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Englishman Quotes

Wry observations on what it means to be an Englishman.

These quotes lean on national stereotype for comic effect - an Englishman who forms an orderly queue even when he's Alone, or one who turns from lamb to lion depending on how he's treated.

The average Englishman has no idea of the dynamism in the music scene here.

Quotes by Kabir Bedi

An Englishman, even if he is alone, forms an orderly queue of one.

Quotes by George Mikes

An Englishman, being flattered, is a lamb; threatened, a lion.

Quotes by George Chapman

England is the pinnacle of any Englishman's career.

Quotes by Conor Coady

Absolutely Quotes

I sound like an Englishman impersonating an American impersonating an Englishman.

Quotes by Billie Joe Armstrong

An Englishman's way of speaking absolutely classifies him.

Quotes by Alan Jay Lerner

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these Englishman quotes serious or comedic?
Mostly comedic - the queue-of-one line and the lamb-or-lion description both play on well-worn stereotypes about English temperament rather than offering serious cultural analysis.
What does "forms an orderly queue of one" mean?
It's a joke about the English reputation for queuing politely, exaggerated here to suggest the habit runs so deep that a single person will still line up as if there were others behind him. See Alone quotes for more.
What does "flattered, a lamb; threatened, a lion" describe?
It's describing a temperament that shifts sharply based on how someone is treated - mild and agreeable under praise, fierce under threat.
Why does one quote call England "the pinnacle" of an Englishman's career?
It reflects genuine pride in representing one's country, suggesting that reaching England, or succeeding there, can matter more than any individual achievement abroad.
Do these quotes compare Englishmen to other nationalities?
Only indirectly - for direct comparisons and other national character quotes, see American quotes.

One quote turns more sincere, calling England the pinnacle of an Englishman's career - a nod to how much national pride can matter. For related observations, see American and Any quotes.