SettingsBritish culture
Acacia Avenue
Acacia Avenue is a cliché within British culture—a metaphor for an average middle-class suburban street.
Acacia Avenue is a cliché within British culture—a metaphor for an average middle-class suburban street.
Alternative names for the British
Alternative names for the British include nicknames and terms, including affectionate ones, neutral ones, and derogatory ones to describe the British people and more specificly English people.
Alternative names for the British include nicknames and terms, including affectionate ones, neutral ones, and derogatory ones to describe the British people and more specificly English people.
Angry young men
The "angry young men" were a group of mostly working and middle class British playwrights and novelists who became prominent in the 1950's.
The "angry young men" were a group of mostly working and middle class British playwrights and novelists who became prominent in the 1950's.
Arts and Humanities Research Council
Established in April 2005 as successor to the Arts and Humanities Research Board, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is a British Research Council and non-departmental public body t...
Established in April 2005 as successor to the Arts and Humanities Research Board, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is a British Research Council and non-departmental public body t...
Autism Sunday
Autism Sunday, also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger syndrome, is observed annually on the second Sunday of February.
Autism Sunday, also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger syndrome, is observed annually on the second Sunday of February.
Bank holiday
A bank holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom or a colloquialism for public holiday in Ireland.
A bank holiday is a public holiday in the United Kingdom or a colloquialism for public holiday in Ireland.
Behind the sofa
"Behind the sofa" is a British pop culture phrase, used as a metaphor to describe the actions that a state of fear may drive a person to — e.g., a child hiding behind the sofa to avoid a f...
"Behind the sofa" is a British pop culture phrase, used as a metaphor to describe the actions that a state of fear may drive a person to — e.g., a child hiding behind the sofa to avoid a f...
Best kept village
A best kept village is a village that has won an annual competition (usually on a county basis) in the UK for its tidiness, appropriateness and typicality.
A best kept village is a village that has won an annual competition (usually on a county basis) in the UK for its tidiness, appropriateness and typicality.
Bhangra
Bhaṅgṛā was a genre of riff-oriented popular music associated with Punjabi culture.
Bhaṅgṛā was a genre of riff-oriented popular music associated with Punjabi culture.
Bhangra (music)
Bhaṅgṛā is a genre of riff-oriented popular music associated with Punjabi culture.
Bhaṅgṛā is a genre of riff-oriented popular music associated with Punjabi culture.
Bhangra (popular music)
Bhaṅgṛā (ਭੰਗੜਾ (Gurmukhi), (Shahmukhi),; pronounced ) is a genre of riff-oriented popular music associated with Punjabi culture.
Bhaṅgṛā (ਭੰਗੜਾ (Gurmukhi), (Shahmukhi),; pronounced ) is a genre of riff-oriented popular music associated with Punjabi culture.
BIT
BIT was an information service, publisher, travel guide and social centre founded, in 1968, by John 'Hoppy' Hopkins.
BIT was an information service, publisher, travel guide and social centre founded, in 1968, by John 'Hoppy' Hopkins.
BIT (alternative information centre)
BIT was an information service, publisher, travel guide and social centre founded, in 1968, by John 'Hoppy' Hopkins.
BIT was an information service, publisher, travel guide and social centre founded, in 1968, by John 'Hoppy' Hopkins.
Bristol Troubadour Club
In the late 1960s and early '70s, a thriving contemporary folk music scene in Bristol was centred on the short lived but influential Bristol Troubadour Club in Clifton village, the student quart...
In the late 1960s and early '70s, a thriving contemporary folk music scene in Bristol was centred on the short lived but influential Bristol Troubadour Club in Clifton village, the student quart...
Briticism
A briticism (or britishism) is a word, phrase, idiom, or expression peculiar to the English language as spoken chiefly in Great Britain and/or the United Kingdom.
A briticism (or britishism) is a word, phrase, idiom, or expression peculiar to the English language as spoken chiefly in Great Britain and/or the United Kingdom.
