Latest news with #cultureShock
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Confused American expat's awkward misinterpretation of common Aussie phrase leaves hundreds in hysterics: 'I had no idea this was a local thing'
'First in, best dressed' is a commonly used expression in Australia - but it recently left one American expat totally stumped. US traveller Maura Sheahan recently shared a TikTok video recounting one of the hilarious culture shocks she'd experienced since moving to Australia where she grossly misunderstood the colloquial saying. The expression is used often by Australians and simply means, in a dining context, that walk-in guests will be accepted into a venue based on the order they arrive. In a two minute video, the young woman recalled how she was organising a celebratory birthday drinks and dinner and wanted to make a reservation for a patio table at a certain restaurant. 'So I call up the restaurant trying to make this reservation,' she recounted. Maura said the restaurant staffer informed her that they unfortunately don't take bookings. Instead, she was told: 'We don't actually do reservations - we just do first in, best dressed.' She promptly hung up the phone and pondered over what she'd just been told. 'I'm like, what do you mean first in, best dressed?' Maura said. 'Like, am I going to show up in there and [the restaurant staff will] be like, "Oh, that is an ugly outfit. You're in the back by the kitchen. Send this girl to sit by the trash cans where no one else can see her." That's what I'm thinking.' Maura consequently decided that even though it was a 'weird rule', she remained determined to secure a patio table. Accordingly, she and her friends would 'dress really cute' in anticipation of the moment when restaurant staff would be 'judging our outfits' and determining where they would be seated. A few days later, Maura said she started a new job and decided to break the ice by telling her co-workers about her upcoming restaurant plans. Maura recalled telling her colleagues about the restaurant, saying: 'It looks cute, but pretty weird, because where you get to sit is actually based on what you're wearing.' '[My boss] was like, "What I've never heard of this in my life. That's insane".' Maura then proceeded to explain to her new employer: 'I called to make a reservation. They don't even do reservations. They just do "first in, and best dressed".' 'The entire office goes silent. Everybody's like, "Maura, no. That just means first come, first served",' a horrified Maura recalled. 'I thought that they were going to make me do an "outfit of the day",' she sheepishly laughed at the conclusion of the video. The TikTok video quickly drew over 280,000 views and hundreds of comments – many laughing at the hilarious misinterpretation of the common expression. But many Aussies replied saying they were stunned to hear that 'first in, best dressed' was a uniquely Australian turn of phrase. 'I never knew that saying was only heard in Australia,' read the most liked comment, which had received over 2200 likes. Another Australian added that they 'genuinely thought this was a common saying'. One Aussie even conceded that Maura's response made sense if you'd never heard the saying before. '[W]hen you think about the expression you made a very logical conclusion,' they wrote. Officially, according to an online dictionary, the Australian saying means 'people will be dealt with in the order they arrive'. Another noted that it was a derivative of the old English saying 'First up, best dressed', which was coined in reference to children from large families who would share clothes - meaning the first child awake would have first pick from the wardrobe. Others likened it to another common saying in 'the early bird catches the worm'. The comments section of the video confirmed that the definition of the saying is: 'If you're first, you get the best choice'. Many commenters noted that Maura's colleagues would have probably had a good chuckle at her story. '"Office went silent"...I'm sure a few sly grins happened,' read one reply. 'Can't believe nobody thought to run with it and tell her she needs to be in fancy dress or something,' added another. Others chimed in with their own mishaps involving the same expression. 'Had [a] similar experience, I spent days looking for the best outfit,' read one reply. An Australian teacher wrote that they had made the 'mistake' of telling their international students "first in, best dressed" before taking them out on an excursion. 'To their credit, everyone looked great on the excursion,' the teacher added. Some people even jokingly responded that that it would be 'a fun restaurant theme'. 'Wait, actually that would be kinda cool though,' read one reply.
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
American in the UK reveals the 'scary' food that's a staple in British households - but do YOU agree?
