I moved from Singapore to London 6 years ago for uni and whenever someone said "you alright", I genuinely thought they were concerned about my wellbeing and would always pour out my heart and soul to them and they got very awkward and uncomfortable very quickly. Took me a few months to realise they weren't interested in how I was feeling. They were just saying hi. WELL WHY DONT YOU JUST SAY HI THEN INSTEAD OF BEATING AROUND THE BUSH?? Ok, rant over.
Currently studying in the UK, and was tripped up when a friend asked me "what you saying", when i haven't spoken a word. Apparently it means "whats up",but how do you even reply to that??
1:48 telling time 2:32 home cooking VS takeaways 3:25 not taking off shoes 3:54 talking abt weather 24/7 4:31 apologizing unnecessarily 5:31 pardon VS huh, what 6:18 you alright? 7:03 cold sandwiches 7:39 hot & cold taps separated 8:23 pleasantries 8:37 holding door open 8:55 ending texts with x 4:45 not switching on heater during winter 10:43 eating cereals 11:02 cheers VS thank you 11:22 tea VS dinner 11:46 hugs and kisses 12:10 sitting on the grass in addition to cheers meaning thank you, it could also mean goodbye or said before drinking.
Since I predate Singapore as an independent nation, I can testify that we used to tell time as "quarter to", "quarter past", "half past", "25 past", etc., since we were once a British colony. This telling of time with minutes after an hour is an Americanism that got adopted as more and more of our people got educated in America. However, what we have *NEVER* used is expressions like "half seven" to mean "half past seven" or "ten of six" to mean "5:50". This is utterly confusing because in European languages like Swedish, Dutch and German, the expression "half seven" means "6:30" so those of us who are polyglots have much more headaches to deal with!!! Groceries are expensive in Singapore, especially in the high end supermarkets like Cold Storage, because all food is imported into Singapore. On the other hand, the UK has a lot of local agriculture. This is the same here in the USA, even if we compare prices before taxes (basic food in the UK and US are tax-free, unlike in SG). Sitting in parks in the West is different because, aside from weather, the type of grass is also different. Grass in Singapore is coarser, less densely matted so you might end up with a lot of earth on your clothing and body and is likely to be harbouring all sorts of biting and stinging insects (Singapore being a tropical country and all, where flora and fauna might harm you, unlike Australia where flora and fauna might *KILL* you) while grass in the UK and the USA, especially in manicured lawns, is much finer and more densely matted by comparison. Hence it feels nicer to sit on a Western lawn than on a Singaporean lawn.
An old person cut in front of me and a British guy while we were in a buffet line. The Brit just goes "ooh naughty, this one." I laughed out loud and forgot to get angry. Thanks British guy.
I used to have a British exchanger as a neighbour on campus. Everytime he asks "you alright" or "what's good" I talk to him about my stress or what I'm doing that day. Now I feel dumb
I remember when I was a little kid, I would watch British shows for kids. Sometimes they would say,"Yay! The sun is out!" And would be very excited about it. That really confused me because the sun is out every day in Singapore ! 🤣🤣🤣
I'm originally from Latvia (North East Europe) and we also always take shoes off before entering our homes, so it's not just an Asian thing! I kind of think wearing shoes in the house is just english-speaking-world thing.. :D Regarding the separate water taps in the UK - that's because years ago these taps were installed to prevent cross contamination. Cold water was drinkable, but hot water was kept in a tank, and many people got poisoned by drinking it. That's why the taps had to be separated. I guess they just didn't bother installing new taps ever since!
I’m a Malaysian chinese that grew up in Scotland and drinking marmite tea is a common daily thing for me. But my Singaporean colleagues find it so weird and call me a weird Ang mo 😂😂
Actually when i was in primary school we were taught on how to read the time in british way. However, somehow as we grow up we just speak time differently. Some of the old habits like pardon are actually practice here, the older generation, younger generation are more americanised.
I agree with the quarter past eight, half past six thingy. I learnt it too in primary school. But Singaporeans like to truncate everything instead of saying a mouthful. Thats's why Singlish doesn't fall into disuse even as our Government and language purists bemoan the use of it. The economy of words, so efficient and understood so long as you use it among fellow Singaporeans, you will still be understood.
Random conversations with strangers in UK is real, I remember I was walking back to my AirBnb in Beaconsfield, where a random stranger was jogging past and says to me "Nice jacket you got there!", and it left me momentarily confused...
Singaporean here. Here's what I've observed of my British friends during my 3 years in London: 1. Leaving soap on dishes without rinsing them off. 2. Adding tablespoonfuls of sugar to cereal. 3. SHOES IN BED!? 4. Daily baths/showers aren't a thing. 1 & 2 came from the same guy. When queried about the reason for 1, he said why should he. So I told him how humans usually rinse the soap off our bodies in the shower... He was silent for a minute before turning red with embarrassment.
M Singaporean living in the UK for close to 5 years now. Was surprised what "porridge" really meant Singapore(savory with meat/eggs) vs UK(sweet with fruits etc)
In older UK homes, cold water is connected directly to the mains which meets potable water requirements. Hot water is usually stored hot water tanks in the house which is almost never cleaned. Try drinking water from the hot water tap if you are brave. 😅
I immediately understood why you like to sit on the grass when I went to the UK for a holiday. The grass is so soft and nice! In comparison, we have weeds in Singapore, all scratchy and ants everywhere ! 😀
I'm a Singaporean living in the UK! Definitely agree with everything you said in your video :) I've noticed sending cards is a big thing over here, not so much in Singapore although some people do do it. Brits tend to say 'sat' rather than 'sitting' - e.g. I was sat at the bus stop vs I was sitting at the bus stop. Favourite conversational topics tend to include the weather (like you mentioned) or holidays! Especially Florida! Love your videos! I've been living in the UK for the past 10 years and you know so much more about Singapore than I do x
Even for Canadians, there are British habits that we don’t quite understand or perhaps find rather foreign. Nice to hear your breakdown and analysis. Definitely interesting and insightful content here 🙌💯😎👍
I like that you guys are really polite!! "Pardon" sounds soo much better than "harrr" and I personally prefer saying sorry a lot like the British because I don't want to seem rude.