British comedy
British comedy, in film, radio and television, is known for its consistently quirky characters, plots and settings, and has produced some of the most famous and memorable comic actors and charac...
British comedy, in film, radio and television, is known for its consistently quirky characters, plots and settings, and has produced some of the most famous and memorable comic actors and charac...
British Council
The British Council is a United Kingdom-based organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities.
The British Council is a United Kingdom-based organisation specialising in international educational and cultural opportunities.
British English
British English, is the broad term used to distinguish the forms of the English language used in the United Kingdom from forms used elsewhere.
British English, is the broad term used to distinguish the forms of the English language used in the United Kingdom from forms used elsewhere.
British humour
British humour is a somewhat general term applied to certain comedic motifs that are often prevalent in comedic acts originating in the United Kingdom and its current or former colonies.
British humour is a somewhat general term applied to certain comedic motifs that are often prevalent in comedic acts originating in the United Kingdom and its current or former colonies.
British Inspiration Awards
The British Inspiration Awards are a set of industry awards celebrating achievement in the creative industries of the United Kingdom, organised by David Yarnton, the UK managing director for Nin...
The British Inspiration Awards are a set of industry awards celebrating achievement in the creative industries of the United Kingdom, organised by David Yarnton, the UK managing director for Nin...
British national day
A proposed British national day would be a national day for the United Kingdom and a celebration of Britishness.
A proposed British national day would be a national day for the United Kingdom and a celebration of Britishness.
British Rail sandwich
In British humour, the phrase British Rail sandwich refers to sandwiches sold for consumption on passenger trains of the former British Rail (BR).
In British humour, the phrase British Rail sandwich refers to sandwiches sold for consumption on passenger trains of the former British Rail (BR).
British Royal Family
The British Royal Family is the group of close relatives of the monarch of the United Kingdom.
The British Royal Family is the group of close relatives of the monarch of the United Kingdom.
British Stratego Association
The British Stratego Association is the governing body for the game of Stratego within Great Britain.
The British Stratego Association is the governing body for the game of Stratego within Great Britain.
British Studies
British Studies is the academic study of Britain — its culture, geography and history.
British Studies is the academic study of Britain — its culture, geography and history.
British studies
British studies is the academic study of Britain — its culture, geography and history.
British studies is the academic study of Britain — its culture, geography and history.
Britishness
Britishness is the state or quality of being British, or of embodying British characteristics, and is used to refer to that which binds and distinguishes the British people and forms the basis o...
Britishness is the state or quality of being British, or of embodying British characteristics, and is used to refer to that which binds and distinguishes the British people and forms the basis o...
Bunjies
Opened in 1953 or 1954, and one of the original folk cafés of the 1950s/1960s, Bunjies Coffee House & Folk Cellar was situated at 27 Litchfield Street (just off Charing Cross Road), London WC2.
Opened in 1953 or 1954, and one of the original folk cafés of the 1950s/1960s, Bunjies Coffee House & Folk Cellar was situated at 27 Litchfield Street (just off Charing Cross Road), London WC2.
Car boot sale
Car boot/trunk sales or boot/trunk fairs are a mainly British form of market in which private individuals come together to sell household and garden goods.
Car boot/trunk sales or boot/trunk fairs are a mainly British form of market in which private individuals come together to sell household and garden goods.
Cardiff dialect
The Cardiff accent and dialect, also known as Cardiff English is the regional accent of English, and a variety of Welsh English, as spoken in and around the city of Cardiff, and is somewha...
The Cardiff accent and dialect, also known as Cardiff English is the regional accent of English, and a variety of Welsh English, as spoken in and around the city of Cardiff, and is somewha...
Centro Iberico
Centro Iberico was a squatted school in Notting Hill, England, that became a Social centre, a live venue and a studio.
Centro Iberico was a squatted school in Notting Hill, England, that became a Social centre, a live venue and a studio.
