All British people are capable of complaining. They often call it ‘grumbling’ or ‘whingeing’.

'Grumbles' to people they don't know are generally filtered through the ‘soft edge’, with statements like 'I’m sorry but ...'

The British are embarrassed by complaints in public. They don't like to be seen making a fuss or making a scene. Compare that with, say, Italy, where 'making a scene' is a natural part of public life.

When the British do complain they are not very good at it. Or at least, they let things appear worse than they are: the consequence of suppressed feelings rising suddenly to the surface.