An American woman living in the UK has stirred up an online storm after sharing a video calling out the everyday British foods she claims would 'send Americans into a coma' - with one so-called 'staple' branded downright 'scary.' Paige Wester, who moved from the U.S. to Newcastle in 2024 with her British partner and their two young sons, regularly posts lighthearted videos about her UK culture shocks to her 51,000 followers on TikTok. But her latest post, filmed during a routine shop at Sainsbury's, didn't go down quite so smoothly with British viewers. In the now-viral clip posted to her account @p_west_, the mother-of-two walks through the aisles, highlighting a number of British foods and habits she finds odd, fascinating, or just baffling. First up were eggs - unrefrigerated, and, to Paige's surprise, much cheaper than those sold in American supermarkets - as she pointed the camera at a box of ten eggs on offer for £1.64. Then it was on to breakfast cereal, as she pointed out the UK's version of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes: Frosties. The tea aisle, meanwhile, was overwhelming to the expat, as she confessed: 'The tea aisle is absolutely insane to me - it is an entire aisle just dedicated to different types of tea. I didn't even know this much tea existed in the world.' Paige also took aim at the British love of instant coffee, admitting she'd never tried it before moving to the UK - and wasn't sold. Another surprise was the sheer amount of pies on offer, such as steak pies, chicken pies and cheesy vegetable pies. Though she admitted she 'loves a good pie,' she added that 'not everything needs to be inside' of a pastry. But the biggest culture clash came when she discovered black pudding - an acquired breakfast item made from pig's blood. She said: 'This is where things get scary... black pudding is a staple in most people's households. It's pig's blood. People eat it for breakfast. The fact that this packaging says "from breakfast to fine dining" is absolutely absurd to me.' Paige went on to roast the produce section too - particularly the lack of plastic bags for fruits and vegetables. She also highlighted the nation's 'love' for baked beans, though she added she will 'never get on board' with the 'breakfast, lunch and dinner' staple. Finally, Paige expressed her frustration at having to pay for plastic bags at checkout - something she admits she regularly forgets. The video racked up thousands of views and over 2,000 comments - many from Brits who weren't thrilled with the mother's take, as one person wrote: 'Lol black pudding is not a staple in most British households. The video racked up thousands of views and over 2,000 comments - many from Brits who weren't thrilled with the mother's take Another defended, 'Most people think black pudding is rank' as a third commented, 'I only know one person who likes black pudding, and we all mock him for it.' A fourth wrote: 'It is absolutely NOT a staple in British households. it can be served as part of a full English, but absolutely not a staple. I don't know anyone who has it in their house.' Another person explained: 'Our eggs aren't refrigerated because we don't bleach them, pies are a British classic stemming back many years most areas have a pie filling popular to that area. 'Black pudding isn't a staple food unless on a fry up, beans got us through 2 world wars and one world cup and tea... babes tea is the king of beverages. and instant coffee because we don't all own a coffeemaker but most own a kettle.' Another viewer said, 'They're freaked out by an aisle of baked beans meanwhile I went into a Walmart and got freaked out by the KIOSK OF GUNS,' while a second added, 'Weird to have a whole aisle of tea but in America they do that for Pop Tarts.'
