Many Americans have asserted that the USA stands out as the best country globally, even claiming superiority over the United Kingdom.
The historical context of the U.S. achieving independence from the English monarchy is mentioned, suggesting a reluctance to admit any form of inferiority to their “cousins across the pond”.
It’s acknowledged that both Americans and the British possess various talents. The sources also state that the UK excels in several areas where America does not, citing examples like teatime and universal healthcare.
The purpose of listing things Americans do better is clarified: it’s not to suggest one country is entirely better than the other, but rather to highlight specific aspects where the U.S. might be preferred, such as having central air conditioning and fixed-rate mortgages.
Here are 19 things Americans do way better than the British:
1. Keeping Things Cold
When you order a drink in the U.S., excluding hot beverages, it is almost certainly served over ice. Even alcoholic drinks like beer are typically ice-cold, even if visible ice cubes aren’t present.
In contrast, ice is not standard in the UK, with beer often served at room temperature, water coming straight from the tap, and soda usually having minimal or no ice. Finding an iced latte can also be difficult, as many UK coffee shops reportedly lack ice.
2. Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning (AC) is common in most homes and public buildings across the U.S.. Data from the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey shows that 88% of Americans use AC.
While AC exists in the UK, it is much less common; Time Magazine is cited as reporting that less than 5% of British homes have central air, leaving many without escape from hot summer weather.
3. National Parks
The U.S. National Park system is argued to be possibly the best globally, preserving over 52 million acres of diverse landscapes and aiming to make them accessible.
The UK, on the other hand, only has 15 National Parks. While described as beautiful, they are not considered as diverse as those in the U.S., offering much greenery but lacking the range of mountains, prairies, deserts, and forests found across the U.S..
4. Cultural Diversity
The sources acknowledge that the UK certainly possesses cultural diversity, noting that authentic foods and cultural experiences can be found in UK cities.
However, the U.S. is described as a “nation of immigrants,” making its broad range of cultural offerings difficult to rival.
Visiting a major U.S. city can provide access to diverse foods from around the world, museums focusing on specific cultural experiences, and a “stunning amount of diverse religious institutions”.
5. Refrigerators
Refrigerators in the U.S. are often large, taking up considerable kitchen space, and are designed to store enough fresh food, dairy, meat, and condiments for a week or more.
They also typically include ice makers. In the UK, smaller, under-the-counter fridges are more common, typically only large enough for a few days’ supply.
Brits also reportedly refrigerate fewer items, often leaving foods like bread, eggs, and tomatoes at room temperature.
6. Work Ethic
While not presented as healthier, Americans generally work more than their British counterparts, with a strong work ethic described as deeply ingrained.
Americans take fewer holidays, work longer hours, and nearly 40% reportedly have a side hustle. In contrast, while work is important in the UK, the “ultimate goal” is presented as work-life balance.
7. Dryers
In America, the use of clotheslines is uncommon, with most people preferring the convenience and speed of a clothes dryer.
This is not the case in the UK. Despite frequent rain, a significant number of people do not own clothes dryers and choose to hang clothes dry.
Combination washer-dryers are also used by some, but these are not known for their effectiveness.
8. Dishwashers
According to Statista, only half of British homes have dishwashers, with the rest preferring to wash dishes by hand.
In America, most homes use dishwashers, which are described as convenient timesavers that are often more efficient than washing by hand.
9. Comic Books
While British people may enjoy reading comic books, the sources argue they do not write them to the same extent as Americans.
Finding even one mainstream comic book hero originating from the UK is presented as challenging.
The most famous comic book stories that significantly influence culture today, such as Superman, Batman, and Spiderman, were all created in the USA.
10. Hip-Hop
Hip-hop is described as a uniquely American music genre that originated in New York in the 1970s. The sources suggest it would be difficult for someone in the UK to fully grasp this type of music.
Although British musicians exist within the hip-hop genre, none have reportedly achieved significant recognition outside the UK.
11. Tailgating
While the practice of bringing food to enjoy before an event may be ancient, Americans are credited with mastering the art of cooking, drinking, and partying from the back of a vehicle.
Tailgates are so popular in the U.S. that many people attend them without even entering the stadium for the game. The sources state there is “nothing quite like them in the UK”.
12. Football (American)
The British have their “football” (which is American soccer) and rugby, but not football “like the USA”. American football is a major sport at all levels, from high school through professional.
The sources claim that practically every American knows what a touchdown is, with many described as being born with a team jersey.
While Brits are avid fans of other sports, they reportedly do not understand American football in the same way Americans do.
13. Fast Food
Despite potential criticism, the sources suggest that most people enjoy the taste of fast food, particularly a burger with fries and a Coke, especially when obtainable without leaving a vehicle.
Many of the largest and most popular fast-food companies, including McDonald’s, are presented as American creations.
Although the UK has its own fast-food chains, they are described as “nothing like the burger behemoths” found in the USA.
14. Athletic Shoes
Big-name global sneaker brands like Nike, Reebok, Converse, and New Balance are highlighted as coming to mind when thinking of major athletic shoe companies.
The sources point out that these prominent brands are all American companies. The UK is presented as not having any comparable athletic shoe companies.
15. Jeans
Blue jeans are described as an American staple that has been adopted globally. Some of the biggest denim brands, such as Levi and Calvin Klein, originate from the U.S..
While many Brits wear jeans, few reportedly wear denim designed in the UK, instead adopting one of America’s “greatest fashion exports”.
16. Movies
Hollywood is presented as “by far and away the most famous and most successful source of big-screen hits” worldwide.
While the UK has produced successful movies, the sources suggest that for every British blockbuster, one could likely name five or ten from the U.S..
Many of the best British actors and directors reportedly travel to America for major roles. American films often benefit from larger budgets, increasing their likelihood of box office success.
17. Accessibility
America is referred to as the “new world” due to being much younger than the UK. While age has advantages, accessibility to infrastructure is not considered one of them.
In the U.S., buildings must meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, meaning most include ramps, elevators, and other features to facilitate movement for people of all abilities.
In the UK, while new buildings make efforts for accommodation, much of the older architecture lacks ramps or elevators.
18. The Blues
The blues music genre is described as a uniquely U.S. phenomenon. According to the African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS), it likely originated in Virginia around the 1860s, a turbulent period that included the end of slavery.
The blues’ distinct origin and emotional sound are credited with influencing the rise of rock and roll and shaping music globally.
The sources suggest that while the British contributed the Beatles, the Beatles “arguably wouldn’t have been what they were if the blues hadn’t come first”.
19. Mortgages
The U.S. mortgage system is presented as a “great deal” when compared to the British system. Many Americans use 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, securing an interest rate for a long period.
In the UK, obtaining a two or five-year fixed-rate loan is more common, which means the interest rate could potentially increase significantly after that initial term.
Alicia Richards