Is the widespread use of mugs instead of cups and saucers indicative of the countries decline?

Answer 1

Bill, the widespread use of mugs, shows the country is moving forward. Mugs hold more and they are on the 'go', like most people now days.
If you want to have a tea party, put on your ballerina slippers and ask some of the guys over ;.)

Answer 2

Mugs can be practical in certain situations and have been used for centuries so their current higher usage is probably not indicative of any decline in standards. That said, one should know when the use of a cup and saucer is essential, for example, in more formal situations.

What is more worrying is the rise of the paper cup for coffee. In my workplace these are now used even if one is not having a coffee to take away. A bit of a dilemma for me as I hate drinking from them but would not function without a 'cuppa' in the morning.

Answer 3

Definitely. In today's busy society we need one hand free to carry on doing the thing we're supposed to be doing. Cup and saucer would require a two-handed operation, which occupies 50% more manpower (or womanpower).

I think also that balancing a cup and saucer, especially when trying to negotiate a garibaldi dunk or replacing the cup with a teaspoon on the saucer, requires poise and dexterity that is not going to be found whilst hammering the X-Box. We are going to end up with a nation of clumsies!

Also, I believe that the mug is sturdier and has better balance and handling capabilities and people consequently feel a lot more secure.Why do you think so many folks drive SUVs?

Answer 4

Not necessarily - as with all 'signs' of this much talked about 'countries decline' it is based on opinion. Mugs are simply easier and quicker. They are also cheaper to produce, so have become widespread. They are more robust so can be lobbed into dishwashers and handled with less care, so as the whole world has developed, not just this country, it's become best practice to use mugs. So it filters down to our homes. Also what do you actually mean by 'decline'?
Interesting question though...

Answer 5

the widespread mugs that believe in saucers is indicative of the countries decline?

Answer 6

Interesting point. On a similar theme, I often wondered whether haircut and shaving patterns gave any clue as to the rise and/or fall of civilisations.

Certainly the implication is a decline in formal ettiquette. Today, anything goes. You can walk into a pub and see slobs drinking out of the bottle. 25 years ago, it wouldn't even be allowed and you'd be asked to behave properly or leave.
Generally, it might signify a decline in standards.

The fall of the West. Pity there's nothing to replace it. Dark ages here we come again.

Answer 7

It depends on what you are drinking. A high-class tea, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling needs to be served in a cup, as the width of the vessel enables the 'nose' (aroma) of the tea to be appreciated. The same applies to good coffee. The average blended teabag gains from being drunk from a mug, as the narrowness of the vessel concentrates the (stronger) nose of the blended tea and thus facilitates enjoyment of the brew.

We are certainly losing refinement in the UK - the replacement of silver service in hotels by bar-food is a case in point, as is the service of 'ding' (microwaved) food in restaurants. I don't want to pay for a microwaved meal when I dine out, and I feel that restaurants that serve 'ding' food are conning the public. Restaurant food should be prepared and cooked from fresh, not cook-chill or Ganymede. I have a microwave in my kitchen - it is invaluable for defrosting meat, but that is the only use it gets. I'd spit-roast my beef and lamb if I had the space.

Answer 8

I think you could be right although I can't - (don't ask me why) drink from china or porcelain cups- I need a sturdy cup or mug!!
saucers just get broken and are another item to wash- I think we are all becoming lazy!!

Answer 9

Not sure about that, but it is less washing up, I suppose.
Personally, tea and coffee taste much better when drunk out of bone china, be it a cup or mug.
A smart tea set looks much nicer than mugs.

Answer 10

Mugs better,cup and saucer for ppl who spill thier tea,Hence sloppy buggers.