What are the taboos of the British?

1, the British people treat people courteously, speak very politely, "thank you", "please" word is not out of mouth. The British should also be polite, whether they are a waiter or a driver, should be treated with courtesy, ask him to do things to speak politely, do not make people feel that there is a commanding tone, otherwise, you may be cold.

2, according to British business etiquette, at any time appropriate to wear a three-piece suit, playing the traditional conservative tie, but do not play the striped tie, because the British will be associated with that is the old "Legion" or the old school uniform tie.

3, the British concept of time is very strong, to visit or negotiate business, visit must be pre-appointment, punctuality is very important, it is best to arrive a few minutes in advance as well.

4, due to religious reasons, the British people are very taboo "13" this number, that is an unlucky number. Daily life try to avoid "13" this number, dining, not allowed to 13 people at the same table, if the 13th and Friday, then it is considered to be doubly inauspicious. You can not face outward with the back of the hand, with the finger to indicate "two", this "v" shaped gesture, is a hostile practice of contempt for others.

5, remember learning Spanish, the teacher said: "Spaniards like to open their mouths wide and say em...... this behavior in the United Kingdom is regarded as impolite." Basically, it's best to keep your mouth closed at all times except when you talk and laugh, and even when you chew your food, shut up and chew. Behaviors such as sneezing, yawning and coughing should also be done with the mouth covered, otherwise i.e. it is an unseemly behavior.

6, queuing is also one of the most basic etiquette in Britain. But unlike China, in shopping malls, supermarkets, queuing up to pay, often not like China, we are very close to each other.

It is customary for the second person in line to be so far away from the person who is paying that foreigners who don't know about this custom may think that there is no one else in line. This habit was probably developed to protect the privacy of the customer who is paying, as payment may involve personal information such as account numbers and passwords. That's why shopping malls have a special waiting area in front of the cashier for customers paying on behalf of the customer.

7. It is taboo to ask about men's salaries and women's ages.

8, Lilies are used only for funerals and are considered a symbol of death. /9. Peacocks, owls and black cats are regarded as unsettling.

Expanded Information:

Basic dining etiquette

After being seated, place your napkin on your lap if you have one, and when you get up, leave it on the left side of the table. Keep a proper distance from the table and try not to rest your elbows on the table. Wait until everyone's meal has been served before beginning to eat. During the meal, do not cross others to reach something or give them food; keep your fork to the left and your knife to the right, don't wave your knife and fork; place your cutlery in a bowl or plate between meals, and place it in the center of the dining area rather than on the table when you finish your meal.

Don't make a lot of noise when you're drinking soup, and try not to make noise by bumping between utensils. One more thing, after ordering in a restaurant, never rush the waiter: "Hey waiter, is my food ready? Is it done?" Be sure to wait patiently, this is to respect the restaurant staff.

Gift-giving customs

"Gift is light and love is important", the British gift-giving to spend a small gift is the main, but they like the appearance of the gift of good decoration, often sent greeting cards, chocolate, flowers and wine. But they don't like to accept gifts with the mark of the giver's company. If you are sending some high-status or very important people, you can choose high-grade champagne, whisky and other wines with ribbons to show courtesy.

Smile

Smiling is the best way to diffuse embarrassment. Often when you accidentally meet someone's eyes, or when a door opens and the two of you are facing each other, it's common for people to smile or say "Sorry" again. Of course, enthusiastic people do not need to collide with you to smile and greet you. For example, some enthusiastic construction workers will smile, greet you and say good night as they walk down the street.

Baidu Encyclopedia-British