# Gloves off... let's tackle all aspects of eating etiquette. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 5, 2019, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082 "2019-06-05T16:06:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/41 "2019-06-06T13:22:02Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > This also allows the blower to wash his hands before touching the gravy bowl again. Seriously, if it’s acceptable to hork loogies at the dinner table it should also be acceptable to throw coffee cups, at a high velocity, at the skull of the horker. You may be envisioning a different sort of nose blowing than I {shrug} ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/42 "2019-06-06T13:47:28Z")
> [@Ashtura](#): > > I heard it dates back to midieval times where you sat in a row and doing so might bump your neighbor, spill a drink, whatever. > > I don’t care what the reasoning is, it’s a fucking stupid rule and I don’t follow it. Let them think I’m a heathen. My mother was a real stickler for table manners. According to her, it’s only rude if other guests are still eating. (Still a stupid rule though) ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/43 "2019-06-06T13:50:28Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > I made a mess, and got red bay-scented crab juice all over me. A little Old Bay scented crab juice behind the ears adds a +1 to an ugly girl’s looks. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/44 "2019-06-06T13:53:40Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > Ah, I had no idea American exceptionalism extended to seafood. > > I think you’d be hard pushed to suggest that the French don’t know how to enjoy their food, or Norfolk doesn’t produce some of the most amazing crab in the world. And yet we still don’t need a stupid baby bib. > > Honestly, it makes you all look like Trump. Your petty jealousy and ignorance exposes the Trump that is in your heart. Americans love and respect the great cuisine from around the world, we have as many or more restaurants that feature international culinary experiences than our own American food. But you have chosen to criticize the manner in which we eat our specialties that are without compare, and which you clearly have never enjoyed. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/45 "2019-06-06T13:58:40Z")
Can’t imagine what the non-nose-blowers are thinking of. It is perfectly possible to blow your nose discreetly at the table without making a noise or fuss or a mess. If you are using a tissue correctly (i.e. you aren’t 4 years old) there is no need for hands to be washed either as all you are touching is a clean tissue. As for bibs, I went for a meal at Legal Seafood in Boston and I refused to wear a bib because I am not 4 year old. (and though the seafood was nice enough it wasn’t a patch on the seafood platters I’ve had at various places in the Med.) Drinking with your mouth full does turn my stomach somewhat. I eat, then I drink. Never in the same mouthfull. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/46 "2019-06-06T14:03:13Z")
Amended: It can be OK to blow your nose at the dinner table with conditions. However, keep one eye open if you aren’t as discreet as you think. Coffee cup coming your way! ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/47 "2019-06-06T14:32:17Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Your petty jealousy and ignorance exposes the Trump that is in your heart. Americans love and respect the great cuisine from around the world, we have as many or more restaurants that feature international culinary experiences than our own American food. But you have chosen to criticize the manner in which we eat our specialties that are without compare, and which you clearly have never enjoyed. I can’t imagine why on earth anyone would want to frequent an establishment that expects one to eviscerate one’s own crustacean, and have to wear some sort of plastic pinafore in order to do so. I should imagine that these are the sorts of places that serve hollandaise with barely discernible lemon. ---
**Author:** ![Chicken\_Fingers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Chicken\_Fingers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chicken_Fingers)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/48 "2019-06-06T14:57:57Z")
It’s not a universal American thing. Only wet-behind-the-ears noobs wear bibs to eat lobster or crab. Aside from the manners aspect, I hate it when people blow their noses at the table. It’s invariably when I’ve just eaten a mouthful of something creamy, and my imagination goes to bad places. You can discreetly dab your nose, just as you can slip fish bones and pits out of your mouth, without anyone noticing. For big jobs, please leave the table. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/49 "2019-06-06T15:06:54Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > I can’t imagine why on earth anyone would want to frequent an establishment that expects one to eviscerate one’s own crustacean, and have to wear some sort of plastic pinafore in order to do so. > > I should imagine that these are the sorts of places that serve hollandaise with barely discernible lemon. They are that type of place, as is most every US restaurant. Hollandaise is one of those things where American food is usually inferior, if not downright dangerous to consume. OTOH while Remoulade was invented in France, it took French and then later Canadian expats in New Orleans to perfect the sauce. Although I haven’t been able to trace it’s origins accurately, Old Bay seasoning, the commercial representative of the required ingredient of Maryland steam crabs may also have been perfected by those same French-Canadian immigrants in the Baltimore area. And I still fail to see how wearing a bib is poor etiquette. I have to admit it is silly looking to me, someone who doesn’t place apparel above the enjoyment of life’s great pleasures. But it is not an issue of etiquette. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/50 "2019-06-06T15:10:21Z")
