This Centuries-Old Dining Etiquette Rule Is Totally Useless Now!

“Don’t talk with your mouth full”, “keep your elbows off the table”, “don’t play with your food”… How many parents tirelessly try to teach these basic dining manners to their children? Not necessarily in hopes of them dining with aristocrats (but one can dream), but to ensure they can behave appropriately in social settings.

Some etiquette rules are just common sense. Naturally, everyone would wait for all guests to be seated—and especially for the host who has slaved away in the kitchen—before starting the meal. However, other rules are more deceptive and can easily trap us. Take, for instance, the hearty “bon appétit” we proclaim before eating in a naive burst of politeness, not realizing that we’re actually wishing everyone a smooth digestion. This can be jarring to those who are meticulous about etiquette, as it brings up anatomical references at the dining table.

There are also age-old dining etiquette rules that we continue to follow without really understanding why. Some persist with no reason, referencing realities that are now completely outdated. For example, you might have been scolded as a child for cutting your salad. This practice dates back to the 18th or 19th century and was originally for a practical reason. Back then, people used steel cutlery, which could oxidize and rust when in contact with vinegar. It was considered impolite to intentionally damage one’s knife blade in such a way. Yet, nearly two centuries later, even though stainless steel has replaced regular steel, this custom has not faded away.

If someone criticizes you for slicing your lettuce, you can now counter with this sharp argument. But if you’d rather avoid confrontation at the dining table (understandably so), we strongly suggest using the edge of your fork or a piece of bread to assist you.