America and the United Kingdom have long been friendly rivals. While the Old World has its charms, the US comes out on top in several areas. Whether it’s the thrill of a tailgate party or the convenience of widespread air conditioning, here are 30 things we undoubtedly do better.
Ice, Ice, Baby
In America, you can expect your drink to be served with plenty of ice. It’s standard practice, whether soda, water, or even coffee. Brits, on the other hand, tend to serve their beverages lukewarm or with just a few cubes.
Air Conditioning
Americans love their A/C. Most homes and public buildings have it. It’s a rare luxury in the UK, with only about 5% of homes equipped with central air. As summers only get hotter, those numbers will likely rise over the next few years.
National Park Paradise
The US has 63 national parks, each offering diverse landscapes from deserts to mountains. The UK has beautiful parks, too, but they don’t quite match the variety or scale found in America.
Refrigerator Giants
Kitchens in the US feature large refrigerators that can store a week’s worth of groceries, including ice makers. British fridges are typically smaller and less equipped for bulk storage.
Dishwasher Convenience
Dishwashers are a standard American amenity, saving time and water. Most people in the UK still need to wash dishes by hand, and fewer homes are equipped with this time-saving appliance.
Hip-Hop Roots
Born in the Bronx, hip-hop is a uniquely American genre that has influenced music worldwide. British hip-hop artists exist but have yet to reach the same international fame.
Tailgating Extravaganza
Tailgating is a quintessential American pre-game ritual, often bigger than the event itself, and there is no UK equivalent. The atmosphere is electric, with fans grilling, playing games, and enjoying music together.
Football Frenzy
American football is a national obsession, with massive followings from high school to the NFL. While Brits have soccer and rugby, our football culture is unmatched. The Super Bowl is practically a national holiday, uniting millions for the game and iconic commercials.
Sneakerheads
American brands like Nike and Converse dominate the worldwide sneaker market. No British athletic shoe company could compete on the same level. Sneaker culture in the US is huge, with enthusiasts collecting limited editions and iconic styles, which are seen as status symbols.
Hollywood Magic
While British cinema is respected, Hollywood is the epicenter of the film industry. America’s influence on entertainment extends to shaping global pop culture, fashion, and political views through storytelling.
Accessibility for All
Thanks to ADA standards, American buildings often feature accessibility ramps and elevators. The UK’s older architecture can be less accommodating.
Mortgage Madness
Americans enjoy long-term fixed-rate mortgages, which provide financial stability. Shorter-term fixed-rate loans are the norm in Britain, which can lead to more uncertainty.
Tech Innovations
Silicon Valley leads global tech innovation, with companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook shaping how we live, work, and communicate. While the UK’s tech scene is growing, it’s still in America’s shadow.
Fitness Craze
Americans embrace fitness trends, from CrossFit to yoga, with widespread enthusiasm. Brits are active but tend to stick to more traditional sports and activities.
Road Trip Adventures
The vast landscapes of the US make road trips popular and exciting. Road adventures are shorter and far less epic in a smaller country like the UK.
College Sports
American college sports, especially football and basketball, attract massive followings and media coverage. British universities don’t have the same level of athletic programs or fanfare. College games in the US can draw crowds comparable to professional sports.
BBQ Bliss
With its regional styles and smoky flavors, American BBQ is a culinary art. On the other side of the Atlantic, barbecues are enjoyable but nothing special.
Pet Pampering
Americans are known for pampering their pets with luxury products and services. That’s not to say Brits don’t love their pets, but they simply don’t go to the same extravagant lengths.
Pop Culture Influence
American pop culture, from Hollywood movies to chart-topping music to popular TV shows, has a massive global influence. The UK’s contributions can’t match the sheer volume of American exports.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
The US fosters a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with many resources for starting and growing businesses. Silicon Valley startups and small business success stories show how much Americans value it compared to Brits.
Space Exploration
NASA leads the world in space exploration with numerous missions and achievements. The UK’s space program is growing but has yet to reach the same heights.
Coffee Culture
American coffee culture is robust, with its array of options and café chains. Across the Atlantic, coffee lovers have fewer choices, mainly since tea drinkers comprise 84% of the UK’s population.
Social Media Savvy
Americans dominate social media trends and platforms, influencing global digital culture. While Brits have a presence on socials, they’re significantly less trend-setting.
Live and Let Laugh
American comedy, from stand-up to sitcoms, has a broad global influence. British humor is beloved, but it’s more of an acquired taste. Shows like Friends and comedians like Dave Chappelle have a massive international following.
The Garbage Disposal
In the US, garbage disposals are a standard kitchen appliance, making waste management easy and clean. These handy devices are rare in the UK, meaning people must place food scraps in bins.
Suburban Spread
American suburbs are known for their spacious homes, wide streets, and ample green spaces. That’s not the case in Britain, where houses are smaller and have less expansive layouts.
Retail Returns
Generous return policies make shopping an almost risk-free experience for Americans. Policies can be restrictive in the UK, so people have to be more mindful of their purchases.
Medicine Matters
Although American healthcare has a hefty price tag, it often grants quicker access to specialized treatments and cutting-edge technologies. In contrast, UK patients can experience long wait times for non-emergency procedures through the NHS.
Election Excitement
The spectacle of US elections includes high voter turnout and extensive media coverage. While significant, elections in Britain tend to be less theatrical. The American process, complete with primaries, debates, and conventions, keeps the public engaged and invested in politics.
Shopping Hours
American stores often stay open late or operate 24/7, offering unmatched convenience for shoppers. In the UK, store hours are more restricted, especially on Sundays and holidays.
17 Foods Permanently Removed from American Store Shelves
Safety concerns and health risks are two of the main reasons behind the banning of certain foods and ingredients, as food safety regulators sometimes deem different food products to be too dangerous. Here are 18 intriguing and often surprising foods that you won’t find on supermarket shelves in America.
Read: 17 Foods Permanently Removed from American Store Shelves
18 British Foods Americans Are Missing Out On
A lot of British cuisine is unpopular in America or hasn’t even been heard of across the pond, but there’s a variety of British foods, including hearty comfort foods and sweet treats, that every American should try at some point in their life. Dig into these 18 classic foods from Britain if you’re curious about what the Brits eat.
Read: 18 British Foods Americans Are Missing Out On
18 American Foods Foreigners Will Give Anything to Taste
One of the highlights of any trip to the U.S. is getting to taste different foods that we see on TV and in film. For those who can’t make the trip, they desperately try to recreate American food at home or in local restaurants, but nothing beats the real deal. We look at 18 quintessential American foods that foreigners are desperate to try:
Read: 18 American Foods Foreigners Will Give Anything to Taste
