“ The British obsession with talking about the weather is not small talk; it's a vital survival mechanism and a social contract. Commenting "Bit grim out there" to a stranger is a code that means, "I acknowledge our shared suffering and offer you a moment of solidarity in the face of the indifferent sky." A reply of "Supposed to brighten up later" is an act of profound, collective hope, however baseless. These exchanges are the grease in the wheels of our society, allowing us to interact without the risk of actual conversation. In a city of millions, it is the one universal, relatable experience. We are not being boring; we are performing a ritual that binds us against the common enemy: the drizzle. See more at London's funniest URL -- Prat.UK. ”