Brits’ Frequent Use of ‘Sorry’ Baffles and Amuses
The seemingly ubiquitous use of the word “sorry” by people in the United Kingdom has long been a source of fascination – and sometimes confusion – for outsiders. Recent reports and surveys confirm that Britons apologize far more often than many other nationalities, often in situations where an apology isn’t necessarily warranted.
Research conducted by the German language learning app Babbel suggests that people in the UK say “sorry” an average of nine times a day. However, some Britons claim even that number is an underestimate. One individual, as reported by The Guardian, found themselves apologizing repeatedly during a single trip to a local supermarket.
The apologies weren’t necessarily for causing offense or making mistakes, but rather served as social lubricants. The individual recounted saying “sorry” for a variety of minor interactions, including navigating a crowded aisle, accidentally bumping into someone, and even for another shopper observing a one-way system. Apologies were even offered preemptively, anticipating potential inconveniences or disagreements.
This tendency to apologize isn’t necessarily a sign of deep remorse, but rather a deeply ingrained social convention. According to a report in The Independent, academics have identified as many as 15 different ways Britons use the word “sorry.” Only one of these uses conveys genuine regret – expressing sympathy for someone’s misfortune, such as saying “I’m sorry to hear that.”
The remaining uses of “sorry” function as politeness markers, ways to ease awkwardness, or simply to navigate social interactions. It’s a reflex, used to avoid confrontation or to show deference. This multifunctionality can be perplexing for those unfamiliar with British social norms.
A study highlighted by the Daily Star found that “I’m sorry to hear that” is the most common way Britons express genuine regret. The study also noted that the UK’s “sorry culture” often baffles foreigners, who may perceive an apology where none is intended.
Mattias Pettersson, a Swede who spent time in the UK, described his initial confusion to researchers at Babbel. He noted that his British partner would apologize for seemingly innocuous actions, such as passing him something or even mid-sneeze. He eventually realized that “sorry” could mean anything from “excuse me” to “after you,” or simply an acknowledgement of presence.
The frequent use of “sorry” isn’t always about avoiding blame. It can also be a way to preemptively diffuse potential conflict or to show empathy. As the example from The Guardian illustrates, even when someone else is at fault, a Briton might offer an apology as a gesture of understanding or sympathy.
While the exact number of times Britons say “sorry” each day may be debated – with some arguing that nine is too low – the phenomenon itself is well-documented. It’s a cultural quirk that continues to intrigue and amuse observers, highlighting the subtle complexities of British social interaction.