Chad (graffiti)
Kilroy was here is an American popular culture expression, often seen in graffiti.
Kilroy was here is an American popular culture expression, often seen in graffiti.
Chav
Chav, (, also ) is a pejorative epithet commonly used, chiefly in the United Kingdom, to belittle.
Chav, (, also ) is a pejorative epithet commonly used, chiefly in the United Kingdom, to belittle.
Cool Britannia
Cool Britannia was a period of increased pride in the culture of the United Kingdom during the 1990s.
Cool Britannia was a period of increased pride in the culture of the United Kingdom during the 1990s.
Coronation of the British monarch
The coronation of the British monarch is a ceremony (specifically, initiation rite) in which the monarch of the United Kingdom is formally crowned and invested with regalia.
The coronation of the British monarch is a ceremony (specifically, initiation rite) in which the monarch of the United Kingdom is formally crowned and invested with regalia.
Counterpoint (think tank)
Counterpoint is the cultural relations think tank of the British Council.
Counterpoint is the cultural relations think tank of the British Council.
Cross-quarter day
A cross-quarter day is a day falling approximately halfway between a solstice and an equinox.
A cross-quarter day is a day falling approximately halfway between a solstice and an equinox.
Crufts
Crufts is an annual international Championship conformation show for dogs organised and hosted by the Kennel Club, currently held every March at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.
Crufts is an annual international Championship conformation show for dogs organised and hosted by the Kennel Club, currently held every March at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.
Cultural relationship between the Welsh and the English
The relationship between the Welsh and English within Great Britain is mostly characterised by tolerance, respect, and an intermixing of people and cultures.
The relationship between the Welsh and English within Great Britain is mostly characterised by tolerance, respect, and an intermixing of people and cultures.
Culture of Northern Ireland
The culture of Northern Ireland relates to the traditions of Northern Ireland and its resident communities.
The culture of Northern Ireland relates to the traditions of Northern Ireland and its resident communities.
Culture of the United Kingdom
The culture of the United Kingdom refers to the patterns of human activity and symbolism associated with the United Kingdom and its people.
The culture of the United Kingdom refers to the patterns of human activity and symbolism associated with the United Kingdom and its people.
Culture of Yorkshire
The culture of Yorkshire has developed over the county's history, taking influences from the cultures of those who came to control the region, including the Celts (Brigantes and Parisii), Romans...
The culture of Yorkshire has developed over the county's history, taking influences from the cultures of those who came to control the region, including the Celts (Brigantes and Parisii), Romans...
Debutante
A debutante is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal "debut" presentation.
A debutante is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal "debut" presentation.
Does exactly what it says on the tin
"It does exactly what it says on the tin" This is a old saying frequently used on street markets all over the world.
"It does exactly what it says on the tin" This is a old saying frequently used on street markets all over the world.
Débutante
A débutante is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal "début" presentation.
A débutante is a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who has reached the age of maturity, and as a new adult, is introduced to society at a formal "début" presentation.
Flags at Buckingham Palace
Flags at Buckingham Palace vary according to the movements of court and tradition.
Flags at Buckingham Palace vary according to the movements of court and tradition.
Folk club
A folk club is a regular event, permanent venue, or section of a venue devoted to folk music and traditional music.
A folk club is a regular event, permanent venue, or section of a venue devoted to folk music and traditional music.
Gypsy Lore Society
The Gypsy Lore Society was founded in Great Britain in 1888 to unite persons interested in the history and lore of Gypsies and rovers and to establish closer contacts among scholars studying asp...
The Gypsy Lore Society was founded in Great Britain in 1888 to unite persons interested in the history and lore of Gypsies and rovers and to establish closer contacts among scholars studying asp...
Hardworking families
The phrase "Hardworking families" or "working families" is an example of a glittering generality in contemporary political discourse.
The phrase "Hardworking families" or "working families" is an example of a glittering generality in contemporary political discourse.
