2006-09-23 10:17:08 · 11 answers · asked by ? 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
cos your too relaxed so it looks disrespectful. also may indicate that your bored, tired and basically dont give a s*** about the people around u....
so yeah, it just looks disrespectful
2006-09-23 10:19:53 · answer #1 · answered by carcaterra 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If people are sitting close to each other it crowds the table. If you're left handed and you have your elbow up on the table the right handed person on your left wouldn't be able to use their right hand without bumping your elbow. This is the real reason for the etiquette rule. It's not an arbitrary rule that was made up. It's rude to other diner's because your elbow takes up too much space on the table.
2006-09-27 06:36:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the great houses and castles of England during the middle ages did not have dining tables in the great halls, so tables were made from trestles and covered with a cloth. The diners sat along one side only; if they put their elbows on the table and leaned too heavily, the table could collapse.
2006-09-23 10:41:17 · answer #3 · answered by PrincessB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that this is one of those etiquette rules that got its origin in something practical. In this case, keeping your elbows off the table means that you won't be accidentally putting them in your plate thereby ruining your food and your clothing.
Princess B's got a good point, too. The dining table in my house is kind of weak in the middle, so people who are sitting in that spot aren't allowed to put their elbows on the table for fear that they will put additional stress on it and break the table.
2006-09-23 18:43:05 · answer #4 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does very bad things for one's posture, and makes you look like you're about to boarding-house-reach across the table to take what you want. It looks impatient and ill-bred. Before dining it more acceptable, afterwards as well, although it still makes you slouch a little. Better to rest your forearms on the table, it's nicer.
2006-09-24 08:52:12 · answer #5 · answered by Holly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's fine. Better leverage for heavy lifting and it puts my face closer to the plate so food I can't stuff my mouth doesn't fall on my shirt. It's easier to reach other people's plates to snatch stuff they aren't going to eat before the servants take it in the back and scarf!.
2015-10-21 05:27:51 · answer #6 · answered by Todd Moone 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The etiquette on this says that while you and others are eating it is not polite. However, it's perfectly fine to do before and after dinner.
It does seem strange though, now that I think of it!
2006-09-23 13:12:42 · answer #7 · answered by Genie♥Angel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is faux posh to believe that, like saying "pardon" it exposes you as lower middle class.
It is OK to put your elbows on the table, say what or excuse me if you don't hear something, and it is OK to eat some things with your fingers
2006-09-23 10:21:23 · answer #8 · answered by n2mustaches 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I read that in some cultures it's the other way around. They like you to keep your hands where they can see them. Sounds cagey but i guess it's like the handshake..orig. to show that you weren't holding a weapon.
2006-09-23 10:31:34 · answer #9 · answered by lucky 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
because it makes you look like a hungry hog, you can however rest your arms on the table
2006-09-23 10:24:43 · answer #10 · answered by Jamie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