Americans share their favourite British sayings – and it's not what you'd expect

British people are known for a vast array of traditions and harmless stereotypes - from afternoon tea to the trusty Full English - but our knack for a turn of phrase has caught the attention of many online

Americans have weighed in on some of their most favourite British sayings – and the results are surprising.

Despite speaking the same language as many countries across the globe, Britons have a unique way with words. According to Lingoda, English is recognised as an official language in 67 different countries, “as well as 27 non-sovereign entities”.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, several US citizens, as well as people from all over the world, chimed in with their most beloved British phrases. It wasn’t any of the common or more expected idioms like 'it's not my cup of tea' or 'it’s all gone pear-shaped' - but rather, everyday colloquialisms.

Social media user Meera kicked things off with a post which simply stated: "British people actually ate with 'you lot'," which got many people agreeing. One person replied: “You lot might be top 3 phrases."

It wasn’t long before the post, which has been viewed more than 19.5 million times, racked up hundreds of comments from others keen to share their most beloved British sayings. Another X user said: "Do you reckon? Taking the p**s. F*** all all go insanely hard," while another simply said: “Can’t be a**ed." Agreeing, another X user replied: "Can’t be a**ed is up there too."

One shared: “Personally I love 'what are you on about'," while another commented: "Look at the state of it and 'are you mad' are top tier as well."

X user Faze said: "Do you reckon slaps." Another shared the love for this phrase - putting it down to a Love Island obsession: "And 'do you reckon', 'that’s a cop out'. lol I watch too much Love Island."

One person simply tweeted: "I’m not being funny but," in reference to how many British people may kick off a complaint, or begin venting about an issue they’ve taken umbrage with.

Another person commented: "'I like "f*** all'. I say it for no reason, even when it doesn't apply, sometimes.” And another said: "Are you having a laugh?"