The difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain and England explained

[gumpt1oo]

I don't know whether it is to do with my age, but it really annoys me when England is referred to as the UK or Great Britian, and God forbid, Europe!
Most of the youngsters I know if asked where they live, answer 'in the UK'. Well as you can see from that video, that could mean anywhere in 4 countries!
It is the same when filling forms in, the options you usually get are UK, GB, or European, I put a line through them all and write England.
I have some Scots and Welsh friends and they are of the same opinion, so I'm not the only grumpy old git around!

 

[CarlS]

I would feel the same way in your shoes and from what I hear from others, you are not alone.

 

[Rocky]

I completely understand your frustration. When I was travelling in England and Europe a few years ago I was often mistaken for an American. When I corrected the person by saying that I was a Canadian, I sometimes got the respones, "Same thing!"
But I suppose I can understand the impression as Canadians and Americans have many similarities in speech and dress (and many other ways) and it's hard to tell us apart.
I'll admit to using "UK" when I really mean England - probably only because it's shorter.
I know the difference, and know better, so I'll make a point to get it right from now on.

 

[DaveM]

Well we have the same thing here and a lot of people don't know the difference between South Africa and Africa not that it worries me much any more as we are becoming the same as the rest of Africa anyway

 

[otherwise]

When I was travelling in England and Europe a few years ago I was often mistaken for an American.

I actually figured Americans come from any place between the top of Alaska and the southern tip of Argentina. I've actually been a smart arse when introduced to people from the US asked where they are from and when told America say North or South. I can't help it I'm just a prick.

 

[CarlS]

I actually figured Americans come from any place between the top of Alaska and the southern tip of Argentina. I've actually been a smart arse when introduced to people from the US asked where they are from and when told America say North or South.

Actually, I tend to agree with with you. When traveling overseas, I usually answered that question as the US or Florida.