英国趣事¶
Fun facts in the UK: Discoveries from studying abroad in the UK (will occasionally update)
(The following content is mostly written by Ten Sheng Miao based on their own experiences and understanding of life in the UK, for reference only)
When buying fruits or items, there are promotions like "1 for £2" or "2 for £5."
If you buy something priced at £18.15 and give the cashier £20, and you have exactly 15p (pence) as change, you may expect the cashier to give you £2 in whole pounds. So, you give them the 15p, but they might not understand your intention. Even if you explain that you want the change in whole pounds, they might still find it too complicated and give you a bunch of coins instead.
In the UK, 1 penny is usually referred to as 1 penny, and from 2 pence to 50 pence, it is called "pence." However, it's common to simplify it and read "penny" as "p," so 15 pence is referred to as 15p.
When buying something priced at £8.5 and giving the cashier £20, instead of giving you £11.5 in change (20 - 8.5), the cashier might give you the change by saying "Here's your £20" and then give you the item (£8.5) along with £10, £1, and 50p to make up the total £20.
In communal laundry machines, everything is washed, especially shoes.
Housing lacks soundproofing. You can hear your neighbor, Old Wang, clumsily walking in his girlfriend's high heels.
Milk is very cheap, with a large bottle costing only £1 or a few pence.
In winter, even in low temperatures, you often see people wearing a down jacket on the upper body but shorts and slippers on the lower body.
There is continuous drizzling rain.
Strong winds can blow your umbrella inside out and mess up your hair.
Occasionally, you may see two men holding hands, showing affection.
There are many influential figures to be seen.
Shops don't open in the morning.
Pubs are bustling with business.
There are many parties and gatherings.
It's easy to take the wrong train.
Desserts are super sweet.
Clothes without tags can be returned for free within a certain time frame. Some people wear them for a few days, return them, buy new ones, wear them for a few days, and return them again.
During class, there may be occasional fire drill exercises.
The faucet has two taps, one for hot water (extremely hot) and one for cold water. It's commonly called "ice and fire."
Soybeans are their most common breakfast.
Smoke alarms can be seen everywhere, and they may not be used to our stir-frying in China. If triggered, a verbal warning may be given, or fines might be imposed.
English cats can speak English.
When opening a door, the person in front will hold it for the person behind.
Commonly used English phrases include "sorry," "thank you," and "excuse me."
Queuing is common, whether it's on the bus or buying something. You'll see automatic queues, but sometimes people just follow the person in front, thinking there's a queue, while the other person is simply standing there playing games.
Things are done slowly, like in the movie "Zootopia."
Street performers are common.
Occasionally, you may hear about the "big issue." They are newspaper sellers who have turned their lives around and are now self-supporting.
Food has diverse flavors, and even potato chips come in vinegar flavor.
When a teacher praises you as "very good," it doesn't necessarily mean you're truly "very good." It might just be their catchphrase.
The platform at King's Cross Station in London for the Harry Potter train, Platform 9¾, has been moved. It's still within the same station but relocated next to the Harry Potter shop.
Swans, pigeons, and other small animals like that are all queens. If you dare to hit them, the police will send you back to your country for free.
This is a country that loves sports, and you can watch soccer matches anytime.
Occasionally, you may encounter parade processions.
I put a card with my phone number written on it in a film box on the Tower Bridge in London. Would you like to give me a call? If you get through, you can treat me to a meal.
You need identification to buy cigarettes, alcohol, and to enter bars and casinos to verify your age.
There are homeless people asking for change on the roadside, and you will hear repeated requests for "change, please."
Gingerbread is really made of ginger. Oh, when I saw the gingerbread, it looked cute, so I bought one. The taste was amazing, but I didn't dare to take a second bite.
Daffodils are poisonous and should not be eaten. However, they look very similar to garlic sprouts, so many people accidentally buy the wrong thing.
The British Library, a national library, is one of the largest academic libraries in the world, with a collection of over 170 million items. It is a legal deposit library in the UK, and any publisher distributing books in the UK must provide a copy to the British Library.
