How often and in what contexts do you refer to yourself or others as “British”?

Posted by Marmosettale@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 5 comments

So I’m an ignorant American, but to my understanding: “British” can refer to anyone Scottish, English, or Welsh. & the UK refers to those countries, and also Northern Ireland? If I’m wrong, please correct me haha, I really am not positive about this. But anyway: If you are from there, do you refer to yourself or others as “British,” or do you just say “Scottish” or “English” or whatever? Here in the US, people basically use “British” to mean “English.” Almost never are Scottish or Welsh people referred to as “British.” Most Americans, if pressed, know that British doesn’t actually just mean English, but that’s how it’s commonly used and what is assumed. I’m just wondering if this term is actually used in these countries, or if the country is specified more often. Thanks, sorry for my poor geographical understanding

5 Comments

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Wide_Television747@reddit

Just depends on who is asking. If someone from the UK asks, I'm Scottish but they'd already know that from my accent and my name really. If someone from outside the UK were to ask, I'd just say British unless they asked more particularly. I don't have a problem with saying I'm a Brit despite being Scottish but I know tonnes of people hate it to the point where if a form had their nationality as British, they would scribble it out and write Scottish and kick up a fuss.

Happy_Boy_29@reddit

I was born in Germany to a German Mum with a British Dad and British Passport. In Germany I always refer to my self as English and in England I always refer to my self as German. I am also part Alsatian, people from Alsace famously are neither German or French no matter where the border lies.

Valuable-Wallaby-167@reddit

You are right. So points for understanding at least part of the complicated way we divide the islands up. However, because of a whole lot of history a lot of people don't like to be referred to as British, especially if they're pro breaking up the union, so it can be quite a charged term. I'd say it's more common, especially in Scotland and Wales to refer to people by their country.

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