as long as you don't step on one barefoot

You overestimate the quality of most of them.

A common trick to insert a EU-style plug into a UK-style socket is to temporarily insert something in the ground pin socket. An ordinary house key works well, and has the added bonus of shocking bystanders.

Granted, UK-style plugs really are excellent pieces of engineering, best appreciated when upturned and trod upon in the dark.

That actually only happens on reasonable quality ones. Old and cheap shitty ones usually get stuck open or break off very rapidly. The BS spec is only good until 1 insertion after the point of sale.

Source: I was a part time sparky for a few years.