Scottish men wear kilts, not skirts. Prince Charles of the UK has worn kilts many times.
Gong Bao chicken or other Gong Bao dishes in Chinese restaurants are sweet.
If you go to Hyde Park in the morning, you will see countless ducks squatting by the roadside.
Covent Garden in London is a place where luxury cars, wealthy people, and beautiful women gather. There is a popular burger joint there with a long queue.
Many bed sheets are elastic and can cover the mattress.
Appointments are required for various tasks or going somewhere.
Contact is done through email.
Taking photos of children without permission may result in being punched.
Due to various reasons, you may face the crisis of going bald at any time.
People here love drinking tea and have various elegant manners, like raising their pinky finger.
Indoor carpets are standard.
Many items in supermarkets are on special offer when they are about to close.
You need to press the bell in advance when getting off the bus; otherwise, the bus won't stop.
Making international calls to China costs 1 or 2 mao per minute.
Potatoes dominate throughout the UK.
There is no signal or internet in the subway (as of May 2022, the Elizabeth line is expected to have Wi-Fi and 4G by the end of 2022).
After getting off one escalator in the subway, there is another one waiting for you.
Newspapers are free at stations and some shops.
If you take a train without a Young Person's Railcard, you may be fined. For the first offense without the card, you can appeal by contacting the fine issuing railway company. However, you may not necessarily get your money back; it depends on how persuasive you are. They might offer you an equivalent voucher for a future trip, but it can only be used on their trains and has an expiration date.
If you evade fare on public transport, you will be asked to pay for the fare you missed. However, evading fare on the subway depends on luck. If caught repeatedly, you can be prosecuted, have a criminal record, and there are many plainclothes officers at stations, subways, and trains.
Many subway and train platforms do not have barriers, so it's better to stand a bit further away.
The London Underground is old; some lines were built in 1856, and it officially opened on January 10, 1863. It is over 100 years old.
London Underground stations have many touching stories. In 2007, an elderly lady with white hair would sit on a platform chair every day, waiting for the train but never boarding. Whenever the train stopped and the doors were about to open, she would walk to the door and listen to the announcement saying "Mind The Gap." She persisted for ten years. It turned out that the voice came from her deceased husband, recorded 40 years ago. Her husband passed away in 2007, and this was the first thing he said when he met her.
There is a legendary stray ginger cat in London that changed his owner's life and was made into a movie called "A Street Cat Named Bob." Bob, the ginger cat, even personally "starred" in the film. The cat passed away in 2020 at the age of 14, which is equivalent to around 90 in human years. Thisis a heartwarming story that touched many people.
The London Eye is a famous landmark and a giant Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. It offers stunning views of the city and is a popular tourist attraction.
The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served various purposes throughout history, including a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Crown Jewels.
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in London. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, where the Queen's Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace, is a popular attraction for tourists.
The British Museum in London is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. It houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from different cultures and time periods, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England. It consists of a ring of standing stones and is believed to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BC. Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists.
The Lake District is a scenic region in northwest England known for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and charming villages. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and wildlife spotting.
Stratford-upon-Avon is a town in Warwickshire, England, famous as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visitors can explore Shakespeare's birthplace, his wife Anne Hathaway's cottage, and watch performances of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest arts festival, held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland. It features thousands of performances across various art forms, including theater, comedy, music, and dance.
The Giant's Causeway is a unique geological formation located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It consists of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, resulting in a breathtaking landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Cliffs of Moher are dramatic sea cliffs located on the west coast of Ireland, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. They are one of Ireland's most visited natural attractions.
The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, is a popular tourist attraction where visitors can learn about the history and brewing process of Guinness beer. The tour culminates with a complimentary pint of Guinness at the Gravity Bar, which offers panoramic views of the city.
The Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the seat of the UK Parliament. It is located on the banks of the River Thames in London and is known for its iconic clock tower, Big Ben.
