Many of the day - to - day conversations British people initiate about the weather, however, are more mundane. Comments like "cold, isn't it?" don't even particularly demand a full response; a grunt of agreement will suffice. In some situations, weather talk is an icebreaker. In others it's used to fill awkward silences, or divert the conversation away from uncomfortable topics.
But there are certain unwritten rules that the British follow when conducting these weather - related conversations. Firstly, the topic will almost always be introduced as a form of question, even if only in the intonation (e. g. , "Raining again?"). Secondly, the person answering must agree. Failing to agree is quite a serious breach of etiquette. If someone says: 'Cold, isn't it?' and you say: 'Well actually, no, ' the person would be a bit taken aback, and feel that that was a discourteous thing to say.
British people often start a conversation with strangers and friends by talking about the weather. As weather is a neutral topic of conversation, it's usually safe to use it to strike up a conversation - at the bus stop, in a shop, or with a neighbour over the garden fence.
"Lovely day, isn't it!"
"Bit nippy today. "
"What strange weather we're having!"
"It doesn't look like it's going to stop raining today. "
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