10 Reasons the Belgians Hate the British
EmailABC's Stu Schutzman reports from New York:
“They are self centered (Literally: they think they are the belly button of the world).”
Not sure what I’d think if I were called the “belly button of the world” — just one of the epithets a Belgian newspaper hurled at the British this week.
“They have the worst food in the world,” says La Capitale in an article entitled “Dix Raisons de ne Pas Aimer les Anglais” — 10 reasons to hate the British.
They’re such drunks and they drink warm beer to boot, says the paper.
It started during a dispute to name a new President of the European Union. Belgium charged the UK with trying to block their man for the job. “Let’s kick out ‘les Rosbifs’ (the roast beefs — French for British) who are shooting down European opportunities for our important politicians.” A continental brawl ensued.
The Belgian invective continues: “They (the British) can’t do anything like everyone else,” (i.e. drive on the left etc). “Their climate is terrible.” “Their language is universal so they refuse to even try to speak ours… but they look at you condescendingly if you speak English badly.”
The Telegraph.com published the Belgian piece in English and invited Brits to vent — and vent they did:
“I have lived in Belgium for 4 years,” writes one. “They are terrible… they hate foreigners… They speak to you as if you are some kind of imbecile.”
“This from a country whose greatest claim to fame,” says another, “is the fact that they can make chocolate!”
But seriously, tucked in at the end of the La Capitale piece was the concession that “English gardens, London at Christmas, and the small matter of the repeated intervention of "liberators who came to our aid every time we were invaded" were all reasons to love the British."
The Belgians already have a love-hate relationship amongst themselves — so why not add the British to the list.
By the way… they’re right about the food and the beer.
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this article is awful, stupid americans
Posted by: jack girdlestone | November 20, 2009, 3:52 pm 3:52 pm
That’s the French side of Belgium…..not the better side.
French arrogance, yet again.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | November 20, 2009, 4:02 pm 4:02 pm
I work with many imported people, each has an attitude about the Scots, yet they still keep coming over and continue to bring families … cant be that bad if they leave home for a better life in Scotland.
Regards Pixeland
Posted by: www.pixeland.co.uk | November 20, 2009, 5:02 pm 5:02 pm
The superiority complex gene started with the Romans, spread to Britian – as evidenced by their takeover and control of places so far from home, and came to America when they fled for freedom.
Posted by: Gerald | November 20, 2009, 5:11 pm 5:11 pm
They love us really :0)
Posted by: Paul Murphy | November 20, 2009, 5:26 pm 5:26 pm
“bad food, warm beer, and something about roast beef” all located in a belly button – with a bad climate -
That’s the best insults they can come up with? Come on, you can do better than that. Try again.
Okay, buddy. When push comes to shove, the Brits are there to help, aren’t they?
Okay, you are president of Europe. See how that works for you. You, the UN, and the Queen of England will all have something in common – no real power.
I’m sure Belgium is a lovely country, too.
Posted by: ddg | November 20, 2009, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm
these attitudes are more indictative of the Wallon Belgium (frenchmen really), not the Flemish Belgians who are thrifty, hardworking, and business orientated like their Dutch brothers- or like the Brits for that matter.
On the food angle there might be some points but food in a large part of Belgium is comparable to British. Yes, the Frankophone Belgian has more French-style food. But, frankly, give me a decent bitter and steak-and-kidney pie over some small portion of filet of horsemeat and a french wine anyday!
Posted by: Ed | November 20, 2009, 5:36 pm 5:36 pm
Like most places, there’s the good, the bad, and the cranky.
It’s all good. It’s just a bit of fun, actually.
Most people enjoy what they grew up with. I’m from New Orleans. I like some of the french cuisine and the cajun french dishes, but I enjoyed my mama’s cooking the most. She cooked Italian, French, Cajun-French, and American.
The key ingredients: seasoning and love.
Posted by: ddg | November 20, 2009, 6:33 pm 6:33 pm
Ten Reasons Why People Are Unable to Fully Appreciate British Style:
1. They sound smarter than everybody else.
2. They use quotes “” incorrectly ”.
3. They are able to seamlessly mumble in intelligible languages.
4. Their foods sound as if they are from a book of rules of order. Who else consumes crumpets and yet pronounces crumpets properly?-”Coo-rrrrum-peths. remember to roll your tongue when you say that-and subtly emphasise the lisp if you will.
