Viral

Confused American wants to know why British homes have 'tiny doors that open onto dangerous sidewalks'

Confused American wants to know why British homes have 'tiny doors that open onto dangerous sidewalks'
TikToker reveals British things that American homes don't have
Video

In a viral TikTok, a confused American asked the internet why many British homes have 'tiny' doorways - and no front yard or porch.

@swfinds posted the video with the on-screen caption, "can someone please tell me why almost all British homes have tiny front doors that open onto a dangerous side?"

The video shows several homes with nearly identical doors that open directly onto a cobblestone sidewalk.


This style of home is quite popular in the UK. Many of the townhomes, or terraced buildings as they're known there, were built in the 19th and 20th centuries.

It was easier to make sure such homes had enough structural integrity, in part, by having smaller-than-expected doors.

Why do they open onto the pavement (or sidewalk, as Americans call it)? Well, these terraced houses were pretty humble abodes when built, with plot sizes to match. They weren't entirely without outdoor space either - with yards common in the rear.

UK users quickly flooded the comments to inform the confused American that these homes were quite typical for the UK - while hitting back with some good-natured mockery.

UK TikTokers explained to a confused American why British housing looks the way it does TikTok

One person, @sjtrainsyt_alex22195, said not to worry - pointing out that the doors open inward, so no pedestrians are going to be toppled over by a sudden door opening.

Others joked that the homes in the UK were safer than most things Americans deem safe, like schools.

Swfinds, the user that posted the video, has posted many more like it. The account often poses questions to UK citizens like: why are yellow bins on the side of the road? Or why are eggs kept in aisles rather than in the refrigerator section?

Some users have speculated the account is satire due to the "obvious" questions the user asks.

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