I've heard that when English people are polite, that means they don't like you. Is that true?

Question

I went to London last year and everyone there was very nice/polite. But I've heard that when English people are nice to you that means they don't like you. Is that true or a myth?

Answer 1

One thing that may have had you thinking this is that the English can seem to be very rude and insulting to their best friends, e.g. they'd greet each other with 'How are you, you old b*stard' and similar. If they've just had a haircut they'd ask if they were going to sue the salon, if they're wearing a brand new suit, ask them which charity shop they got if from & etc.



But of course would never say things like that to a stranger or someone who wasn't a best mate.

Answer 2

I had a conversation with someone about this a while ago. I think the conclusion was that whereas Canadian people are good at being *nice*, English people are good at being *polite*. Of course, this doesn't mean that a polite person is not nice also. It just means that often English people are very good at hiding their not nice thoughts/feelings behind a polite facade. Of course that is a generalisation, and the younger generations are less respectful and appreciative of a polite attitude.

Answer 3

I'm suprised you got any response from people in London ... but try not to be too general ... Yes, I think that most English people are polite, but you get rude people in every country ... eg Americans are oftem percieved by Brits to be rude because they often appear to be loud, brash and over confident ... but hey I'm not generalising ... often, if you make a social gaff English people will be polite and excuse you and this may appear as though they are almost having a private joke about you !!! In answer to your question ... it is a myth!! What would Brits do if they DID really like you ... be rude ????

Answer 4

I think its a myth... If course I'm English and from a generation which valued politeness and courtesy. Perhaps some more modern English folk (and other cultures) prefer to devalue those standards and replace them with rude brashness, but when I'm polite and courteous it's because I respect you, not because I don't like you! If I didn't like you believe me, you'd know!

Answer 5

Well I am from London and I have to say that I am polite to everyone I like, it would seem pointless to be rude to the people you like. Also, London people are also rather outspoken in general so if they don't like you, they would just tell you or possibly swear a lot at you, I don't know, but the fact they are polite means they like you!

Answer 6

what does 'English' mean these days ?

due to non existent government immigration laws there are so many different 'nationalities' here now that a true english person is hard to find.

however, the majority of people that 'live' in england are pleasant. that covers a multitude of nationals.

if you are pleasant back you will be liked, it is simple.

if you give us reason to dislike you then you will be disliked.

therefore, if people were nice and polite to you, and you didnt do anything to offend them, they liked you.

Answer 7

What utter rubbish!!

Most english people are very polite at heart, and in most cases unless really provoked refrain from showing their dislike of somebody even if they are totally obnoxious!

I think this is where your theory "kicks in" perhaps, but it is thankfully totally wrong!



Trying to be polite to other people is and should be the English way!!

Answer 8

That's just a silly myth.

There is a very British art of being able to insult someone or put them down whilst remaining completely civil and charming, but you'd still notice when it happens.

Answer 9

Total rubbish, we're polite all the time to most people, with the exception of the French and gun toting Americans :0)

Answer 10

Being polite doesnt mean they dont like you....we're generally polite to anyone. You can tell when someone doesnt like you - they might snub you or just answer with a curt one word retort. Think youre getting mixed up with sarcasm....I take it as quite a compliment if someone can be sarcastic with me as it generally means they are comfortable and confident in your company! Its a sign of great friendship and understanding........and I guess our odd english sense of humour!

Answer 11

We are all ambassadors for our own country. I always like to be polite and helpful to visitors from abroad. I like them to go home with the notion that the English are welcoming and friendly.

Answer 12

There is a world of difference between normal politeness and stiffly formal icy angry politeness delivered through clenched teeth! I think you would be well aware if people didn't like you.

Answer 13

must be about Class, those English people lol



if you go back some centuries/millenia, their standards were high in accordance to class/society. so generations now can still be like that, run by blood relatives



i'm only guessing

Answer 14

Completely false!

Answer 15

actually idon`t realy know but i think being nice and polite can`t be a sign of dislike for any people

Answer 16

I think that is FALSE because i am polite to people i like and extreamely mean to the ones i hate..... BARBARA!!!!! shes a *****

Answer 17

Its means they are being nice to you dont mean they hate you that is part of manners being polite to people.So wat your saying is that if u talk nasty to a person that means you like em come on that a silly myth.English pple were being polite cos they like ya

Answer 18

That is so true. Ask any Englishman. He will even be too polite to tell you it is true.

Answer 19

yes may be 90%

Answer 20

sometimes.

but in london, they are all polite in nature!

Answer 21

Sometimes it's true.

Answer 22

No, it means they think they are better than you!!....Its true....Brits!!!