I hesitate to use the term “snowflakes”, but . . . _damn_, people! ---
**Author:** ![SanVito](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sanvito/32/2805_2.png) [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/51 "2019-06-06T15:43:55Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > And I still fail to see how wearing a bib is poor etiquette. I have to admit it is silly looking to me, someone who doesn’t place apparel above the enjoyment of life’s great pleasures. But it is not an issue of etiquette. Imagine the Queen tucking in her baby bib to chow down on some lobster, then come back and tell me if that looks like an issue of table etiquette. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/52 "2019-06-06T15:46:19Z")
> [@SanVito](#): > > Imagine the Queen tucking in her baby bib to chow down on some lobster, then come back and tell me if that looks like an issue of table etiquette. Seems to me if the Queen does it, it is by definition proper etiquette. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/53 "2019-06-06T15:49:26Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > Can’t imagine what the non-nose-blowers are thinking of. > > It is perfectly possible to blow your nose discreetly at the table without making a noise or fuss or a mess. If you are using a tissue correctly (i.e. you aren’t 4 years old) there is no need for hands to be washed either as all you are touching is a clean tissue. > … Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/54 "2019-06-06T15:51:21Z")
I don’t really like lobster all that much, so I never order it in the US. I will occasionally order a Caribbean lobster when in the Caribbean (better tasting, much cheaper). I’ve never seen anyone wearing a bib in the Caribbean, and I’ve never been offered one. Then again, if you are splattered with lobster juice you can wade out into the sea after your meal. ---
**Author:** ![BrickBat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@BrickBat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrickBat)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/55 "2019-06-06T16:10:20Z")
Somebody “Smacking” as they chew drives me absolutely insane, either the lips or mouth/chewing smacking. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/56 "2019-06-06T16:13:11Z")
> [@BrickBat](#): > > Somebody “Smacking” as they chew drives me absolutely insane, either the lips or mouth/chewing smacking. I’ve never noticed it. (but apparently – according to my wife–I’m sometimes guilty of it) ---
**Author:** ![Patch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Patch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patch)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/57 "2019-06-06T16:39:52Z")
Based on a Reddit post on JustNoMIL (just no mother-in-law, all about mother-in-law horror stories), I would say eating soup with your fingers. Out at a restaurant with the MIL, who was apparently a disgusting person on several levels, she apparently decided it was easier to pick the bits of meat and veg out of the soup with her long fingernails, smacking loudly as she ate, then slurped all the liquid out of the bowl. I have a visual of this in my head now every fucking time I eat soup. ---
**Author:** ![Motorgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e36b37/32.png) [@Motorgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Motorgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/58 "2019-06-06T16:44:50Z")
I’ll continue to take a sip of my drink while I have food in my mouth, thanks. Due to the combo of medicines I need to take, plus a lifelong propensity to it, I have a pretty significant case of dry mouth. I literally do not produce enough saliva to swallow my food without a sip of liquid. I assume you’d rather I do that than cause you to have to perform the Heimlich, right? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/59 "2019-06-06T17:24:33Z")
> [@Stuntman\_Mike](#): > > … > First, **sticking out one’s tongue to receive the food** being eaten… As I reached my tongue out to lick Greek yogurt off the spoon today (by myself, but I probably would do it in company, too) I am wondering about when this even comes up. Eating an ice cream cone? Licking ice cream off the spoon? Licking yogurt off the spoon? Using the tongue as well as the lips to take a chicken nugget out of your fingers? I don’t spend a lot of time looking at how people eat, but it feels more awkward to me to open wide and shove a large morsel all the way into the mouth with a spoon or fingers than to guide it in with the lips and tongue. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2019, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082/60 "2019-06-06T17:43:38Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > Yeah, (bibs are) de rigueur for eating a bunch of steamed crabs Maryland style, for sure. That I wouldn’t know about. I and my clothes _have_ survived for many years eating lobster without protective gear. Side note: I should ask **Qadgop** about one of his diagnoses. I had a dream the other night in which **Qadgop** and I were riding on a bus, and a couple boarded, holding an infant which had turned blue and appeared lifeless. **Qadgop** went over to examine it, proclaimed that it was suffering from a “trapped cough” and sent me out to find a dentistry textbook. :dubious: It took a long time and I never found where the bus had gone. Can **Qadgop** explain this syndrome for future reference? 🙂 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gloves-off-lets-tackle-all-aspects-of-eating-etiquette/835082.md?page=4)