Sandwiches are convenient... everything packed in one... full stop... bt here a sandwich is seen more as a snack/ an extra light meal... bt that's changing, it seems
I remember going to London for the first time and I was saying "I must have Pret A Manger!" cause I like their branding. After 3 days of their sandwiches I was "Nope I'm done. I need hot Asian food".
Actually i did learn the "quarter past 1" way of reading time back in primary school in the late 90s/early 00s. but nobody uses that in real life because it is not straightforward...and singlish prioritises efficiency of words lol
7:39 Separate hot and cold taps goes back to when it was important to prevent cross contamination. Cold water is from the mains supply and is potable (safe to drink) while hot water used to be from a separate storage cistern. Even today a warm boiler can increase bacterial count in the water. 11:22 Dinner was traditionally the main meal of the day. So in the industrial north for many that was the meal served to them at their worksite in the middle of the day followed by a much lighter meal later in the evening. These days “oop nawrth” when it’s around noon I’d head off for “me dennah”!
I eat cereal at any time of day too. Whereas my British friend looks at me weird when I have cereal as a snack lol didn't realise it's considered weird in sg. Thought others did it too.
Older houses have two taps as often there would be a water tank which would be used for washing but not drinking. Most people have combined boilers now so the water is heated as needed.
im a singaporean and i say "sorry" so much for: excuse me, huh / what?, really apologising, accidentally bumping onto someone, for being soft, pitying my friend 🤣
When I was a child growing up in Singapore in the 1980s, people used to say sorry quite often, although not quite as much as in the UK. Another important point to note is that it is harder to make conclusions about what Singaporean culture is nowadays, when 40% of people in Singapore are not Singaporeans, compared to 10% in the 1980s.
i moved from singapore to the UK and stayed here for 5 years, and one thing living with Brits is that the shops are always shut by 5/6pm and the streets become deserted straight after which is so depressing.
Yes totally! I did an exchange study programme back in the UK and noticed some difference. I was confused as well even till the simplest word of “I beg your pardon” I used a lot of times during my studies but when I returned home, I never use this word again. That sentence to me it’s like ‘sorry I don’t quite understand, can you repeat’
As a returnee migrant from the US, I've noticed that the degree to which there are common traits between Brits and Singaporeans really depends on the social setting and social background of who you're hanging out with. Really interesting to hear your perspective! (I do think older, English-educated Singaporeans say 'Pardon' quite a bit which confused me when I first moved back here)
So true! I've just moved to London from Singapore this year and it's just about weather 24/7!!! But generally, I do say sorry quite a bit even back home so i guess it wasn't a shock for me if someone say sorry when in london :)
The football culture there is immense! I remember being in a bar(Arsenal) in North London watching the derby game between Arsenal and Tottenham and the supporters threw their beer at the projector screen whenever the referee makes a mistake or gives a decision to their rivals. That moment was when I realized why they served the drinks with plastic cups on those occasions.
Hi i watched your video on Kampong Glam. Very interesting. Kampong Glam was where the Sultan of Johore (which included Singapore) had his palace. Next to the Palace is the Sultan Mosque. It is rich in the history and heritage of Muslim’s in Singapore. But as in many other places in Singapore,, it has become largely commercial.. I was particularly intrigued to hear that the spiral staircases were meant for night soil carriers! I had thought that they were just fire escapes?! i would imagine it might be somewhat difficult to carry two night soil buckets on a pole slung over the shoulder going and up the narrow staircases? Nonetheless, your videos are interesting. Please keep it up:)
Studied in UK, and only towards the end of my first year that I understood "You alright?" was not meant to ask how are you? (especially on a Monday) which I normally would reply.. "good..." and when I asked how about you...? my friends would tell me what they did over the weekend..
In temperate countries like the UK, water from underground pipes can be ice cold. That's why a separate hot water supply is needed. Tropical Singapore has slightly warm water all year round. That meets the need of most people.
I was working in Melbourne few years back and typical British I would always say you alright instead of hello and this girl said Jade please can you stop saying you alright because I don’t know how to answer that and it makes me super nervous 🤣 I was like you don’t have to say your ok or anything it’s just a phrase we say instead of hello. She was really nice about it but yeah I soon stopped saying you alright because people would be sooo confused like are you asking me if I’m ok 😂
Spore small size is its greatest draw back and strict gov rules is another prob for me.. Living in US and originally fr Indonesia, makes me appreciate a little chaos n long road trip. I love Fall too where you chg your wardrobe n deal w snows n hail..
When you go back to UK do you guys take your shoes off before entering the house? Do you make your family do it? lol I actually say sorry a lot, even when someone bumped into me while i'm standing still. I think it's a good habit.
I have been studying in the UK for 3 year now, and I realised that " see you later" is sometimes replaced with " bye!" (even if you may not be meeting anytime soon)
When I was in Uni in UK, summer was funny. All the brit students were holding their beer under the sun with the Singaporean/Malaysian students still hanging out under the tree
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Even though I'm born and bred in Singapore, but because I was brought up the British (European/German) way at home, I can empathized with you.
