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American Expats in UK Baffled by Bathroom Peculiarities
British bathrooms have emerged as a significant source of culture shock for American expats living in the UK. Common domestic features taken for granted in the United States are noticeably absent or different in British homes, particularly in their lavatories. One of the most cited contrasts is the lack of electrical outlets in UK bathrooms, a stark divergence from US norms.
Absence of Electrical Outlets
In the US, it is customary to utilize heated hair appliances like hairdryers and styling irons directly in the bathroom, often in front of a mirror. However, this practice is not readily transferable to the UK due to building regulations. Taylor Kane, a TikTok user known as Prague.Princess, highlighted this inconvenience, stating, “One of the most inconvenient things is that there are no outlets in the bathrooms here.”
Kane elaborated on the practical implications, noting, “So if you want to blow dry your hair you have to do it in the bedroom or another room, which I find really annoying because then your hair gets all over your carpet rather than just getting on the bathroom floor that you can easily sweep up.” This necessitates adjustments to routines for Americans accustomed to bathroom-based hair styling.
Mixer Taps: A Novelty
Another surprising element for some American newcomers is the prevalence of separate hot and cold taps. Unlike the US, where mixer taps that combine hot and cold water are standard, British bathrooms frequently feature distinct faucets. This difference can lead to unexpected experiences for those unfamiliar with the system.
Taylor Kane commented on the challenge this presents for basic hygiene, saying: “I have not yet figured out an effective way to wash my face because my options are scolding hot or freezing cold.” Finding a comfortable water temperature can become a minor daily struggle.
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Toilet Water Level and Functionality
Beyond taps, the water level in UK toilets also raises eyebrows. The noticeably lower water line compared to American toilets is another point of cultural differentiation.
In her TikTok post, Taylor Kane shared a local tip for managing this aspect of British toilets: “A trick I learned from another girl here was to put just toilet paper in the bowl to make it a little quieter when you’re going to the bathroom.” This suggests that the lower water level has acoustic implications that some find noteworthy.
Exterior Light Switches
Further adding to the distinctiveness of British bathrooms, light switches are typically located outside the room. This placement struck the American expat as unusual. She jokingly speculated on potential childhood mischief, imagining siblings switching off the lights while she was inside, had she grown up in the UK.
Bathroom Terminology
Finally, even the language surrounding bathrooms differs. The common British practice of referring to the bathroom as the “toilet” was perplexing to some Americans.
Another TikTok user, Jackie Todd, shared her surprise on social media, stating: “The biggest shock for me was that so many people here call the bathroom just the toilet. They’re like, ‘where’s the toilet’, ‘I have to go to the toilet’, which is just so TMI. I don’t want to know what you’re doing in there.” This linguistic difference can create moments of awkwardness or amusement for Americans.
Cultural Quirks
While these bathroom characteristics might be commonplace and easily overlooked by Britons, it is evident they stand out as unconventional and sometimes inconvenient for Americans adapting to life in the United Kingdom. These seemingly minor distinctions contribute to the broader tapestry of cultural differences experienced by American expats in the UK.