Instigate debate
Instigate Debate is a cultural and political UK project set up by a collective that includes musicians Jon McClure, Carl Barat, Kieran Leonard and writer and political activist Mark Donne in Aug...
Instigate Debate is a cultural and political UK project set up by a collective that includes musicians Jon McClure, Carl Barat, Kieran Leonard and writer and political activist Mark Donne in Aug...
Instigate Debate
Instigate Debate is a cultural and political UK project set up by a collective that includes musicians Jon McClure, Carl Barat, Kieran Leonard and writer and political activist Mark Donne in Aug...
Instigate Debate is a cultural and political UK project set up by a collective that includes musicians Jon McClure, Carl Barat, Kieran Leonard and writer and political activist Mark Donne in Aug...
Institute of Art and Ideas
The Institute of Art and Ideas Institute of Art and Ideas is a not-for-profit organisation, which aims to create an open, vibrant intellectual culture through events and online video broadcasting.
The Institute of Art and Ideas Institute of Art and Ideas is a not-for-profit organisation, which aims to create an open, vibrant intellectual culture through events and online video broadcasting.
Jack and Holly
Jack and Holly is a preschool animated series which centres around two characters, Jack and Holly, created by husband and wife team Jezz Wright and Julianne Martin.
Jack and Holly is a preschool animated series which centres around two characters, Jack and Holly, created by husband and wife team Jezz Wright and Julianne Martin.
Japan-British Society
The Japan–British Society (or ) was founded in 1908 "to encourage the study of things British and to promote cordial relations between the peoples of Great Britain and Japan."
The Japan–British Society (or ) was founded in 1908 "to encourage the study of things British and to promote cordial relations between the peoples of Great Britain and Japan."
Japan–British Society
The Japan–British Society (or ) was founded in 1908 "to encourage the study of things British and to promote cordial relations between the peoples of Great Britain and Japan."
The Japan–British Society (or ) was founded in 1908 "to encourage the study of things British and to promote cordial relations between the peoples of Great Britain and Japan."
Liberatum
Liberatum is an international cultural diplomacy festival organisation founded by Pablo Ganguli which mainly focuses on promoting modern British arts, literature and culture worldwide.
Liberatum is an international cultural diplomacy festival organisation founded by Pablo Ganguli which mainly focuses on promoting modern British arts, literature and culture worldwide.
Lists of members of the British Royal Family through history
Note: Although in the United Kingdom there is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member of the Royal Family, and different lists will include different people, those carr...
Note: Although in the United Kingdom there is no strict legal or formal definition of who is or is not a member of the Royal Family, and different lists will include different people, those carr...
Lobby Lud
Lobby Lud is a fictional character invented in August 1927 by the Westminster Gazette, a British newspaper, now defunct.
Lobby Lud is a fictional character invented in August 1927 by the Westminster Gazette, a British newspaper, now defunct.
London Free School
The London Free School was founded 8 March 1966 principally by John 'Hoppy' Hopkins and Rhaune Laslett.
The London Free School was founded 8 March 1966 principally by John 'Hoppy' Hopkins and Rhaune Laslett.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English was first published by Longman in 1978.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English was first published by Longman in 1978.
Mad Friday
Mad Friday is a colloquial term used in the United Kingdom, referring to the last Friday before Christmas Eve Between the 15th and 22nd of December.
Mad Friday is a colloquial term used in the United Kingdom, referring to the last Friday before Christmas Eve Between the 15th and 22nd of December.
Mario
Mario is a fictional character in the Mario video game franchise by Nintendo, created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.
Mario is a fictional character in the Mario video game franchise by Nintendo, created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto.
Mass-Observation
Mass Observation was a United Kingdom social research organisation founded in 1937.
Mass Observation was a United Kingdom social research organisation founded in 1937.
