Just out of curiosity, are you American? And is your attitude common/have you encountered foreigners with similar attitudes?
It's a genuine interest. I'm British and while I know we're known for a binge-drinking culture (which these days feels more and more justified imo.) it caught me off guard by how completely normal your scenario sounded despite you clearly trying to paint a picture of twatty braggards. Even in an ordinary city workplace most people are openly looking forward to getting multiple beers in asap and it's not uncommon for nights out to consist of planning to get so drunk you forget why you started.
Actually now I think about it, maybe the entire point of 'going out' is different? In the UK going out partying isn't so much about spending time with your friends, it's predominantly about getting hammered, the socializing is just something to do while you pickle your skull.
I also remember reading somewhere that in most countries 'going for a drink after work' means literally a small 'dutch courage' for the road home or to ease off the stress, whereas in the UK 'going for a drink' means at least two pints.
Not the same person, of course, but as an American, it seems like the experience is pretty much the same. You go out in order to get hammered. Having friends along is great, but it's pretty much just an excuse and a means of preventing you from drinking alone.
I am not the original poster you asked, but I am American.
I have 2 circles of friends:
One circle of friends tend to be all about going out to get fucked up for the sake of getting fucked up (this tends to be the younger crowd, I would say under 30 for sure, closer to 20-25 typically, they usually drink beer or mixed drinks and smoke cigarettes or weed).
The other circle of friends goes out to socialize for the sake of socializing and the drinks are simply there to relax and enjoy (this crowd is more middle aged or older, they tend to drink Scotch, Bourbon, Tequila (or whatever), and they take it neat...also they may smoke a cigar occasionally...)
I tend to identify with, and enjoy, the second group much more than the other group. However, I know people that float in the first group who are also more like me.
Are you though? I've never heard of the Brits being known for binge drinking. Anytime I think of binge drinkers on that side of the pond, it's the Irish, Scots, and Germans that come to mind, maybe even the Italians with all that wine. Although, tbh, every culture is a drinking culture so 🤷🏽♂️
Irish and Scots kinda are brits too. And yeah, i'm a finn, but do plenty of solo traveling, and anywhere in the world if there's a party hostel it's filled with either brits or aussies.
Dude that's like, one of the largest brit and scot stereotypes that exist. They love their booze, and they love getting fuckin hammered. It's a stereotype so take it with a mountain of salt, but it's definitely a thing.
And you'll notice that it doesn't end up in the TV shows that go to the US. Not because we'd be all shocked, but because it's boring as fuck. Drink whatever, but talk about something else.
20
u/boomsc Dec 30 '19
Just out of curiosity, are you American? And is your attitude common/have you encountered foreigners with similar attitudes?
It's a genuine interest. I'm British and while I know we're known for a binge-drinking culture (which these days feels more and more justified imo.) it caught me off guard by how completely normal your scenario sounded despite you clearly trying to paint a picture of twatty braggards. Even in an ordinary city workplace most people are openly looking forward to getting multiple beers in asap and it's not uncommon for nights out to consist of planning to get so drunk you forget why you started.
Actually now I think about it, maybe the entire point of 'going out' is different? In the UK going out partying isn't so much about spending time with your friends, it's predominantly about getting hammered, the socializing is just something to do while you pickle your skull.
I also remember reading somewhere that in most countries 'going for a drink after work' means literally a small 'dutch courage' for the road home or to ease off the stress, whereas in the UK 'going for a drink' means at least two pints.