I was taught to tell time the old way, half past, quarter past/to. No one does it anymore. I think it has to do with the disappearing skill of reading an analog clock. Nothing wrong with saying sorry or holding doors for others, I do it all the time and I don't exclaim "Har?"but say "sorry? could you repeat that please?". The last time I did do that was when I knew no better as an ill mannered kid, answering my elders at home. I say please and thank you all the time as well. Please hold on to your manners, it's a beautiful culture and it would be such a pity if it disappears. You don't have to emulate everything you see here to fit in. We are a much more diverse society than the circle of locals you've hung out with so far.
Oh, Georgia... the reason we don't sit down on the grass is because its a different species of grass here... When my sister was young she used to watch a lot of romcoms and the like and they'd always be rolling around in the grass, having a ball... when she tried it here, she was just itchy and miserable for the rest of the day. There's something in the grass here that causes a mild allergy in most people I think. That's your normal grass, then there's lallang which is a type of grassy weed with leaves that are so sharp you can actually cut yourself using them as sword blades to fight with your friends after pre-school. Yeah that last bit actually did happen to me lol... I think for me, the strangest things about the UK were the whole "you awright?" greeting - here and in America when you ask someone if they're alright its because they've been in an accident and their leg is twisted sideways or something dire like that- and everything closing on a Sunday. I mean where I was (small town England ), come sunday, 5pm and nothing is open. Save the pub. That's the show. No movies, no shopping, no clubs. NOTHING! Anyway I really do miss the fact that I can use all my polite niceties in most places in the UK, and in other places, I can use my fancy high form of polite speech that would just be met with looks of confusion here. Despite all evidence to the contrary, I'm teaching my nephews how to speak politely and use words like "pardon" just because even if they never use it in public, when the time comes, they'll have an idea of what to do in a formal situation where politeness is needed. (I'm certain one of them will be famous when he's older).
Singaporean here. Brought up the British way in Singapore so everything in this clip is familiar. It’s generally more polite than the Singaporean way (the ubiquitous HAR is pretty rude and will leave others miffed) and incredibly useful in social contexts as people are impressed with good manners globally. Thanks for sharing!
I love how you assume that the British notion of good manners is global. Not like the idea of what constitutes 'good manners' changes depending on where you are or anything.
X501 the tone, formality, inherent courtesy and the ability to strike up a conversation with random strangers are life skills that work both socially and on the corporate side of things. Erring on the side of courtesy beats being casual and “keeping it real” when you’re introduced for the first time. Good manners is never frowned upon in circles that carry weight. It could very well be the catalyst that propels you a lil ahead of others because you’ve left a good impression as someone polite and affable. Authenticity is key so if courtesy is ubiquitous with your moniker, you’re more likely to be viewed as a credible person as well. This is generally true regardless of cultures. I don’t suppose a crude buffoon would be preferred in this context.
sweetpopz Hahaha. Do you talk like this in your day to day conversations? Because if you do, I can assure you that most people view you as little more than an out-of-touch elitist wanker trying too hard to sound smart. (Ooh, ‘wanker’, there’s another word that British people say a lot. Though I suppose you wouldn’t likely know given how out of touch you seem to be with the average person, in Britain or anywhere else.) Anyway, since you don’t seem to understand the basic idea of culturally differing ideas of politeness, I’ll inform you. Striking up superficial conversation would be seen as disingenuous not just in Singapore and many Asian countries that aren’t Japan, but many European countries as well, especially the Nordic countries. Ironic when you try to make the argument that ‘authenticity is key’.
Thanks for doing this episode cos I love going to Scotland often. Now I understand “you alright” means hi. But sometimes at supermarket the staff ask “you ok” (probably I nearly trip haha), are they just concern? I do like the gracious and good mannerisms there. Twice the British gentlemen helped out with my heavy luggage (probably the reason I go back there again haha)
Two taps save energy. I changed it out in my house and put in two taps. With 1 tap you often draw water from both hot/cold sources. Causing the heater to turn on even when you only want cold. Too easy to just push the tap handle up in the middle causing a 50% hot water draw.
Modern homes and offices have single tap that is a mixer. The two tap configuration was common in singapore in the past as well. It based on habit. In the past people would fill the basin or bath sink before using. It wasnt common to use it straight from tap
but but but... there are alot of bugs in the park! one of the main reasons i dun wanna sit on the grass here is because i will never know if there are worms, shit, spiders or ants attempting to crawl up on me or fall from the trees above.....
I'm British and the 'you alright' still stresses me out, I hate when people say that cause I never know how to respond!! Also, would LOVE to see you say 'haarr' to someone in the UK hahahah
Singaporeans eat hot sandwiches heated up from the microwave. Same goes for Thai people in BKK. So when i went to London in March for holiday, i had to eat cold sandwiches, it is really not nice, for my case. lol.
I find English sandwiches bland and tasteless. Worst are the chicken sandwiches. Taste like boiled chicken slapped on dry bread and almost no dressing. Almost choked on one.
Quarter past one is not weird, its perfectly normal to me and I am Singaporean. Quarter past is easier to say than One fifteen - I get it. Not sure why so many Singaporeans don't get it though.
At first I heard “That-Bindy”.. and thought it was about someone named Bindy or something. 😂 Haha.. yes, Vitamin D. Nice to know you still have a strong accent from home while also taking on so much Singaporean-ness. 😊 Always happy hearing from you Georgia.