Meat raffle
A meat raffle is a tradition of raffling off meat, often in pubs and bars, common in Britain, Australia and in the USA in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
A meat raffle is a tradition of raffling off meat, often in pubs and bars, common in Britain, Australia and in the USA in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries
In the United Kingdom government, the Minister for the Arts is a ministerial post, usually a low to middle-ranking minister to the much senior Secretary of State, who runs the entire department ...
In the United Kingdom government, the Minister for the Arts is a ministerial post, usually a low to middle-ranking minister to the much senior Secretary of State, who runs the entire department ...
Mischief night
Mischief Night is an annual tradition in parts of England, Canada, and the United States when people take a degree of license to play pranks and do mischief in their neighborhoods.
Mischief Night is an annual tradition in parts of England, Canada, and the United States when people take a degree of license to play pranks and do mischief in their neighborhoods.
Mischief Night
Mischief Night is an annual tradition in parts of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, and the United States when people take a degree of license to play pranks and ...
Mischief Night is an annual tradition in parts of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Canada, and the United States when people take a degree of license to play pranks and ...
Monkey tennis
"Monkey Tennis" is a British pop culture phrase, first used in the late 1990s and popular throughout the 2000s.
"Monkey Tennis" is a British pop culture phrase, first used in the late 1990s and popular throughout the 2000s.
Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday is a Christian festival celebrated throughout Europe that falls on the 4th Sunday in Lent.
Mothering Sunday is a Christian festival celebrated throughout Europe that falls on the 4th Sunday in Lent.
Mullet (haircut)
The mullet is a hairstyle that is short at the front and sides, and long in the back.
The mullet is a hairstyle that is short at the front and sides, and long in the back.
Muscular liberalism
Muscular liberalism is a form of liberalism advocated by British Prime Minister David Cameron that describes his policy towards state multiculturalism.
Muscular liberalism is a form of liberalism advocated by British Prime Minister David Cameron that describes his policy towards state multiculturalism.
Nation of shopkeepers
The phrase "a nation of Shopkeepers" ("une nation de boutiquiers") is a disparaging remark supposedly used by Napoleon to describe the United Kingdom as unfit for war against France.
The phrase "a nation of Shopkeepers" ("une nation de boutiquiers") is a disparaging remark supposedly used by Napoleon to describe the United Kingdom as unfit for war against France.
New Statesman
New Statesman is a British left-wing political and cultural magazine published weekly in London.
New Statesman is a British left-wing political and cultural magazine published weekly in London.
Nicholas Albery
Nicholas Albery (born July 28 1948; died June 3 2001) social inventor and author, was the founder or leader of various projects related to the improvement of society, often known as the Alternat...
Nicholas Albery (born July 28 1948; died June 3 2001) social inventor and author, was the founder or leader of various projects related to the improvement of society, often known as the Alternat...
Ode of Remembrance
The "Ode of Remembrance" is an ode taken from Laurence Binyon's poem "For the Fallen", which was first published in The Times in September 1914.
The "Ode of Remembrance" is an ode taken from Laurence Binyon's poem "For the Fallen", which was first published in The Times in September 1914.
Penny dreadful
A penny dreadful (also called penny horrible, penny awful, penny number and penny blood) was a type of British fiction publication in the 19th century that usually featur...
A penny dreadful (also called penny horrible, penny awful, penny number and penny blood) was a type of British fiction publication in the 19th century that usually featur...
Postcard
A postcard or post card is a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope.
A postcard or post card is a rectangular piece of thick paper or thin cardboard intended for writing and mailing without an envelope.
Primrose Hill set
The Primrose Hill set is a name often applied to a group of British film and television actors who achieved celebrity in the mid-1990s.
The Primrose Hill set is a name often applied to a group of British film and television actors who achieved celebrity in the mid-1990s.
Punch and Judy
Punch and Judy is a traditional, popular puppet show featuring the characters of Mr. Punch and his wife, Judy.
Punch and Judy is a traditional, popular puppet show featuring the characters of Mr. Punch and his wife, Judy.
