What makes the British British ?

How about on the Antiques Roadshow when an expert will tell the person their antique is worth thousands when they thought it was just junk? We British don't leap up and down or make a fuss, but just say "Oh Golly!" or "Good Heavens", which is exactly what happened last week. I love it .... and I love us !!

When you live abroad you see people who you know are English or British and wonder how you know.
Mostly I see it in the older generation as the young seem to be all the same.

I think it is also the sense of humour which has not much to do with the stand up comics of today. It is situation humour laughing about a mistake. Even laughing about yourself or being able to laugh at yourself in a serious situation.

I agree with all the examples you give NanKate.

I think we British have the ability to have a good laugh at ourselves.

I also think we "enjoy" using irony and sarcasm.

We also love a good moan about almost anything.

Constant moaning about Brexit.

Stiff Upper Lip!

Some years ago I read a book about the English. It gave many characteristics about being British but the main one it came down to at the end was our sense of fair play.

Irony and sense of humour

Generally being polite and considerate.

It's beyond me other than queueing I dont think we are any different to anyone else.