“Are you alright?” in American English means “Are you insane?”, but not “how are you?”. Please be careful!😱 I love your channel and will subscribe it. Looking forward to other topics! 😃
It's very funny when you mentioned about the tap. When I moved to the UK, I wondered about that too, if it's in the kitchen i guess that's fine, because it'll be faster for me to get cold water to drink, otherwise i'll have to run the water and wait before it becomes cold. But when it's in the bathroom, unless it's a mixer tap, it's painful, as i get scalding hot water one on 1 side and freezing cold on the other. One guy told me, for this kind of thing, the sink should be blocked, and run both cold and hot taps, and fill the sink to get warm water, and wash hands that way. OMG LOL, immediately i can think of 3 things: a) it's not hygienic i don't think, b) i don't have time for that, c) that's wasting so much water *facepalm*
My thoughts on the apology part: I feel that Singaporeans are just more rude in general? I've had many passers-by bump into me or simply bump into me, because they've had their eyes fixated on their phones, and they just glare back. Many people here just expect the World to give way to them.
I’m a Singaporean Chinese. My parents used such phrasings all the time. They belong to the Pioneer generation. So I still use it tho a little less often. Quite surprised that most Singaporeans are not used to this??!!
I’m Asian living in Asian and I LOVE sandwiches!! Every time I choose sandwiches for lunch my colleagues be like ‘oh are you not feeling well?’ ‘Is it enough?’
I guess singapore are just reserved and do not mind other people business so they tend to not be that welcoming when a random stranger approaches them but they are actually very kind if you need help and approaches for directions or anything else that they can help.
Whenever someone asks me the time I always ask; analogue or digital? 12:15 digital or quarter past twelve analogue. Digital is more efficient therefore more Singaporean. Poms like being analogue.
The Brits just have the best timing every time the sun is out. I remember seeing them at Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park every time we get the sun, so one day I also did that!
I'm not sure but I think "harr?" is kind of like the direct translation from Mandarin, not too sure though hahaha it's more of a habit than being rude because we all grew up hearing our parents say that I guess, someone correct me if I'm wrong!! I say har a lot when I'm with my friends and it's funny how Singaporean u sounded 🤣 with colleagues and strangers I often say "sorry?" instead though to get them to repeat
I agree with the quarter past eight, half past six thingy. I learnt it too in primary school. But Singaporeans like to truncate everything instead of saying a mouthful. Thats's why Singlish doesn't fall into disuse even as our Government and language purists bemoan the use of it. The economy of words, so efficient and understood so long as you use it among fellow Singaporeans, you will still be understood.
The "half past, quarter to..." could be a generational thing. A big part of it, is the extent to which American pop culture and the emphasis on British English has changed. Which I noted about some of your other observations. Which is unsurprising, as the S'poreans that you interact with are likely to be Gen Y or younger.
Georgia I would loveeeee for u to meet us Singaporean’s in the UK it would b such a culture shock haha bc I think UK Singaporean’s are a bit diff and act slightly differently to those acc living in sg😅🤪
I moved from Singapore to London 6 years ago for uni and whenever someone said "you alright", I genuinely thought they were concerned about my wellbeing and would always pour out my heart and soul to them and they got very awkward and uncomfortable very quickly. Took me a few months to realise they weren't interested in how I was feeling. They were just saying hi. WELL WHY DONT YOU JUST SAY HI THEN INSTEAD OF BEATING AROUND THE BUSH?? Ok, rant over.
Same goes for stupid greetings like "How are you doing?" (or something along the lines of it)!
Agree...we are more straightforward😁😁
wasssupppp
'You alrite' is like an informal way of saying Hi. It's more of a chilled greeting.
Currently studying in the UK, and was tripped up when a friend asked me "what you saying", when i haven't spoken a word. Apparently it means "whats up",but how do you even reply to that??
Your 'haarrr??' was so genuine XD
1:48 telling time
2:32 home cooking VS takeaways
3:25 not taking off shoes
3:54 talking abt weather 24/7
4:31 apologizing unnecessarily
5:31 pardon VS huh, what
6:18 you alright?
7:03 cold sandwiches
7:39 hot & cold taps separated
8:23 pleasantries
8:37 holding door open
8:55 ending texts with x
4:45 not switching on heater during winter
10:43 eating cereals
11:02 cheers VS thank you
11:22 tea VS dinner
11:46 hugs and kisses
12:10 sitting on the grass
in addition to cheers meaning thank you, it could also mean goodbye or said before drinking.
Since I predate Singapore as an independent nation, I can testify that we used to tell time as "quarter to", "quarter past", "half past", "25 past", etc., since we were once a British colony. This telling of time with minutes after an hour is an Americanism that got adopted as more and more of our people got educated in America. However, what we have *NEVER* used is expressions like "half seven" to mean "half past seven" or "ten of six" to mean "5:50". This is utterly confusing because in European languages like Swedish, Dutch and German, the expression "half seven" means "6:30" so those of us who are polyglots have much more headaches to deal with!!!
Groceries are expensive in Singapore, especially in the high end supermarkets like Cold Storage, because all food is imported into Singapore. On the other hand, the UK has a lot of local agriculture. This is the same here in the USA, even if we compare prices before taxes (basic food in the UK and US are tax-free, unlike in SG).
Sitting in parks in the West is different because, aside from weather, the type of grass is also different. Grass in Singapore is coarser, less densely matted so you might end up with a lot of earth on your clothing and body and is likely to be harbouring all sorts of biting and stinging insects (Singapore being a tropical country and all, where flora and fauna might harm you, unlike Australia where flora and fauna might *KILL* you) while grass in the UK and the USA, especially in manicured lawns, is much finer and more densely matted by comparison. Hence it feels nicer to sit on a Western lawn than on a Singaporean lawn.
