Other countries marvel at our advanced sanitary arrangements. Where other nationalities have to manage with a single mixer tap over the sink or washbasin, we British have two - one for washing and the other for drinking from. Keeping them separate is both sensible and hygienic. And for those who wish to mix the two to a temperature of their own liking, we invented the plug, which fits securely into the basin, conveniently attached to a chain.

Shower attachments can be found in many British bathrooms nowadays, but this is only done out of consideration for the foreign visitor. Showering is not a British activity. The true Brit takes a weekly bath. This should be a slow, leisurely and solitary activity involving lots of steam, melting bars of soap, toy boats, plastic ducks and broad philosophical reflections. To increase the feeling of cosiness, British bathrooms have carpets and curtains, pictures and plants, in contrast to the cold tiles to be found in most foreign bathrooms.





Expressions to learn
I'm just going to spend a penny.
How long are you going to be in there? I'm desperate!

Avoid saying
Excuse me, the shower doesn't work.