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
I just moved to Australia and there are several huge cultural shocks here I can't stop thinking about: 'Nobody warns you'
Moving to Australia is often sold as a dream, with the lure of sun-drenched coastlines, friendly locals, and a 'no worries' attitude that supposedly seeps into every aspect of life. But ask anyone who's actually packed up their life to settle Down Under, and they'll tell you the real culture shock lies in the everyday stuff - but, interestingly, not the ones you'd expect. That's according to a recent Reddit thread, which has unearthed some interesting opinions from expats who have migrated here for good, and some might surprise you more than others. With more than eight million people born overseas (nearly 30 percent of the entire population), Australia is one of the most multicultural nations on Earth. Each year, thousands of expats from the UK, India, China, South Africa, Germany, and just about everywhere in between make the leap to start a new life here. They arrive hopeful, wide-eyed, and completely unprepared for what awaits. Because while guidebooks warn you about the spiders, snakes, and swooping magpies, no one tells you the real everyday challenges. From Sydney's chronic influencer scene, to the chaos of Aussie kids dressed like they've just rolled out of a tent, expats didn't hold back on the quirky, confusing, and sometimes hilarious bits of Aussie life that took them by surprise. There were some heartfelt moments too, with many who praised the relaxed vibe, the lack of snobbery in the workplace, as an upside to moving to the land of Vegemite, vapes, and viral run clubs. One of the most upvoted responses came from a baffled observer of Sydney's influencer culture, who couldn't believe how showy life in the Harbour City felt. 'Sydney's influencer mentality. Everything feels performative, or for the sole purpose of taking a photo,' one wrote. 'The lines outside Louis Vuitton, etc., those swarms of run clubs at Bondi. Obnoxious model posing with no shame on the bow of the ferry.' The comment struck a chord with many, with others chiming in to say they felt like it was all very boastful and performative: 'Gotta flex to their relatives and family friends back home,' a user wrote. Expats from more hierarchical cultures were pleasantly stunned by how casual Aussies are in the workplace, even when addressing the CEO. And while the power dynamics do still exist, many were surprised by how informal interactions could be, even in big business. 'I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to 'sir' or 'ma'am' my CEO, directors, [or] people in upper management,' another commented. 'Hierarchy isn't so in your face, unlike in Eastern cultures. I really appreciated that.' Another user didn't hold back about one of the darker 'shock' of Aussie life, namely the sheer amount of recreational drug use among revellers. 'In my mind, anyone over 30 from my homeland who still used drugs was most likely addicted,' they wrote. 'Here, it seems they are a requirement to head out. The only time people talk to you on the dance floor or at the pub is if they're high/drunk. I'm used to it now, but coming from a culture where people socialised extensively while sober, it was a huge shock initially.' Some agreed, with one pointing out that 'alcohol is a recreational drug' too, perhaps highlighting Australia's well-known binge-drinking culture. On the other end of the scale, one British mum admitted she was totally confused by how dishevelled Aussie kids look. Something that rubbed off quickly on her seven- and ten-year-old children. 'In my community in England, all the kids were very well turned out ALL THE TIME. Their clothes were ironed and clean,' she noted. 'The kids in Oz are creased and rumpled, and their hair [is] often messy too. Lol. My kids very soon became the same way.' Lastly, and perhaps the most hilarious observations, came from one German commenter who simply couldn't wrap his head around the Aussie small talk. Perhaps the most hilarious observation came from one German commenter who simply couldn't wrap his head around the Aussie small talk Who would've thought an innocent 'How's it going?' question would throw someone into an existential crisis. 'I'm not a huge fan of small talk, and we Germans are very direct,' he explained, warning others to answer simple Aussie questions with caution. 'A little suggestion - don't answer by saying "like sh*t", it throws people off, and the cashier doesn't really wanna know lol.' The responses, although fairly lighthearted, highlight a deeper divide between Aussie values and those of other cultures. Where some countries prize formality, structure, and polished appearances, Australia is proudly casual, a little chaotic, and a bit rough around the edges, according to some. And for many expats, that's not a bad thing; it's just a bit of an adjustment
The Sun
24-06-2025
- The Sun