The City of Bath in England is famous for its well-preserved Roman-built baths, which were used for bathing and socializing in ancient times. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
The Tower Bridge in London is an iconic symbol of the city. It is a combined bascule and suspension bridge that crosses the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and enjoy panoramic views from the high-level walkways.
The Royal Albert Hall in London is a prestigious concert hall known for hosting a wide range of performances, including classical concerts, rock and pop concerts, ballets, and more. It is an architectural masterpiece and a must-visit for music lovers.
The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in history, originated from Liverpool, England. Fans of the Beatles can visit attractions such as The Beatles Story museum and take a tour of famous Beatles-related sites in the city.
The Cotswolds is a picturesque region in south-central England known for its charming villages, rolling hills, and limestone cottages. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling cities and is a popular destination for countryside walks and exploring quintessential English villages.
The White Cliffs of Dover are iconic cliffs on the coast of southeastern England. They offer breathtaking views of the English Channel and are a symbol of the country's natural beauty and maritime heritage.
The Scottish Highlands are a rugged and scenic region in the north of Scotland. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, lochs (lakes), and castles. The Highlands are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic drives.
The Welsh language, known as Cymraeg, is spoken by a significant portion of the population in Wales. Bilingual signs and announcements are common in Wales, reflecting the country's commitment to preserving its native language and culture.
The Lake District in England inspired many famous literary works, including the poetry of William Wordsworth and the children's stories of Beatrix Potter. It is a place of natural beauty that continues to captivate writers and artists
。
74. The language used throughout the UK is English, but English is not the only native official language. There are also:
(1) Welsh in Wales
(2) Celtic and Scottish Gaelic in Scotland
(3) Irish and Ulster Scots in Northern Ireland
(4) Cornish in Cornwall, England."
75. Great Britain and the United Kingdom are different.
(1) Great Britain is the ninth-largest island in the world and the largest island in Europe. From a political perspective, Great Britain includes England, Scotland, and Wales, as well as numerous surrounding islands such as the Isle of Wight and the Scilly Isles. However, it does not include the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, which are not part of the United Kingdom and have independent judicial and taxation systems.
(2) The United Kingdom, officially known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is referred to as the United Kingdom or Britain in international standards. It consists of Great Britain, the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and a series of smaller islands.
Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world, is currently the family castle of the Windsor dynasty of the British royal family. Like Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, Windsor Castle is also a major official residence of the British monarch.
Do not ask about salary and age. If you are not very familiar with someone, do not ask a lady about her age or anyone about their salary.
UK bank holidays are public holidays in the UK, some Commonwealth countries, some European countries (such as Switzerland), and some former British colonies (such as Hong Kong). When the Bank Holidays Act was enacted in 1871, England had four bank holidays, and Scotland had five bank holidays. The dates of the holidays are announced each year on the official website of the UK government. You can find the link to the bank holidays announcement here: https://www.gov.uk/bank-holidays.
Tipping in the UK is discretionary. Some places include a service charge in the bill.
The UK doesn't have much of a summer. The summer season is very short, and there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. Therefore, residential properties in the UK generally don't have air conditioning. Heating, on the other hand, is commonly available. However, the London Underground can be very hot and crowded. You might want to bring a small fan.
Most vegetables and fruits in the UK are imported.
London is divided into Greater London and the City of London. Greater London refers to the London area commonly mentioned, including 32 administrative districts (boroughs). The City of London refers to the financial district.
Cashback in UK stores is similar to an ATM service. When you make a payment, the cashier may ask if you want cashback. If you choose to take cashback, they will give you the cash, and the store will deduct the equivalent amount from your card.
The origin of postage stamps is in the UK. The first adhesive postage stamp was called the Penny Black. It was officially issued in the UK on May 1, 1840. Although May 6 was the first day of validity for the stamp, it was sold starting from May 1. Therefore, the earliest postmark date is May 1.
While most places in the UK accept card payments, it's advisable to carry some cash and coins because there are places where only cash or coins are accepted.
Attendance in classes is usually done through signing in, not by calling out names. You know what it means.
