An American living in the UK has highlighted some cultural differences between the UK and US – including the different meanings behind the use of the word ‘tea’.
Andrea Celeste, originally from Los Angeles, California, USA, has lived in London for eight years and has encountered some interesting transatlantic differences in lifestyle, language and laws.
The social media star, who has 185,000 followers on TikTok and over 26 million likes for his videos, posted a clip on June 1 as part of her ‘Things that are socially acceptable in England that might confuse Americans’ series.
Andrea, also known as @anndreacelleste on the website, helpfully brought to the attention of her fellow Americans the many different British uses of the word ‘tea’ and the problems Brits face in the summer without air conditioning.
The video, which has garnered 32,000 likes and 251 comments, prompted a mixed reaction from Brits and Scots following their close observations and even sparked a colloquial debate between the use of ‘tea’ and ‘dinner’.
Andrea Celeste, originally from Los Angeles but based in London for the past eight years, helpfully introduced her American compatriots to the many different British uses of the word ‘tea’.
In the clip, Andrea explains: “The word ‘tea’ in England doesn’t just mean a cup of tea – in some parts of England it can also mean dinner or a snack.”
“And then there are things like afternoon tea, cream tea or tea breaks at work, all of which involve tea, but they’re like different environments.”
The influencer then approaches the topic of British summer time, accompanied by the lack of air conditioning.
She said: “It’s quite common for places in England to not have built in air conditioning.”
“As summer approaches, people usually buy portable air conditioners or a fan.”
“But ceiling fans aren’t that common in England either, so the heat here in the summer is just different.”
Andrea then talks about slot machines that are free to use in UK pubs, while in the US, with the exception of a few states, gambling is restricted to casinos.
She explained: “Pubs in England also sometimes have what are called fruit machines, which are basically slot machines.”
“In the US, I think Nevada is the only state that doesn’t have significant restrictions on slot machines.” Then there are a few other states like Pennsylvania where they’re available in bars, restaurants, and convenience stores…”
Andrea says that in the UK ‘tea’ doesn’t mean ‘just a cup of tea – it can mean dinner or a snack, afternoon tea, cream tea or tea breaks at work’ – leading to heated debate in the comments
Finally, she brings up the open debate on the “hierarchy” of supermarket chains in both countries, referring to the overall quality and pricing of their items.
Andrea said: “I get that in my comments every time I post something like this but the grocery store hierarchy in England.”
“It’s like a status symbol when you shop at Waitrose, for example.” But I think that’s kind of true in the US as well.”
She added, “That might only be the case in California because we have things like Bristol Farms and now Erewhon, but there was always a running joke about Walmart and stuff, so I’m just curious if other states have that.” Hierarchy of grocery stores there.’
Andrea’s explanations in the video triggered different reactions from TikTok users. Many disagreed about the use of ‘tea’ as ‘dinner’, while others felt there was indeed a supermarket hierarchy in the UK.
Andrea’s explanations in the video drew mixed reactions from TikTok users, with many disagreeing over the use of “tea” as “dinner.”
Regarding another unmentioned use of the word “tea,” one user wrote, “Too high tea.” Earlier after a Sunday roast. Then in the evening it would be very similar to afternoon tea but not as plush.”
Others debated the word, with one person saying, “I get annoyed when people call it tea, no, it’s dinner!”
Another agreed, writing: “Woah woah woah as a Brit I have to say it’s breakfast lunch dinner NO tea.”
Pointing out the difference between using ‘tea’ and ‘dinner’, one person said, “The term ‘dinner’ tea is a North-South divide, I think.” I grew up in the North, so let’s say tea .”
Other users debated other slang terms for slot machines, with one writing, “In Scotland we call slot machines ‘puggys’.”
Other users – notably Scots – discussed other slang terms for slot machines, while others confirmed that there is indeed a supermarket hierarchy in the UK
Another agreed, saying: “Slots are called ‘Puggies’ in Scotland. I don’t know why.”
Meanwhile, people rallied to confirm the general hierarchy of supermarket chains in the UK.
One person explained: “Supermarket hierarchy from most distinguished to least distinguished: Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl.”
Another suggested: “M&S, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Tesco, Lidl, Morrisons, Iceland.”
In Andrea’s first clip from her TikTok series, she talks about how cashiers and retail workers in the UK “don’t usually strike up conversations with people” as they do in America, and how the idea of black pudding “freaks out” her American friends leaves .