Captain Leland Stottlemeyer, played by Ted Levine, almost always had one in his mouth during the show “Monk.” At least, during the first few seasons.
It’s not common, but it’s not unheard of. I recall back in school when it suddenly became a popular thing amongst the jock and dirtbag crowds. For a while they were also soaking them in cinnamon oil or something.
The earliest that comes to mind is the toothpick the Hoagy Carmichael character chews on in in most of his scenes in To Have and Have Not (1944).
Gives the actor an excuse to hold his teeth together? Clint Eastwood could do it without a toothpick but we can’t all be Clint Eastwood.
On the current season of Survivor: Winners at War, Wendall constantly has a toothpick in his mouth and it makes him look like a douche.
For some reason I remember that’s one of Jeff Foxworthy’s “You know you’re a redneck when…”
“…you have a toothpick in your mouth in all of your wedding pictures.”
Wait, so you’re picking your teeth in public, then pausing until you can do more of it? That’s gross. Pick your teeth in private, then throw the toothpick away! (Well, I guess we should be glad you’re not walking around with a toothbrush hanging out)
So, after reading this thread, are you going to keep doing it? Or is it a habit that you can’t break?
Will I keep doing it? Most likely. For as long as restaurants keep giving out complimentary toothpicks to their diners. But don’t worry, I’m very poor, I’m almost never able to afford to go out and eat nice meals.
Hehe. But I take your point and it’s a good one. That some of yous guys are disgusted by toothpicks. I’ll keep that in mind in the future.
In a long winded way I was explaining how I end up carrying a toothpick in the corner of my mouth for a bit of time. It was surprising and amusing for me to find out so many people are so deeply disturbed by the sight of a toothpick.
Ha, don’t even get me started on people clipping their fingernails on the Metro.
Kojak’s toothpick was his lollipop. Was THAT ever a thing for any other grown up?
I’m surprised by the depth of emotion it’s dredging up. But it beats some habits, like nose-picking.
Or… my best friend puts a piece of gum in his mouth with the wrapper on. It must separate from the gum as he chews, because you can sometimes see the wrapper sticking out of his mouth, then he sucks it back in for another go-round…
...::shudder::
Oh, gums… I can rather stand someone with a toothpick in his mouth than one chewing gum while talking. (only exception: Jimi Hendrix)
For a current example, check out Bokeem Woodbine chewing the scenery and a toothpick in Spenser Confidential on Netflix. Actually, don’t check it out. It’s absolute crap.
The Italian comedy movie Johnny Stecchino literally takes its title from the trope.
There is a guy on the current Survivor who always has a blade of grass sub for a toothpick.
Don’t forget Dusty Baker, who still does it
They replaced Lucky Luke’s cigarette with a blade of grass for modern sensibilities.
Host Eddie Muller during intro said director de Toth took away Hayden’s pack a day habit to ensure an extra level of grumpy hostility in his performance.
Charles Buchinsky was pretty hostile too! A fun movie…
I read this as a “pick a day habit”…
I recently re-watched American Graffiti. Paul Le Mat’s character, John, sports a 'pick.
mmm