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🍪 Cookie vs. Biscuit (British Quirks 29/30)
If you’ve ever found yourself in a British supermarket confidently asking for “cookies,” only to be led to a tiny aisle of chocolate-chip-specific items while the entire rest of the baked-goods universe is labeled “biscuits,” congratulations—you’ve just stepped into one of the great linguistic battlegrounds of our time. Welcome to the debate of:Cookie vs. Biscuit.
hicksondiaries
Dec 22 min read


The Art of British Self-Defamation: Notes from an American Living Awake in the U.K. (British Quirk 27/30)
It’s not quite humility, not quite insecurity. It’s something more intricate — a kind of social aikido, a preemptive strike of modesty before anyone dares to call you confident.
hicksondiaries
Nov 122 min read


Blazers, Ties, and Knee-High Socks: Discovering British School Uniforms (British Quirks 25/30)
British school uniforms are more than just clothing—they’re part of a long-standing tradition. Some schools have worn the same colors and styles for over a century. Ties, blazers, and badges communicate house affiliation, seniority, and sometimes even sporting prowess.
hicksondiaries
Oct 282 min read


Bonfire Night: Who the hell is Guy Fawkes? (British quirks 21/30)
Every November, Brits gather to celebrate the fact that a man named Guy Fawkes failed to blow up Parliament in 1605. How do they mark this historic non-event? By burning his effigy on a massive bonfire while eating toffee apples and cheering. Yes, really.
hicksondiaries
Sep 291 min read


From Burgers to Butties: An American’s Deep-Fried Dive into British Cuisine (British Quirks 17/30)
British food is a whole different beast—and I mean that in the most lovingly confused way possible. If you're an American expat in the UK or just a curious traveler wondering what the heck a "buttie" is, buckle up. We're going on a culinary rollercoaster that includes mushy peas, curry sauce, and something called haggis (which I still suspect might be a prank).
hicksondiaries
Sep 13 min read


The Great British Coin Conundrum: Why Size Definitely Doesn’t Matter (British Quirks 15/30)
I remember standing at a till (that’s British for “cash register,” by the way) trying to pay for a sandwich, holding up a ten-pence piece like it was Excalibur, only to be told I was about £4.90 short. I stared at the coin, betrayed by its girthy confidence. “But it’s so big,” I whispered. The cashier, bless her, just smiled and pointed to the label on the coin. Yes, they do actually print the value on each one, presumably because even the locals need a reminder now and then.
hicksondiaries
Aug 182 min read
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