American living in the UK shares ''weirdest'' British words

Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, July 21st 2025 at 5:51 GMT by The Mirror
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Kjordyyy is known for documenting his life in the UK on TikTok. He recently revealed the most confusing British words that Americans don''t really understand

An American's Hilarious Take on the Quirkiest Aspects of British Life

Living abroad can be a thrilling adventure, but it often comes with a hefty dose of culture shock. For Kalyn, an American TikToker who goes by the handle @kalynskye, her move to the United Kingdom has been a whirlwind of bewildering discoveries. In a viral video that's racked up thousands of views and comments, Kalyn breaks down what she considers the "weirdest" things about life in the UK. As someone hailing from the United States, where convenience and modernity often reign supreme, Kalyn's observations highlight the stark contrasts between American and British everyday norms. Her list isn't just a rant—it's a lighthearted, eye-opening exploration of how small differences can feel utterly alien. Let's dive into her points, exploring why they strike her as so peculiar and what they reveal about transatlantic cultural divides.

First on Kalyn's list is the absence of window screens in British homes. In the US, screens are a staple, keeping out insects while allowing fresh air to circulate. Kalyn expresses sheer disbelief at this oversight, recounting how she's constantly battling flies, mosquitoes, and other critters that freely invade her living space during warmer months. "Why don't you have screens on your windows?" she asks incredulously in her video. From an American perspective, this seems like a basic necessity—imagine leaving your windows wide open in a place like Florida or Texas without protection from bugs. In the UK, however, the milder climate means fewer aggressive insects, and homes are often designed with a focus on ventilation rather than fortification. Still, Kalyn's frustration resonates with many expats who've had to resort to makeshift solutions like netting or simply swatting away intruders. This quirk underscores a broader British tolerance for nature's intrusions, contrasting with the American penchant for sealing off the indoors from the outdoors.

Next, Kalyn tackles the placement of washing machines, which in the UK are commonly found in kitchens rather than dedicated laundry rooms or basements. This setup baffles her, as she wonders aloud about the logic of mixing laundry with food prep areas. In America, laundry facilities are typically segregated to avoid noise, mess, and potential hygiene issues. Kalyn humorously describes the awkwardness of hearing the spin cycle while cooking dinner or the risk of detergent spills near the fridge. Historically, this British habit stems from space constraints in older homes and apartments, where kitchens double as utility hubs. It's efficient in compact living spaces, but for Kalyn, it feels unhygienic and chaotic. She even jokes about the "symphony of appliances" in her kitchen, where the washer hums alongside the kettle and oven. This point sparks debates in the comments, with some Brits defending it as practical, while others admit it's a relic of outdated housing designs.

One of the most perplexing items for Kalyn is the prevalence of separate hot and cold taps in British bathrooms and kitchens. Unlike the single mixer faucets common in the US, which blend water to a comfortable temperature, UK sinks often feature two distinct taps—one scalding hot, the other icy cold. Kalyn demonstrates this in her video, showing how she has to plug the sink and mix the water manually to wash her hands without burning or freezing them. "It's like a science experiment every time!" she exclaims. This design dates back to older plumbing systems where hot water was stored in tanks, and mixing could introduce bacteria. While modern homes are shifting toward mixers, the tradition persists in many places. For Americans accustomed to instant, adjustable comfort, this feels archaic and inconvenient. Kalyn's take highlights how such small frustrations accumulate, turning routine tasks into mini-adventures.

Electric showers are another head-scratcher for Kalyn. In the US, showers typically run off a central hot water system, providing consistent pressure and temperature. But in the UK, many bathrooms feature wall-mounted electric units that heat water on demand. Kalyn describes the initial shock of pulling a cord to activate the shower, only to experience fluctuating water pressure and the need to adjust dials mid-wash. She likens it to "operating a spaceship" rather than simply turning a knob. This system is energy-efficient and suits homes without large boilers, but it can lead to chilly surprises if someone flushes a toilet elsewhere in the house. Kalyn's amusement turns to empathy as she notes how it forces a more mindful approach to water usage, a subtle nod to British conservation habits versus American abundance.

Drying clothes is yet another area where Kalyn spots a cultural chasm. While Americans rely heavily on tumble dryers for quick, fluffy results, Brits often hang laundry on airers or outdoor lines, even indoors during rainy weather. Kalyn shares her bewilderment at the "airing cupboard"—a heated closet-like space where damp clothes are left to dry slowly. "It takes forever, and everything ends up stiff!" she complains, missing the convenience of a dryer cycle. This practice is rooted in energy consciousness and the UK's variable weather, but for Kalyn, it's a step back from the efficiency she's used to. She recounts the damp smell that lingers in homes without proper ventilation, contrasting it with the fresh-scented loads from her American upbringing. Commenters chime in with tips, like using dehumidifiers, but Kalyn's point stands: it's a reminder of how Brits prioritize sustainability over speed.

Food habits also make Kalyn's list, particularly the British love affair with chips (what Americans call fries). She notes how chips accompany nearly everything—from fish and chips to pies, curries, and even sandwiches. "Chips with everything? It's wild!" she says, comparing it to the more varied side options in the US, like salads or veggies. This carb-heavy pairing reflects Britain's comfort food culture, but Kalyn finds it monotonous and heavy. She humorously speculates on the national obsession, tying it to the UK's pub grub traditions.

Public toilets present another oddity: the need to pay for access in many places. In the US, restrooms are generally free and plentiful, but Kalyn describes fumbling for coins at train stations or shopping centers. "You have to pay to pee? That's insane!" she laughs. This fee helps maintain cleanliness, but it catches many visitors off guard, especially in a pinch.

Wardrobes instead of built-in closets are a spatial surprise for Kalyn. American homes often feature walk-in closets, but UK bedrooms rely on freestanding furniture. She misses the organization, noting how wardrobes can feel cramped in smaller rooms.

Finally, Kalyn touches on heating via radiators rather than central air systems, and the quirky light switches sometimes placed outside bathrooms for safety reasons. These elements paint a picture of British homes as charmingly eccentric, prioritizing tradition over modernization.

In wrapping up her video, Kalyn emphasizes that these "weird" things are part of what makes living in the UK endearing, even if they drive her a bit mad. Her observations have sparked lively discussions online, with fellow expats sharing their own stories and Brits offering defenses or explanations. It's a testament to how cultural differences, no matter how small, can foster understanding and humor. For Americans considering a move across the pond, Kalyn's list serves as both a warning and an invitation to embrace the quirks. After all, in a world of globalization, it's these unique oddities that keep life interesting. Whether it's mixing your own tap water or dodging flies through open windows, adapting to British life is an ongoing, entertaining journey—one that Kalyn navigates with wit and wonder. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The Mirror Article at:
[ https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/american-living-uk-shares-weirdest-34424669 ]

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