An old person cut in front of me and a British guy while we were in a buffet line. The Brit just goes "ooh naughty, this one." I laughed out loud and forgot to get angry. Thanks British guy.
that british sass...
I used to have a British exchanger as a neighbour on campus. Everytime he asks "you alright" or "what's good" I talk to him about my stress or what I'm doing that day. Now I feel dumb
I remember when I was a little kid, I would watch British shows for kids. Sometimes they would say,"Yay! The sun is out!" And would be very excited about it. That really confused me because the sun is out every day in Singapore ! 🤣🤣🤣
I'm originally from Latvia (North East Europe) and we also always take shoes off before entering our homes, so it's not just an Asian thing! I kind of think wearing shoes in the house is just english-speaking-world thing.. :D Regarding the separate water taps in the UK - that's because years ago these taps were installed to prevent cross contamination. Cold water was drinkable, but hot water was kept in a tank, and many people got poisoned by drinking it. That's why the taps had to be separated. I guess they just didn't bother installing new taps ever since!
The Singaporean equivalent of "How are you?" is "Have you eaten?" ... : )
No it’s “Wah so Long never see already I thought you die Liao leh”
Very true. Very true 😂
I’m a Malaysian chinese that grew up in Scotland and drinking marmite tea is a common daily thing for me. But my Singaporean colleagues find it so weird and call me a weird Ang mo 😂😂
Actually when i was in primary school we were taught on how to read the time in british way.
However, somehow as we grow up we just speak time differently.
Some of the old habits like pardon are actually practice here, the older generation, younger generation are more americanised.
I agree with the quarter past eight, half past six thingy. I learnt it too in primary school. But Singaporeans like to truncate everything instead of saying a mouthful. Thats's why Singlish doesn't fall into disuse even as our Government and language purists bemoan the use of it. The economy of words, so efficient and understood so long as you use it among fellow Singaporeans, you will still be understood.
Anthony 乘睦 Tan possible we end up speaking and learning more American English.
@@fusiapink5593 It indeed is. Younger generation here are more American influence.
Random conversations with strangers in UK is real, I remember I was walking back to my AirBnb in Beaconsfield, where a random stranger was jogging past and says to me "Nice jacket you got there!", and it left me momentarily confused...
Singaporean here. Here's what I've observed of my British friends during my 3 years in London:
1. Leaving soap on dishes without rinsing them off.
2. Adding tablespoonfuls of sugar to cereal.
3. SHOES IN BED!?
4. Daily baths/showers aren't a thing.
1 & 2 came from the same guy. When queried about the reason for 1, he said why should he. So I told him how humans usually rinse the soap off our bodies in the shower... He was silent for a minute before turning red with embarrassment.
M Singaporean living in the UK for close to 5 years now. Was surprised what "porridge" really meant Singapore(savory with meat/eggs) vs UK(sweet with fruits etc)
I said "haaarrr" to my friends in France when I was there. I swear I could see question marks above their heads lol.
In older UK homes, cold water is connected directly to the mains which meets potable water requirements. Hot water is usually stored hot water tanks in the house which is almost never cleaned. Try drinking water from the hot water tap if you are brave. 😅
How did you know?
I immediately understood why you like to sit on the grass when I went to the UK for a holiday. The grass is so soft and nice! In comparison, we have weeds in Singapore, all scratchy and ants everywhere ! 😀
I'm a Singaporean living in the UK! Definitely agree with everything you said in your video :)
I've noticed sending cards is a big thing over here, not so much in Singapore although some people do do it.
Brits tend to say 'sat' rather than 'sitting' - e.g. I was sat at the bus stop vs I was sitting at the bus stop.
Favourite conversational topics tend to include the weather (like you mentioned) or holidays! Especially Florida!
Love your videos! I've been living in the UK for the past 10 years and you know so much more about Singapore than I do x
Even for Canadians, there are British habits that we don’t quite understand or perhaps find rather foreign. Nice to hear your breakdown and analysis. Definitely interesting and insightful content here 🙌💯😎👍
We apologize a lot here as well.
Sitting on the grass in a park? Yuck! Ants, centipedes, and little crawlies! No thanks! 😀
And it’s wet most of the time from the rain
I like that you guys are really polite!! "Pardon" sounds soo much better than "harrr" and I personally prefer saying sorry a lot like the British because I don't want to seem rude.
Sandwiches are convenient... everything packed in one... full stop... bt here a sandwich is seen more as a snack/ an extra light meal... bt that's changing, it seems
I remember going to London for the first time and I was saying "I must have Pret A Manger!" cause I like their branding. After 3 days of their sandwiches I was "Nope I'm done. I need hot Asian food".
I just need hot food Everyday for 3 years in London!
I still fancy Pret A Manger. The one at Changi airport is very disappointing.
Actually i did learn the "quarter past 1" way of reading time back in primary school in the late 90s/early 00s. but nobody uses that in real life because it is not straightforward...and singlish prioritises efficiency of words lol
7:39 Separate hot and cold taps goes back to when it was important to prevent cross contamination. Cold water is from the mains supply and is potable (safe to drink) while hot water used to be from a separate storage cistern. Even today a warm boiler can increase bacterial count in the water.