4. When you talk to the British you don’t know if what you say might get back to the queen.
5. They keep track of everything you say in little notebooks.
6. They use dozens of little expressions you cannot understand.
7. When you chat with them it sounds like they are speaking to several different people all at once.
8. When you speak with them, you begin to find that you are putting on an awful British accent which includes questionable words such as hither and thither.
9. You can never properly impress the British. After all theirs is elegant Rolls Royce and eloquent royalty. When it comes to fancy, they’ve seen it all. Fancy that!
10. After they have made a perfectly spoken all encompassing toast at the dinner table leaving everybody at the table simply glowing and in love all over again with tears in their eyes as they clap and whisper bravo bravo bravo… all other nationalities sound rather awkward especially Americans, in particular people from Iowa who rank last in being able to say the right thing right after native speakers from India.
Posted by: Jerry Rosen | November 21, 2009, 2:41 am 2:41 am
Unlike the Belgiums we British actually have a sense of humour.
Posted by: True Brit | November 21, 2009, 5:11 am 5:11 am
I often do business with Great Britain and I personally don’t have a problem with them. I also do not know many Belgians who do have have a problem with the British.
Please do not listen to this article it’s a bad and twisted piece of journalism based on other bad pieces of journalism in Belgium who were also a stupid reaction towards similar British articles in their tabloids. I am very disappointed at ABC news, it used to be a decent news channel!
About the fresh EU president I have to say this: He has to lead 27 ego-tripping country leaders, if the EU president would also be such a personality, he won’t succeed in bringing consensus to the union and things will end into endless disputes. Herman Van Rompuy really is the kind of person who is different and can bring consensus. He is a very calm and smart man who nows his place.
Posted by: From a Belgian | November 21, 2009, 6:21 am 6:21 am
Frankly~I see no point in this Article!
Was it meant to ’cause trouble’…?
By right U should be asking these Q’s
to all the EU contries on what THEY think of the Belgians ???
Every Nationalities have their good &
bad….
Moreover, England is now different with
other races settling there !
What’s History IS history now….
Mind U~England is in the EU too….
What’s so SPECIAL aboout 1 to comment
detrimental things abt the other(s) ?
Posted by: Duncan dL | November 21, 2009, 7:13 am 7:13 am
What a daft article. I mean can anyone name three famous Belgians apart from Tintin, Snowy and Captain Haddock?
Posted by: Paul | November 21, 2009, 8:14 am 8:14 am
The original article from an obscure Belgian newspaper mentioned ten petty things about the British, but despite these drawbacks, went on to mention ten great reasons why they still love the British.
The UK press somehow picked it up, ignored the ten good things and mentioned only the negative points. They also invited their readers to bash on the Belgians. Most of their readers unable to read French and check the original source, fell for it.
I have a feeling this happened here as well.
Posted by: Belgian | November 21, 2009, 11:20 am 11:20 am
@Paul:
The only three famous Belgians we need are on the tennis court.
The rest of us are discreetly taking over the world. We’ve managed to keep the International Olympic Committee in our clutches. Taken command over the International Space Station, and now Europe is in our hands as well.
And all of it is financed by people reading fictional Belgian characters ;)
Posted by: Belgian | November 21, 2009, 11:33 am 11:33 am
@Belgian,
I am very proud to be a belgian, as you say, for a little country a Belgium, we have done very well, and we are unstoppable,
Seemingly the British, like always,cant stand it that Belgium (Benelux – W europe) Is becoming a Hub for technology knowledge and growing as economical power. We re holding the cards here in the european union.
All i can say, why dont you guys do a step aside? step out of the european union. We will acheive in what we believe, The Uk is not an essential part of this,
Mr Van Rompuy was the best choice in this time and picture. he s a strong wise and effective leader, give up your proud, or let europe develop into what it wants to be, and leave us alone,
thanks, from a proud european citizen
Posted by: Proud Belgian | November 21, 2009, 5:09 pm 5:09 pm
Well, well, well! I found myself thinking some of the same things when I lived in Britain for a time! I thought they don’t even seem to like each other so I guess I can’t be too offended at the off-handed comments made for my benefit as a foreigner in their country.