Quarter days
In British and Irish tradition, the quarter days were the four dates in each year on which servants were hired, and rents were due.
In British and Irish tradition, the quarter days were the four dates in each year on which servants were hired, and rents were due.
Quiz league
A quiz league is an organization running quizzes on a home and away basis, usually in pubs.
A quiz league is an organization running quizzes on a home and away basis, usually in pubs.
Remembrance Sunday
In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to 11 November (Armistice Day), which is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the F...
In the United Kingdom, Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday in November, the Sunday nearest to 11 November (Armistice Day), which is the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the F...
Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art
The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is a committee of the United Kingdom government, advising the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on the...
The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is a committee of the United Kingdom government, advising the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on the...
Royal Mail rubber band
A Royal Mail rubber band is a small red elastic loop used by the state-owned postal delivery service in the United Kingdom.
A Royal Mail rubber band is a small red elastic loop used by the state-owned postal delivery service in the United Kingdom.
Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce is a British multi-disciplinary institution, based in London.
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce is a British multi-disciplinary institution, based in London.
Royal Society of Arts
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) is a British multi-disciplinary institution, based in London.
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) is a British multi-disciplinary institution, based in London.
Royal Society of Literature
The Royal Society of Literature is the "senior literary organisation in Britain".
The Royal Society of Literature is the "senior literary organisation in Britain".
Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport is a United Kingdom cabinet position with responsibility for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport is a United Kingdom cabinet position with responsibility for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Skateboarding duck
Herbie the skateboarding duck (c.1976-83) was the subject of an item first broadcast on the BBC news magazine programme Nationwide on 24 May 1978.
Herbie the skateboarding duck (c.1976-83) was the subject of an item first broadcast on the BBC news magazine programme Nationwide on 24 May 1978.
Story paper
A story paper is a periodical publication similar to a literary magazine, but featuring illustrations and text stories, and aimed towards children and teenagers.
A story paper is a periodical publication similar to a literary magazine, but featuring illustrations and text stories, and aimed towards children and teenagers.
Ten Green Bottles
Ten Green Bottles is a song for children that is popular in the United Kingdom.
Ten Green Bottles is a song for children that is popular in the United Kingdom.
The eleven day weekend
The eleven day weekend was the name given by the British media to the period of time between Friday 22 April and 2 May 2011.
The eleven day weekend was the name given by the British media to the period of time between Friday 22 April and 2 May 2011.
The Two Cultures
The Two Cultures is the title of an influential 1959 Rede Lecture by British scientist and novelist C. P. Snow.
The Two Cultures is the title of an influential 1959 Rede Lecture by British scientist and novelist C. P. Snow.
UK City of Culture
UK City of Culture is a designation given to a city in the United Kingdom for a period of one year.
UK City of Culture is a designation given to a city in the United Kingdom for a period of one year.
UK undergound
The Underground was a countercultural movement in the United Kingdom linked to the underground culture in the United States and associated with the hippie phenomenon.
The Underground was a countercultural movement in the United Kingdom linked to the underground culture in the United States and associated with the hippie phenomenon.
Underground (British subculture)
The Underground was a countercultural movement in the United Kingdom linked to the underground culture in the United States and associated with the hippie phenomenon.
The Underground was a countercultural movement in the United Kingdom linked to the underground culture in the United States and associated with the hippie phenomenon.
Welsh English
Welsh English, Anglo-Welsh, or Wenglish (see below) refers to the dialects of English spoken in Wales by Welsh people.
Welsh English, Anglo-Welsh, or Wenglish (see below) refers to the dialects of English spoken in Wales by Welsh people.
White van man
"White van man" is a usually pejorative stereotype used in the United Kingdom to describe drivers of light commercial vehicles such as the Ford Transit.
"White van man" is a usually pejorative stereotype used in the United Kingdom to describe drivers of light commercial vehicles such as the Ford Transit.