# Tipping in America: the insult tip **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 20, 2017, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226 "2017-08-20T23:14:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![keturah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e95f7d/32.png) [@keturah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keturah)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/41 "2017-08-21T04:38:25Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Hot tea isn’t served with milk/cream in the US? I highly doubt this. > > Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk Not only that, but hot tea is not commonplace in restaurants. Really. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/42 "2017-08-21T04:43:44Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Were the eggs served on a chrome plate? > > 'Cause there’s no plate like chrome for the hollandaise. 30 minutes in the corner for you. Meanwhile, after several years in France and the UK, listening to my fellow Americans moaning because foods weren’t served exactly the way they expected at home, it’s kind of refreshing to hear the reverse. ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/43 "2017-08-21T04:47:40Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > Hot tea isn’t served with milk/cream in the US? I highly doubt this. > > Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk As I’m sure is already covered, I have LITERALLY never seen hot tea served with milk. I’m aware of the use of milk with tea across the pond, but it would not be served with milk except by request in easily 99% of establishments in this country. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/44 "2017-08-21T04:52:51Z")
> [@keturah](#): > > Not only that, but hot tea is not commonplace in restaurants. Really. I wouldn’t go that far; most restaurants, and certainly those that serve breakfast, will offer both coffee and tea, but the tea in this case is brewed from a bag (often Lipton or Tetley’s black tea). It is not what the English would consider to be tea, which is where the the joke in the _Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy_ (the Nutri-Matics Drink Dispenser) comes from. However, when I went to Japan and discovered that “coffee” was not a beverage served hot in a cup at the table for breakfast but was instead something extracted from a small chilled aluminum can out of a vending machine with Tommy Lee Jones glaring menacingly at me, I didn’t flip out and start whinging about how the Japanese have poor service and bad taste. Instead I took it as another lesson about how the Japanese take American culture and put a bizarre twist on it, like pizza with seaweed or ice cream with pickled ume. Don’t even get me started about the Okinawan A&W Root Beer restaurant. They do things very differently over there, which is just fine because the last thing I want making the effort to fly halfway around the world to visit another country is to be served the same thing I get at home every day. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/45 "2017-08-21T04:59:45Z")
I thought this was going to be about something _WAAAAAY_ different. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/46 "2017-08-21T05:02:43Z")
I also call bullshit on the claim that the o.p. learned of the concept of the “insult tip” from this site. Even if that were somehow a legitimate excuse for unconscionably rude behavior, the fact is that doing a search on “insult tip” comes up with this thread and one other on the feasibility of outlawing the practice of tipping. So, not only is the o.p. passive-aggressive but also dishonest in attempting to shed criticism of his behavior. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![keturah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e95f7d/32.png) [@keturah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keturah)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/47 "2017-08-21T05:10:42Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > I wouldn’t go that far; most restaurants, and certainly those that serve breakfast, will offer both coffee and tea, but the tea in this case is brewed from a bag (often Lipton or Tetley’s black tea). It is not what the English would consider to be tea, which is where the the joke in the _Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy_ (the Nutri-Matics Drink Dispenser) comes from. > > However, when I went to Japan and discovered that “coffee” was not a beverage served hot in a cup at the table for breakfast but was instead something extracted from a small chilled aluminum can out of a vending machine with Tommy Lee Jones glaring menacingly at me, I didn’t flip out and start whinging about how the Japanese have poor service and bad taste. Instead I took it as another lesson about how the Japanese take American culture and put a bizarre twist on it, like pizza with seaweed or ice cream with pickled ume. Don’t even get me started about the Okinawan A&W Root Beer restaurant. They do things very differently over there, which is just fine because the last thing I want making the effort to fly halfway around the world to visit another country is to be served the same thing I get at home every day. > > Stranger I think you understood my point. Hot tea is not consumed in the US in the same way that it is in the U.K. Not only is it not ubiquitous, but it is rather rare. Even more so with milk. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/48 "2017-08-21T05:11:19Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Were the eggs served on a chrome plate? > > 'Cause there’s no plate like chrome for the hollandaise. _throws eggs and fenders_ ---
**Author:** ![Flyer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyer/32/7298_2.png) [@Flyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flyer)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/49 "2017-08-21T05:11:25Z")
> [@Tamerlane](#): > > Doubt it all you like - it is unusual enough to be noticeable when it is. Out of the last 100 times I’ve ordered a hot tea in California I can probably count the number of times it automatically came with dairy on my fingers. Maybe on one hand. I’ve been asked if I wanted some a few more times, but it really isn’t standard here, at least in non-upper end restaurants. We just don’t do dairy with tea much - I always drink mine black( + or - sweetener )and so does every other person I know( and I’m considered the resident “tea snob” at work ). Isn’t it kind of unsanitary for the dairy to come on your fingers? And how does the restaurant get it there? ---