11:22 Dinner was traditionally the main meal of the day. So in the industrial north for many that was the meal served to them at their worksite in the middle of the day followed by a much lighter meal later in the evening. These days “oop nawrth” when it’s around noon I’d head off for “me dennah”!
oooooo is cereal not considered a snack to most Singaporeans? :o I eat cereal any time of the day, and sometimes as dessert after dinner LOL
Haha yeah definitely not. We only eat it for breakfast and my mom would probably be scandalised if I ever tried eating it for lunch XD
I mean I eat it at night if I felt like it, which is pretty rare anyways so yeah, we don't eat cereal as a snack
I eat cereal at any time of day too. Whereas my British friend looks at me weird when I have cereal as a snack lol didn't realise it's considered weird in sg. Thought others did it too.
I like it as a snack, or anytime when i feel like it. Although it is supposed to be breakfast item
Older houses have two taps as often there would be a water tank which would be used for washing but not drinking. Most people have combined boilers now so the water is heated as needed.
im a singaporean and i say "sorry" so much for: excuse me, huh / what?, really apologising, accidentally bumping onto someone, for being soft, pitying my friend 🤣
Kindly do more of this, is good to know british way of life, when Georgia say “ haarr” u know she totally converted to sporean
When I was a child growing up in Singapore in the 1980s, people used to say sorry quite often, although not quite as much as in the UK. Another important point to note is that it is harder to make conclusions about what Singaporean culture is nowadays, when 40% of people in Singapore are not Singaporeans, compared to 10% in the 1980s.
In Glasgow, people will be out in the grass to picnic and get some sun when it's 5°C in winter 😂 I could never understand...
i moved from singapore to the UK and stayed here for 5 years, and one thing living with Brits is that the shops are always shut by 5/6pm and the streets become deserted straight after which is so depressing.
Yes totally! I did an exchange study programme back in the UK and noticed some difference. I was confused as well even till the simplest word of “I beg your pardon” I used a lot of times during my studies but when I returned home, I never use this word again. That sentence to me it’s like ‘sorry I don’t quite understand, can you repeat’
Grass here may give rashes. Picnic mat a must
I understand the time actually. We are taught in primary school. Maybe it wasnt used often and people forgotten when they grow up.
As a returnee migrant from the US, I've noticed that the degree to which there are common traits between Brits and Singaporeans really depends on the social setting and social background of who you're hanging out with. Really interesting to hear your perspective! (I do think older, English-educated Singaporeans say 'Pardon' quite a bit which confused me when I first moved back here)
Okay, I’m one of the few Singaporeans that use half past, quarter to, etc. Left over from learning from my grandparents who lived with us.
So true! I've just moved to London from Singapore this year and it's just about weather 24/7!!! But generally, I do say sorry quite a bit even back home so i guess it wasn't a shock for me if someone say sorry when in london :)
The football culture there is immense! I remember being in a bar(Arsenal) in North London watching the derby game between Arsenal and Tottenham and the supporters threw their beer at the projector screen whenever the referee makes a mistake or gives a decision to their rivals. That moment was when I realized why they served the drinks with plastic cups on those occasions.
Somemore the beer is so expensive - the MOST expensive!
Hi i watched your video on Kampong Glam. Very interesting. Kampong Glam was where the Sultan of Johore (which included Singapore) had his palace. Next to the Palace is the Sultan Mosque. It is rich in the history and heritage of Muslim’s in Singapore. But as in many other places in Singapore,, it has become largely commercial.. I was particularly intrigued to hear that the spiral staircases were meant for night soil carriers! I had thought that they were just fire escapes?! i would imagine it might be somewhat difficult to carry two night soil buckets on a pole slung over the shoulder going and up the narrow staircases? Nonetheless, your videos are interesting. Please keep it up:)
Studied in UK, and only towards the end of my first year that I understood "You alright?" was not meant to ask how are you? (especially on a Monday) which I normally would reply.. "good..." and when I asked how about you...? my friends would tell me what they did over the weekend..
In temperate countries like the UK, water from underground pipes can be ice cold. That's why a separate hot water supply is needed. Tropical Singapore has slightly warm water all year round. That meets the need of most people.
I was working in Melbourne few years back and typical British I would always say you alright instead of hello and this girl said Jade please can you stop saying you alright because I don’t know how to answer that and it makes me super nervous 🤣 I was like you don’t have to say your ok or anything it’s just a phrase we say instead of hello. She was really nice about it but yeah I soon stopped saying you alright because people would be sooo confused like are you asking me if I’m ok 😂
I'm a Singaporean youtuber who has been living in Europe for the past decade, totally relate to many points you mentioned!!😂😂
Spore small size is its greatest draw back and strict gov rules is another prob for me.. Living in US and originally fr Indonesia, makes me appreciate a little chaos n long road trip. I love Fall too where you chg your wardrobe n deal w snows n hail..
I love ASDA... it’s like the Giant Supermarkets
When you go back to UK do you guys take your shoes off before entering the house? Do you make your family do it? lol
I actually say sorry a lot, even when someone bumped into me while i'm standing still. I think it's a good habit.
Haha 5:53 "huh?!" Was so cute! Haha
I have been studying in the UK for 3 year now, and I realised that " see you later" is sometimes replaced with " bye!" (even if you may not be meeting anytime soon)
My name's Ludmila, and I from Brazil, and I very like your vlogs❤
The way you said vitamin cracked me up. I forgot that British folks say certain words different from Americans (States).
When I was in Uni in UK, summer was funny. All the brit students were holding their beer under the sun with the Singaporean/Malaysian students still hanging out under the tree
I agree with you wholeheartedly. Even though I'm born and bred in Singapore, but because I was brought up the British (European/German) way at home, I can empathized with you.
