can’t understand why New Yorkers make fun of the way I talk. ‘Youse guys sound so stooopid.’” Marc ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/32 "2003-05-26T22:20:56Z")
What was that, the handwriting on the Mall? ---
**Author:** ![Wolfian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ea924/32.png) [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/33 "2003-05-26T22:30:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by ruadh \* > \*\*That was completely unintentional, wasn’t it. \*\* Yes, was that a bad thing? Sorry if it was. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/34 "2003-05-26T22:53:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Desmostylus \* > Looks like **sailor** is off the meds again. Still. There is a difference between _still_ and _again_. ---
**Author:** ![djf750](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ea666f/32.png) [@djf750](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/djf750)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2003, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/35 "2003-05-26T23:18:49Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jr8 \* > \*\*I dunno – why do so many Americans move to the UK and love it here? Let me ask one:So does that answer the question? \*\* I didn’t mean they HATE England. I meant that they liked it here also. Sorry about that. I was stationed in Europe in the early 70’s and I loved it over there. I’d like to go back and live there if I could make a living. ---
**Author:** ![Aspidistra](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspidistra/32/3894_2.png) [@Aspidistra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspidistra)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/36 "2003-05-27T01:36:59Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jr8 \* > \*\* > [Me]: … > [Me Too]: … > [Still Me]: … > [Me Again]: … > [Me Once More]: … > [Moi Aussi]: … > \*\* Hey! You can’t fool us. You’re no American, you’re[Agent Smith](http://film.guardian.co.uk/gallery/image/0,8545,-10504672875,00.html) it was that last line that REALLY gave you away ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/37 "2003-05-27T01:54:21Z")
At least our cows are sane. ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/38 "2003-05-27T01:56:45Z")
I must admit. I may be biassed (and drunk), but I do love the down-to-earth attitude of my fellow brits. I love that our coppers treat our criminals like friends. I love that we don’t pretend life is great. I love that most of us are anti-establishment (anti-govornment). I love that we would rather keep our trap shut than complain about bad service. I love that we will wait for a late train for an hour, and behave as if it was on time when it arrives. I love that our Prime Minister, while he may not be 100% truthful or honest - makes the ‘most powerful man on earth’ look like a dumb monkey. I love that our media seems to be truthful and unbiassed (little propoganda). I love our history (British empire. Kings and queens. chivalry, knights, swords, castles etc…) ---
**Author:** ![Road\_Rash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a8b319/32.png) [@Road\_Rash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Road_Rash)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/39 "2003-05-27T05:52:20Z")
As far as all the English speaking such awesome English, I have two words for you. If you are American, and have never heard these words, then you have been a hermit for the last 20 yeard. Two words: Benny Hill. Or Kieth Richards. Or those dudes from Oasis. I have seen interviews where they have english subtitles to read what they are saying!! When Monthy Python did that “flying sheep” sketch, I realized, coming from the South, their country hicks sound just like ours if they had a British accent. ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2003, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581/40 "2003-05-27T08:24:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Jackmannii \* > \*\*At least our cows are sane. \*\* Sane but pumped to the hocks with antibiotics and growth hormone… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-brits-are-ok-and-america-should-lighten-up/177581.md?page=3)