**Author:** ![keturah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e95f7d/32.png) [@keturah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/keturah)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/50 "2017-08-21T05:14:51Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > I also call bullshit on the claim that the o.p. learned of the concept of the “insult tip” from this site. Even if that were somehow a legitimate excuse for unconscionably rude behavior, the fact is that doing a search on “insult tip” comes up with this thread and one other on the feasibility of outlawing the practice of tipping. So, not only is the o.p. passive-aggressive but also dishonest in attempting to shed criticism of his behavior. > > Stranger Yes. And he is the stereotypical “european” who pretends to understand US tipping culture and used it to be an asshole. Glad you saved those couple quid, Quartz. Save it to spend on milk for your tea back home. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/51 "2017-08-21T05:26:41Z")
Son of a gun. I live next door and have traveled in the US many, many, many times. But I honestly had no idea tea wouldn’t be automatically served with milk or cream. That’s crazy talk! One of those strange cultural differences between the US and Canada, like vinegar on french fries, I suppose. Sent from my XT1635-02 using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/52 "2017-08-21T05:32:58Z")
We typically put vinegar on French fries only when they are served with deep-fried battered whitefish. And then we call the French fries “chips”. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/53 "2017-08-21T05:51:18Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Were the eggs served on a chrome plate? > > 'Cause there’s no plate like chrome for the hollandaise. This should be a bannable offense. My “insult tip” is to only tip 15%. I don’t think I ever had to go down to 10%. ---
**Author:** ![Evan\_Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b487fb/32.png) [@Evan\_Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evan_Drake)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/54 "2017-08-21T07:15:30Z")
People should tip what they want. In Britain not only do tea and coffee automatically travel with milk, but most places I can demand Soya Milk. ---
**Author:** ![bucketybuck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/898d66/32.png) [@bucketybuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bucketybuck)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/55 "2017-08-21T07:30:43Z")
Guy gets a crap meal and then gets abuse on here because he didn’t pay extra for the privilege, thats some warped logic right there. ---
**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:** [August 21, 2017, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/56 "2017-08-21T07:33:50Z")
I think anything that helps end the poisonous practice of tipping is to be applauded and if there is any power in the tip at all then using it in order to add weight to a complaint is a good thing. I always tip the absolute minimum possible, including when in the USA. Or to put it another way, I pay the price requested. I think tipping is an outmoded, snobbish, master and servant power-play. One-upmanship that gives employers incentives to screw over their workers. I assume all the US dopers pointing out the special circumstances in the USA and requesting that visitors change their practice are also modifying their behaviour abroad? And the waiting staff are the representatives of the restaurant. They are the ones selling to me and bear the brunt of my compliments or complaints. If I have a complaint in a hotel I’ll talk to the receptionist event though they don’t make the beds or clean the shower (disclosure - I’ve never tipped the person who makes up my rooms but never had cause to complain), If my car hasn’t been serviced correctly then the service receptionist will get it in the neck and I’ll expect them to sort it (disclosure - I’ve never tipped a garage either for any type of service they’ve provided and again, never had cause to complain). If you think it fair that the waitstaff gets an increased tip because the food is good then of course it makes sense to remove the tip if it is bad. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/57 "2017-08-21T07:55:33Z")
> [@NDP](#): > > My understanding is an “insult tip” is 10%. Also, it would pertain to the poor quality of the service and not the food. 10% used to be standard. Inflation at the base cost and inflation of a percentage is an ugly combination. I hate tipping. I think it’s stupid. I think people should be paid their negotiated wages. But since it’s the custom here and the wages agreed upon include the fact that tipping is part of the culture you should have talked to the manager about the quality of food and your other expectations. Typically the management wants to make the customer happy. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/58 "2017-08-21T07:58:06Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > I assume all the US dopers pointing out the special circumstances in the USA and requesting that visitors change their practice are also modifying their behaviour abroad? I can’t speak for anyone else in the thread, but I’ve spent about 6 of my 42 years outside the US and I certainly change my behavior to local norms (for example, were this a British message board, I might have added a “u” to “behavior”). I also appreciate being told when I’ve committed some kind of faux pas. I’m far from perfect, but I try very hard not to repeat mistakes. I don’t think it would even occur to me to do otherwise. If you want things to be done exactly the same way they are at home, why even leave? ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/59 "2017-08-21T09:35:52Z")
Goddamn Waffle House always screws up the hollandaise. > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > …I’ve never tipped the person who makes up my rooms but never had cause to complain… This is the only instance where I actually enjoy tipping. I figure it’s a shitty job, and most people don’t leave anything. You can brighten someone’s day with a simple gesture. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2017, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226/60 "2017-08-21T10:04:02Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > I also call bullshit on the claim that the o.p. learned of the concept of the “insult tip” from this site. Even if that were somehow a legitimate excuse for unconscionably rude behavior, the fact is that doing a search on “insult tip” comes up with this thread and one other on the feasibility of outlawing the practice of tipping. So, not only is the o.p. passive-aggressive but also dishonest in attempting to shed criticism of his behavior. While I abhor the practice of tipping in general (pay your staff properly and price your food to reflect that!), I learned of the idea of an “insult tip” (leaving a 1c piece, IIRC) from this site; I’d never encountered it before. It wasn’t referred to as an “insult tip” but I’ve certainly seen the practice mentioned here and there’s no reason the OP wouldn’t have also seen it. I must say that I wouldn’t have thought of 10% as an insult in many cases - I know at least one large company I have a professional relationship with will only reimburse tips to that amount as part of an expense claim. Besides, if you order $32 worth of food and drinks (so, a hamburger, chips and a beer) there’s really not a lot of effort involved in writing that down, walking over to the kitchen, giving it to the cook, putting the food and a bottle of beer on a tray, and walking back over. I wouldn’t have thought saying “Here’s $35; keep the change” was unreasonable for that. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tipping-in-america-the-insult-tip/794226.md?page=4)