In a certain culture, why is it rude is decline to eat the food when someone offered the food to them? How could this be? For example, when a person welcoming a guest offers that guest some food and the guest said "no thanks", then it is considered rude. I know that cultures vary in difference. But I don't see why this could be rude.
It is not like it's the guest intention to be disrespect.
2006-07-17 19:01:44 · 14 answers · asked by caltam84 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
it's not culture difference,it depends more on the person.
2006-07-17 19:05:25 · answer #1 · answered by gerlooser 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I beleive it stems from the fact that not everyone can afford to eat. In alot of places there isn't enough food to go around and if someone wants to offer you food that they worked hard to get or make and you say no than it's like a slap in the face. Don't get me wrong not everywhere is like that but if you end up in a place that is I'm sure a bite wont kill you. Or even just a hug. Unexpected hugs are fun to watch, give, recieve and make very good distractions.
2006-07-18 07:06:16 · answer #2 · answered by shorty 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In some places, food is scarce, or not plentiful enough or takes alot of time to make due to the lack of modern conveniences and/or electricity. So therefor, when someone is offering the food to others, that one is trying to honor their guests. "Look at all the work I've put into to offer you this." To refuse,is to kind of like spit in that person's eye-"I don't care about your efforts." In out culture, food is plentiful and easily made. That's why the same principle do not apply to us.
2006-07-17 19:07:23 · answer #3 · answered by sacredmud 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's because the food is thought of as a gift. I mean, if someone handed you a present, and you said "no thanks", that would be pretty rude.
Also, you are probably expected to know the customary food to give a guest, or something, and be prepared to eat it.
Interesting question.
2006-07-18 01:14:00 · answer #4 · answered by kayleigh w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's rude to do that in my country. the reason being is that the host has bothered to make food for guests. so, she/he would like some sense of gratefulness in return. so, the guest should always accept food that is offered (even if you don't feel like eating it). i did that once. i was scolded by my mother for making the host looked/turned sour because i didn't want to eat her cookies.
2006-07-17 21:16:33 · answer #5 · answered by anak sendu 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are refusing their hospitality in the form of the food offered.
And you're possibly insulting the cooks ability and judging it solely on the appearance and smell.
2006-07-17 19:24:20 · answer #6 · answered by redcarol57 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The persom or his wife went to the truble to make the offering in friendship. It is only right to accept it in frinedship. if then you do not like it dan't eat more but at least try it.
2006-07-17 19:06:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
but it's taken as a sign of disrespect. the person offer you food as a sign of hospitality. to say that you are my equal and we will eat together. if you decline you are basically saying you think you are better then that person and you won't eat with them.
2006-07-17 19:05:17 · answer #8 · answered by vampire_kitti 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's rude here in the u.s. as well.I believe that if you invite someone over for lunch or dinner,you should tell them ahead of time what your serving.But that's just me!
2006-07-18 07:25:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes I wonder if people who serve food abroad know of this rule and use it to their advantage. "Company's comin', pull out the tripe and testicle soup...hehehehe".
2006-07-17 19:06:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