Some friends use multiple student cards to swipe and sign in.
In the UK, to cross the road, you need to press the pedestrian traffic light button. If you don't press it, the green light will never come on.
Movies in the UK are not usually shown with subtitles.
Evian mineral water is much cheaper in the UK compared to domestically.
UK coins can be arranged to form a shield.
I searched for photos for a long time, but I couldn't find the ones I took myself. Instead, I found a photo I took by combining two shields. The coins I used to make the shields were not used at the time, but I don't know where I put them now. Maybe they loved me so much that they decided to silently protect me and bring me wealth.
In fact, besides forming shields, you can also arrange British pounds into circles or follow historical progress. There are various ways to play with them. Additionally, every year in the UK, special commemorative coins are released for collectors. For example, there is a series of coins featuring Peter Rabbit, with several cute designs. The prices are not very expensive, similar to the Panda gold coins and the new auspicious cultural gold and silver commemorative coins issued in our country this year.
If anyone wants to buy commemorative coins from the UK, they can purchase them on their official website. Here is the official website link:
：https://www.royalmint.com
When I first arrived in the UK, if I encountered unfamiliar words, I would look them up one by one in the dictionary. Later, when I came across unfamiliar sentences, I would directly copy and paste them for translation. And then, if I encountered something unfamiliar, I would use image translation.
In the UK, it's best not to make the "back of the hand facing outwards" gesture, which is the V sign. Foreigners might interpret it as an offensive and insulting gesture.
Don't disclose the last three digits on the back of your UK bank card to others, as they can be used by others for online shopping and more.
Some banks may provide you with a checkbook when you open an account.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, the luggage trolleys at the Harry Potter theme park were temporarily removed in 2020.
Some products have discounts before Black Friday that are even better than the discounts on Black Friday itself.
In the UK, the ground floor is referred to as the "Ground floor," the first floor above it is the "First floor," and the second floor is the "Second floor."
If a UK store displays signs like "Closing Down Sale" or "Going Out of Business," it means it's true because falsely advertising such claims is illegal.
Avoid asking foreigners about their age, salary, and personal matters. However, once you become close friends, foreigners may be willing to share even the smallest details, such as how many times they cried after a breakup.
Street performers can earn more money than some office workers in the UK. Wealthy individuals often give generous tips. I once saw a wealthy person give a bundle of banknotes (if I remember correctly, it was either £20 or £50).
In the UK, there is no annual vehicle inspection for driving licenses.
In families where the economic conditions are relatively good in the UK, parents, like in China, often continue to support their children. There are also many young people in the UK who rely on their parents financially. Well-off parents also pave the way for their children's future in various aspects.
Most foreigners in the UK prefer smaller-sized cars.
In city centers, it's not uncommon to have a view of a graveyard when you open your window. Some houses in the UK are located next to graveyards.
Generally, the highest mountains in the UK (as of May 2022) are around 1,300 meters above sea level.
There is no Disneyland in the UK. Disney believes that Europe only needs one theme park and the location should be easily accessible for visitors from various European countries. The UK had plans to build two "British versions of Disneyland." The first plan, estimated to cost £3.5 billion, was to establish a resort in Kent. However, it was withdrawn and abandoned on March 29, 2022, due to strong opposition from environmental activists and angry locals.
The Queen of the UK wears second-hand shoes and cannot wear open-toed shoes. Since new shoes can be uncomfortable, the Queen's new shoes are worn by her staff until they are broken in and no longer cause blisters. The second-hand shoes are well-maintained and appear new. It may seem like the Queen wears the same pair of shoes every time, but in reality, she buys multiple pairs of the same style that are broken in by the staff.
The UK didn't have the multiplication table until it was introduced from China by former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015.
When giving gifts to teachers, mentors, professors, etc., in the UK, the value of the gift should not exceed £40 (some schools have a limit of £30). Exceeding this amount may be considered bribery. (Other special circumstances may have different rules.) Also, cash or cash-like gifts are not allowed.