But it seems that this is the case for
everyone. How funny! It is a good thing I had the pleasure of knowing some lovely British people,as well. Someone is upset and trying to cause a stir. Live and let live.
Posted by: Nina | November 22, 2009, 10:14 pm 10:14 pm
Why are people always trying to stir up zenophobic trouble? All countries can be accused of having ‘bad food’ (Taco Bell springs to mind) and the worse steak I ever had in my life was served up in France. The best steak I had was served to me in an English pub in Somerset. On the whole most people across the globe are generous, caring and ready with a smile for their neighbour. Why do articles like this just want to highlight intolerant minority views? I am sure the British, French, Belgians and Americans are on the whole horrified when they read this rubbish.
Posted by: TL-UK | November 23, 2009, 8:21 am 8:21 am
I really don’t think most people take this too seriously.
Also, the “President of Europe” thing is kind of funny. I’m sure it’s going to help some, but don’t you see the humor in this?
I picture this guy with some sort of uniform and him pounding on the podium demanding that people listen to him because he’s “President of all of Europe.”
He’s going to have as much pull as the Queen of England and the United Nations.
Posted by: ddg | November 23, 2009, 11:55 am 11:55 am
Let me rephrase:
I don’t think people will take this article too seriously regarding people liking or disliking each other.
People have general impressions about each other, but you really have to get to know each country by actually meeting people.
Posted by: ddg | November 23, 2009, 11:57 am 11:57 am
British food is great cant beat a proper English breakfast and a Sunday dinner.
Posted by: rob | November 23, 2009, 6:23 pm 6:23 pm
This is all aload of nonsense.
For the size of Belgium (small), this article is probably from one household, so I wouldn’t get really upset by the junk.
It’s like asking the Dutch why they hate the Germans. Every person has their opinion about other countries. I mean nobody can hate the British more than the British themselves. So I don’t think Belgium has anything really to comment about. Apart from Chocolate =/..
Just remember to think what country you’re from before you start calling someone else’. (Belgium).
I’m sure the majority of the Belgians are great but the French are just weird. Calling British food? Buddy’s you eat Frogs and Snails. (See My Opinion) Let’s see if there is an Article about all of Britain hating Belgium for what I have just posted.
AMERICANS? Hahaha You have no right to call our food. It’s American companies.
Your food is almost twined with Britains.
I have lived in Britain for 13 years from Spain and I love every corner of Britain (yes including you Scotland).
Adiós. Filha da Putas..
Posted by: WhiteKnight | March 8, 2010, 12:57 pm 12:57 pm
Old link but can’t help responding. Living and working in Belgium for 4 years and if the money wasn’t so good (internation money) I would have left within the week. Lazy but hide it with arrogance, pushy but pretend the didn’t notice, beurocratic to intimidate and lastly egocentric to the point where in any other nation it would be called racism. I am a minority in my own home country and have always believed that stereotypes were wrong to propogate, until I moved here and found there are exceptions to the rule, but they are few or Flemmish speaking. I am now an official racist/culturist. I really HATE French speaking Belgiums. Can’t stand them and I am not the only one. According to the Canadian, German and Finnish embassy HR departments, workers have an easier time adjusting to the locals in Beriut then they do to Belgiums (seriously this is not a joke).
In response to the Belgiums out there who quote the greatness of Belgium, have you ever played the 10 famous belgium game? Name 10 famous Belgiums that are internationaly know and are not fictional. Stuck so are 99% of the world.
Can’t get a government together because they are too lazy/arrogant to work together and understand the word cooperation. Name a country today that has no working legislative system where there is no war, famine, or other natural catastrophy; can’t well neither can I except …..
Claim they are the centre of Europe, well no actually you were given the role to share as a concession for joining early. Nothing earned, but as usual they take the credit, and with the southern french speaking part of Belgium having raging unemployment, racial motivated beatings, homosexual beating, and adding little to the countries entire GDP it is no wonder the Flemmish speakers want to be rid of it.
Sorry ranted and raved, but will be leaving this very pretty country with the ability to make the rudest people on the planet (lived in 7 countries so far) in the next 2 months for the far east. I will always remember to always avoid this place and now am offically a racist.
Written quickly so excuse the spelling, but not the intent.
Posted by: Turnkey | May 22, 2010, 6:58 am 6:58 am