Blowing your nose in public
Neutral Depends on context
What it really means
Blowing your nose in public is normal and accepted in the UK — much more so than sniffing repeatedly, which many people find more annoying. Turn away slightly and keep it discreet. Doing it at the dinner table is best avoided; step away if you can.
Chinese explanation
在英国，当众擤鼻涕是正常且被接受的——比不停吸鼻子更能被接受，后者反而让很多人觉得烦。稍微侧过身、动作低调些即可。饭桌上最好别擤；能离席就离席一下。
Example conversation
A: Is it rude to blow my nose here?
B: Not at all — better than sniffing. Just not right at the dinner table.
A：在这儿擤鼻涕失礼吗？
B：完全不会——比吸鼻子好。只是别正好在饭桌上擤。
What you could say back
Related phrases
Go deeper
All Customs & Etiquette
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake