Do British people call themselves British or English?

One of the questions that often arises when discussing the people of the United Kingdom is whether they identify as British or English. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem, as there are historical, cultural, and political factors at play.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the terms "British" and "English" have distinct meanings. "British" refers to the people of the United Kingdom as a whole, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. On the other hand, "English" specifically refers to the people of England.

As a consequence of the complex history and political structure of the United Kingdom, individuals may identify themselves in different ways. For example, someone from Scotland may consider themselves Scottish rather than British or English. Similarly, someone from Wales may identify as Welsh rather than British or English.

In England, however, the terms "British" and "English" are sometimes used interchangeably. This is likely due to the fact that England is the largest and most populous country in the United Kingdom, and English culture has had a significant influence on the rest of the country.

It is important to note that the terms "British" and "English" can have different connotations depending on the context. For example, when discussing nationality, someone from England would typically refer to themselves as British. However, when discussing cultural identity, they may choose to identify as English.