Hi georgia,
Nice to see you looking great again. Stay happy regardless what happen as I always say the key to stay healthy is be be happy cheer!!!
SGean and had no idea cashiers are tills till I moved to the UK 😆
Hard water in the UK
Difficult to clean the bath having to scrub the build ups
I was taught to tell time the old way, half past, quarter past/to. No one does it anymore. I think it has to do with the disappearing skill of reading an analog clock. Nothing wrong with saying sorry or holding doors for others, I do it all the time and I don't exclaim "Har?"but say "sorry? could you repeat that please?". The last time I did do that was when I knew no better as an ill mannered kid, answering my elders at home. I say please and thank you all the time as well. Please hold on to your manners, it's a beautiful culture and it would be such a pity if it disappears. You don't have to emulate everything you see here to fit in. We are a much more diverse society than the circle of locals you've hung out with so far.
Oh, Georgia... the reason we don't sit down on the grass is because its a different species of grass here... When my sister was young she used to watch a lot of romcoms and the like and they'd always be rolling around in the grass, having a ball... when she tried it here, she was just itchy and miserable for the rest of the day. There's something in the grass here that causes a mild allergy in most people I think. That's your normal grass, then there's lallang which is a type of grassy weed with leaves that are so sharp you can actually cut yourself using them as sword blades to fight with your friends after pre-school. Yeah that last bit actually did happen to me lol...
I think for me, the strangest things about the UK were the whole "you awright?" greeting - here and in America when you ask someone if they're alright its because they've been in an accident and their leg is twisted sideways or something dire like that- and everything closing on a Sunday. I mean where I was (small town England ), come sunday, 5pm and nothing is open. Save the pub. That's the show. No movies, no shopping, no clubs. NOTHING!
Anyway I really do miss the fact that I can use all my polite niceties in most places in the UK, and in other places, I can use my fancy high form of polite speech that would just be met with looks of confusion here. Despite all evidence to the contrary, I'm teaching my nephews how to speak politely and use words like "pardon" just because even if they never use it in public, when the time comes, they'll have an idea of what to do in a formal situation where politeness is needed. (I'm certain one of them will be famous when he's older).
Singaporean here. Brought up the British way in Singapore so everything in this clip is familiar. It’s generally more polite than the Singaporean way (the ubiquitous HAR is pretty rude and will leave others miffed) and incredibly useful in social contexts as people are impressed with good manners globally. Thanks for sharing!
I love how you assume that the British notion of good manners is global. Not like the idea of what constitutes 'good manners' changes depending on where you are or anything.
X501 the tone, formality, inherent courtesy and the ability to strike up a conversation with random strangers are life skills that work both socially and on the corporate side of things. Erring on the side of courtesy beats being casual and “keeping it real” when you’re introduced for the first time. Good manners is never frowned upon in circles that carry weight. It could very well be the catalyst that propels you a lil ahead of others because you’ve left a good impression as someone polite and affable. Authenticity is key so if courtesy is ubiquitous with your moniker, you’re more likely to be viewed as a credible person as well. This is generally true regardless of cultures. I don’t suppose a crude buffoon would be preferred in this context.
sweetpopz Hahaha. Do you talk like this in your day to day conversations? Because if you do, I can assure you that most people view you as little more than an out-of-touch elitist wanker trying too hard to sound smart. (Ooh, ‘wanker’, there’s another word that British people say a lot. Though I suppose you wouldn’t likely know given how out of touch you seem to be with the average person, in Britain or anywhere else.)
Anyway, since you don’t seem to understand the basic idea of culturally differing ideas of politeness, I’ll inform you. Striking up superficial conversation would be seen as disingenuous not just in Singapore and many Asian countries that aren’t Japan, but many European countries as well, especially the Nordic countries. Ironic when you try to make the argument that ‘authenticity is key’.
Thanks for doing this episode cos I love going to Scotland often. Now I understand “you alright” means hi. But sometimes at supermarket the staff ask “you ok” (probably I nearly trip haha), are they just concern?
I do like the gracious and good mannerisms there. Twice the British gentlemen helped out with my heavy luggage (probably the reason I go back there again haha)
Two taps save energy. I changed it out in my house and put in two taps. With 1 tap you often draw water from both hot/cold sources. Causing the heater to turn on even when you only want cold. Too easy to just push the tap handle up in the middle causing a 50% hot water draw.
In UK, that's not the case.
Modern homes and offices have single tap that is a mixer. The two tap configuration was common in singapore in the past as well. It based on habit. In the past people would fill the basin or bath sink before using. It wasnt common to use it straight from tap
but but but... there are alot of bugs in the park! one of the main reasons i dun wanna sit on the grass here is because i will never know if there are worms, shit, spiders or ants attempting to crawl up on me or fall from the trees above.....
The shoes part makes sense. You don't want to drag streaks of excrement all over the floor
I'm British and the 'you alright' still stresses me out, I hate when people say that cause I never know how to respond!! Also, would LOVE to see you say 'haarr' to someone in the UK hahahah
Singaporeans eat hot sandwiches heated up from the microwave. Same goes for Thai people in BKK. So when i went to London in March for holiday, i had to eat cold sandwiches, it is really not nice, for my case. lol.
it all depends on context. ham, cheese and egg, warm, tastes good. not so for tuna, cold cut etc.
I find English sandwiches bland and tasteless. Worst are the chicken sandwiches. Taste like boiled chicken slapped on dry bread and almost no dressing. Almost choked on one.
Quarter past one is not weird, its perfectly normal to me and I am Singaporean. Quarter past is easier to say than One fifteen - I get it. Not sure why so many Singaporeans don't get it though.
