Tipping - when & where did it start & why?

For the record, I’m not asking because I’m cheap … just curious as to WHY we tip our servers, when they’re being paid to serve us food & drinks … WHEN this custom started … and if it’s done in most countries? (I’m in Canada).

I’m not opposed to tipping as a reward for good (or even average) service. However, I do find it amusing that we tip for poor or almost nonexistent service - as if it would be rude not to - even though in essence we’re giving a reward to people for doing a bad job!

this response is from Cecil in the archive


Hell, I always thought it was so employers in the service industry could pay their employees even less…

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_333.html

Great - thank you!