Talking About the Weather
Here’s the big one when it comes to Englishness, our apparent obsession with the weather. In truth we don’t really care much about the weather and don’t even know much about it, so why do we spend so much time talking about it? Well my theory is that weather talk is used as a safe conversation opener. The English are so uncomfortable and reserved in social situations, especially with strangers, that they would never dream of just saying “Hi, I’m Chuck from Idaho” in that easy going way that comes so naturally to Americans. Instead we’ll spend a few awkward moments making accidental eye contact until one party offers a nod to the other and mumbles something about the weather. This will usually be along the lines of “Cold this morning” (accompanied by a fake shiver), “Phew, isn’t it hot” (with a theatrical wiping of the brow) or “Looks like we could get some rain” (with eyes raised to the...