I lived in the US for 3 months – the 12 bizarre things I noticed as a Brit from drive-through weddings to VIP service
AFTER spending three months in the States, I came home with a suitcase full of souvenirs, sugary cereal, and a whole load of culture shock. I had been living in Santa Rosa, California, a beautiful city near San Francisco known for its wine, perfect weather and the invention of Snoopy. 12 Back when I boarded my 11 hour flight from London, I really didn't know what to expect on the other side. It was my first trip to the states - and whilst I knew that America does things big, I didn't realise just how extra it would be. After a summer of settling in, there was loads that left me baffled and bursting to tell people back home my weird encounters. Here's the 12 strangest things I noticed from my time in America, that will leave the British brain scrambled. Toilet door gaps One thing I just couldn't get over was the giant gaps in public toilet cubicles. I'm talking wide open spaces above and below the toilet door. Sometimes the gaps were so big you could see someone's shoes, shins, and even their knees through the stall. Going to the loo in a public place felt less like a private moment and more like a public stage. 12 Huge portions for smallish prices No need to worry about being charged a ridiculous price for a tiny serving - here, everything comes massive. In America, a small drink from McDonald's is 89 per cent bigger than in the UK, and a cup of Big Gulp fizz can hold up to a whopping 1.9 litres. The overlooked Florida winter sun destination with theme parks and historic cigar neighbourhood 12 12 I couldn't believe my eyes when I ordered a 'Bigger Plate' at Panda Express - it looked like enough to feed a family for under $12. And if you decide to 'supersize' anything, best of luck. At least you'll have your dinners for the entire week ahead sorted. Insane public parks When I think of a park, I think of a large patch of grass lined with trees, a couple of benches, maybe even a fountain if you're lucky. In California, a walk in the park would have you stumbling across lakes with lifeguards, inflatable obstacle courses, dog agility courses, barbecue grills, public picnic blankets and outdoor fitness equipment. In America, the local park isn't just for walking your dog - it can be an entire day out for the whole family. Needing a car to cross the road Here in the UK, pretty much everywhere is walkable. In the US? Not so much. I quickly learned that American cities just aren't built for pedestrians. Pavements are rare, crossings are few, and ' jaywalking ' is taken very seriously. But things got pretty ridiculous one day when my friends and I had to order an Uber just to cross the road to McDonald's. Tipping culture madness We all know that tipping is way more of a thing in the states than at home in the UK. I knew heading over to America that if I go out to eat, I should tip my waitress around 20 per cent of the bill. But what I didn't expect was that tipping culture doesn't just apply to restaurants. Taxi drivers, baristas, bartenders, hairdressers, even bus drivers - I soon found out that everyone expects you to leave a tip. As a Brit, I couldn't bear the thought of coming off as rude. So I kept forking over my dollars. So if you're planning a trip to the states - be sure to budget your tips for more than just meals! 12 Over-the-top customer service Walking into any American restaurant, I felt like a VIP. Hospitality is taken to the next level in America - before you've even sat down, you know your waiter's name and your drink is on the way. Sometimes the servers were so friendly that it actually creeped me out a bit. There's only so many times someone can ask "is everything perfect for you?" with a big grin on their face before you start to get a little weirded out. Nonetheless, it's hard to complain when you feel like you're being treated like royalty every time you order a burger. Everyone's your best friend Us Brits are known for our small talk and for being stand-offish. An American stranger will strike up a conversation with you in a lift like they've known you for years. People chatted to me in shops, queues, streets, even out on a run. Americans really are just that friendly - once you get over the initial "are they talking to me?", it's actually quite refreshing. Drive-through everything In America, if there's a way to do something without getting out of the car, they've made it possible. Drive-thrus aren't just for fast food anymore - it's coffee, pharmacies, banks and even weddings. It's all about convenience - something Americans have mastered the art of. It all seems a bit over-the-top at first, but when you actually find yourself in a hurry, those drive-thru cash machines can be a life-saver. 