At first I heard “That-Bindy”.. and thought it was about someone named Bindy or something. 😂 Haha.. yes, Vitamin D. Nice to know you still have a strong accent from home while also taking on so much Singaporean-ness. 😊 Always happy hearing from you Georgia.
2:50 Making your own pasta dish in Singapore and finding it expensive is like saying that grocery shopping for Chinese produce is expensive in UK tho.
“Are you alright?” in American English means “Are you insane?”, but not “how are you?”. Please be careful!😱
I love your channel and will subscribe it. Looking forward to other topics! 😃
Interesting video!
Pudding is dessert! One of the quirks I found. 😝
The two taps meant that my hands were either chilled or scalded, especially in winter. Also British irony, which can be real easy to miss.
It's very funny when you mentioned about the tap. When I moved to the UK, I wondered about that too, if it's in the kitchen i guess that's fine, because it'll be faster for me to get cold water to drink, otherwise i'll have to run the water and wait before it becomes cold. But when it's in the bathroom, unless it's a mixer tap, it's painful, as i get scalding hot water one on 1 side and freezing cold on the other. One guy told me, for this kind of thing, the sink should be blocked, and run both cold and hot taps, and fill the sink to get warm water, and wash hands that way. OMG LOL, immediately i can think of 3 things: a) it's not hygienic i don't think, b) i don't have time for that, c) that's wasting so much water *facepalm*
My thoughts on the apology part: I feel that Singaporeans are just more rude in general? I've had many passers-by bump into me or simply bump into me, because they've had their eyes fixated on their phones, and they just glare back. Many people here just expect the World to give way to them.
quite a number can be. you never know.
The quarter/half past time thing, we do learn it in primary school(if i rmb correctly), but we nvr use it cus its a pain in the arse...
I’m a Singaporean Chinese. My parents used such phrasings all the time. They belong to the Pioneer generation. So I still use it tho a little less often. Quite surprised that most Singaporeans are not used to this??!!
love your tsum tsum ezlink card at the back of your phone!!
I’m Asian living in Asian and I LOVE sandwiches!! Every time I choose sandwiches for lunch my colleagues be like ‘oh are you not feeling well?’ ‘Is it enough?’
We had sandwiches for breakfast but it's toast /steam sometimes with kaya and butter. Ah huet makes them. If not bust sandwiches with room temp bread
In Cantonese we tell the time using quarters too.
I guess singapore are just reserved and do not mind other people business so they tend to not be that welcoming when a random stranger approaches them but they are actually very kind if you need help and approaches for directions or anything else that they can help.
Whenever someone asks me the time I always ask; analogue or digital? 12:15 digital or quarter past twelve analogue. Digital is more efficient therefore more Singaporean. Poms like being analogue.
Great explanation.
The Brits just have the best timing every time the sun is out. I remember seeing them at Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park every time we get the sun, so one day I also did that!
haha serangoon gardens always a very nice place to hang out
Brits always say, hiya. Esp the cashier lady at the supermarket
saying sorry is very courteous...many Singaporeans are rude and proud nowadays
The 'haaarrr?' shud actually be spelt as 'huuhhh', an extended version of 'huh'. Still English, but probably an 'Americanised' one.
I naturally use half past smthng ... quarter to smtnhg in formal/work settings... and ppl will give me that look... I'm sgporean
i think we mostly only recognized 'half past six'; when someone or something cannot make it...
mrtransmogrify i do that too, even for quarters and also the same for Indonesian
I saw 'half six' too, instead of 'half past six'. Very common in the UK.
From your videos i’ve seen, seems like youre meeting only a narrow segment of singapore society
I'm not sure but I think "harr?" is kind of like the direct translation from Mandarin, not too sure though hahaha it's more of a habit than being rude because we all grew up hearing our parents say that I guess, someone correct me if I'm wrong!! I say har a lot when I'm with my friends and it's funny how Singaporean u sounded 🤣 with colleagues and strangers I often say "sorry?" instead though to get them to repeat
I thought it was just the English word 'huh' but with a Singaporean accent
Cheng Jun tbh I have no idea hahahaha
I agree with the quarter past eight, half past six thingy. I learnt it too in primary school. But Singaporeans like to truncate everything instead of saying a mouthful. Thats's why Singlish doesn't fall into disuse even as our Government and language purists bemoan the use of it. The economy of words, so efficient and understood so long as you use it among fellow Singaporeans, you will still be understood.
When I first went to the UK I was totally confused that I always hear the word 'quid'. Turns out its used interchangeably with pounds!
The "half past, quarter to..." could be a generational thing. A big part of it, is the extent to which American pop culture and the emphasis on British English has changed.
Which I noted about some of your other observations. Which is unsurprising, as the S'poreans that you interact with are likely to be Gen Y or younger.
Love your ending theme music
X is a hug... O is a kiss in the UK.. remember xoxo
Georgia I would loveeeee for u to meet us Singaporean’s in the UK it would b such a culture shock haha bc I think UK Singaporean’s are a bit diff and act slightly differently to those acc living in sg😅🤪
$40 for a pasta dish? damnnnn what pasta did you make? Chilli Crab Pasta??? Even so, don’t think will reach $40
When you shop at Cold Storage!
I find it so odd that brits don't take their shoes off. My mum was so strict on this, wearing shoes in the house is so gross.
We do say sorry for the same reasons as you and pardon as well. 🙂
Some older Singaporeans/Malaysians use the expression "half-past six" to describe something of questionable quality/reputation.