Quiz: The ultimate business etiquette test
Think you’ve cracked the code of doing business across the pond? To celebrate the partnership between British Airways and the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign, we’re putting your instincts to the test in this light-hearted quiz
19/05/2026
NEED TO BRUSH UP ON YOUR BUSINESS LINGO?
Read on for an in-depth lesson. (Spoiler alert! The quiz answers are below)
1. How early should you arrive for a US business meeting to make the right impression?
To make a good impression, ten to 15 minutes is ideal. US business culture values early arrival as a sign of readiness and respect.
2. Which nationality prefers more small talk in a business meeting?
Americans. According to a survey by Adobe, 90 per cent of US employees and 88 per cent of UK employees recognise the value of small talk in a meeting. Both groups agree that the ideal amount of small talk is around 5 minutes in a 30-minute meeting.
3. When an American says something is “interesting…” what do they actually mean?
It’s a cautious ‘maybe’ – probe gently. “Interesting” is often a diplomatic way of saying they’re not fully convinced.
4. If a British colleague describes your idea as “quite good”, how impressed are they really?
Mildly approving, at best. “Quite good” is very British code for “fine, but nothing to write home about.”
5. When a US colleague says, “Let’s touch base”, what are they usually signalling?
They’re politely wrapping up. It’s a soft close, not a firm commitment to any next step.
6. What is a Brit’s favourite slang term to use at work?
Knackered. According to a survey by Adobe, these are the top slang terms to use at work in the UK: Knackered (27%), Crack on (25%), Dodgy (20%), Chuffed (11%)
7. And what about an American’s, favourite slang term to use at work?
Circle back. According to the Adobe survey (above), these are the top slang terms to use at work in the USA: Circle back (27%), Ping you (25%), Bandwidth (25%), Locked in (17%)
8. Your US colleague says “Let’s table this” about a particular topic. What do they mean?
Discussion will be postponed. In the US, to ‘table’ a topic means to postpone it. In the UK, it means to bring it forward for immediate discussion.
9. What’s the biggest etiquette difference Brits often underestimate in the US?
The pace – decisions move quickly. American business culture favours swift action and momentum.
10. What do global executives say is the biggest benefit of face-to-face meetings?
Building stronger relationships. In person contact fosters trust, rapport, and clarity.