12 Overly-customised coffee Ordering coffee at home tends to be pretty simple: black, white, oat milk or skimmed? Head to somewhere like Dunkin, and it's a whole different ball game. If there's one thing Americans love, it's customising their coffee. Waiting in line for my cappuccino, I'd often overhear requests for something like a venti iced swirl decaf caramel oat latte with a quarter cup of creamer, and eight pumps of sugar-free vanilla. These coffees often looked and tasted more like milkshakes - but who am I to complain when they're so delicious? Leave the British-isms at home You probably wouldn't expect to read this on a list about travels in America, but brace yourself for the language barrier. You're going to need to swap takeaways for takeouts, crisps for chips, chips for fries, taps for faucets and rubbish for trash. When I was working at a traditional American summer camp, I caught myself telling my kids to "throw your chip bags in the trash". When I tried to say things in British English, they'd simply look at me confused. By the end of the summer, I was basically fluent in American. Needing a jumper even in a heatwave I've never been to Antarctica before, but I have experienced American AC - so does that count? Just when you've gotten used to the scorching heat, you'll walk into a store or shopping mall and get hit with a blast of freezing cold air. Forget packing light - if you're heading to America in the summertime, you'll still need to bring a hoodie or two for your trip to Target. 12 American flags everywhere I think I can count the amount of times I've seen the Union Jack out and about on one hand - Jubilees, The Olympics, and maybe once or twice when watching Eurovision. In America, patriotic pride is next-level. From front gardens, schools and sports games to shirts, cars and bars - the American flag is truly everywhere. I even saw the American flag attached to a dog several times. The stars and stripes are a truly iconic symbol, and are just as much a part of the scenery as the pickup trucks and neon fast food signs.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
I moved from Yorkshire to London - there's one thing I find truly disgusting about living down south
A man who moved from Yorkshire to London has opened up about the biggest differences he's noticed - from what he misses most about the North to one thing in the capital that he finds downright 'disgusting.' Oliver Radcliffe, who hails from just outside Huddersfield, made the move to London six months ago - and he's already picked up on a number of 'wild' differences between the two regions. And while he stressed the capital has 'plenty to offer,' he admitted that it's come as a bit of a culture shock to be regularly faced with 'grumpy commuters' and 'nobody ever saying thank you'. A recent trip back home made Oliver realised it's not just family or a familiar bed he misses - it's the small, everyday things that really make a place feel like home. Writing for MyLondon, here are the three things about northern life Oliver can't stop thinking about - and the one southern habit he's really not a fan of. 1. The water Having grown up on the outskirts of the Pennines, Oliver admitted he maintains 'high standards' when it comes to water quality. According to the Yorkshire lad, the 'extremely hard' water in London doesn't quite compare to a 'refreshing, crisp glass of Yorkshire tap water' that 'might as well be an endless supply of Evian'. And he described the taste of London tap water as 'disgusting'. He explained: 'London tap water is extremely hard, and battling with the limey liquid is a fight you don't realise the pain of until you find a thin film of limescale scum floating on every cup of tea, which even gold label Yorkshire Tea can't fix.' Oliver also highlighted his ongoing battle with keeping things sparkling clean in his home. He said: 'The days of a clear shower screen are a thing of the past, wine glasses - crusty, and don't even get me started on the damage it does to a kettle.' 2. The hills Having gone from a lush landscape of of moors, rolling hills and the Peak District on his doorstep, Oliver says the flatness of London just doesn't cut it. He described the 'endless flat' of London as 'eerie and bleak', though he mentioned the capital has some 'gentle inclines'. He added: 'Simply having hills building up the horizon is something you don't quite appreciate when you become so used to them. 'But taking a Londoner for a trip up to the top of Holme Moss, they will quickly understand what I'm talking about.' 3. The pies If there's one thing Oliver truly misses from home, it's a proper meat-based Yorkshire pie. He declared his 'stereotypically northern, deep-rooted' love for a pie, and often craves a rustic pork, apple and stuffing variety from a local butcher when he's in the capital. He grew up a stone's throw away from Denby Dale - famous for making the world's biggest pie at 40-feet-long - and says the tradition and flavour of Yorkshire pies are unbeatable. He added: 'Whether it's hot or cold, with beans or mushy peas, the rich history of pie-making in Yorkshire is unmatched elsewhere in the country and whatever the generation of butchers have been doing to perfect the recipes over the generations has clearly paid off.'
