Why is it considered a bad manner to put elbows on the table when lunching ?

Answer 1

It's a part of old school of etiquette. I've thought of this also and checked out people at homes, and fancy restaurants. Certainly everyone isn't observing this custom; and it's just one more thing to discriminate against. Snobs of the old school had to set themselves from the common folk. Do whatever you want, and use that famous two word phrase on anyone who criticizes you, except your mama, that is.

Answer 2

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 leant too heavily, the table could collapse.

Answer 3

I remember being told that elbows on the table didn't look nice and that it encouraged slouching and other forms of bad posture. An alternative that I came up with is putting the wrists on the table instead, as it draws less attention to yourself. Plus, good posture is maintained this way.

Answer 4

Keeping your elbows to yourself will assure that:
- you'll dot disturb the confort of the people siting next to you;
- you'll keep your good posture;
- will ensure that you'll be bringing the food to your mouth & not leaning too much over the table getting to it;

Good manners allows you to only gently rest on the table your hands up to your rists.

Best training is to start practising at home with two books under your arms. Good luck!

Answer 5

In the interest of civility, which society today seems to disregard, elbows on the table while dining is a sign of slovenliness and ignorance of the rules of social intercourse. A shared meal ought to convey respect amongst participants. What you do by yourself at Burger King is your own business. Unless others are present.

Answer 6

because looks like you are riding a motorcycle instead of being in a table trying to eat.
talking seriously is because eat is an art and you must use only your hands and recline part of you radius and cubit close to the edge of the table.
the elbow is unacceptable because there is no way to use the silverware if you have them in the table.
Also if you want to know what type of person is eating with you just watch how eats and you will discover many secrets .

Answer 7

I grew up knowing this. Where it came from, who knows. I follow it when eating. Once the dishes are cleared at home I do put my elbows on the table sometimes when I am sipping hot coffee or tea.

Answer 8

What? what kind of crap is that!? Everybody dines with their elbows on the table. Where do you expect to put 'em?! under the goddamn table? Your reach your arms above, like you're being electrocuted? IT IS NOT BAD MANNER, the only bad things are eating while talking, hat on during important occasions, or slurping and munching loudly.

Answer 9

Because no one wants your nasty, crusty elbows on their table. Elbows are gross. Even the non-crusty ones.


You lean your forearms, on the table, but the elbows should never be on it.

Answer 10

not sure and i hate it because its so much more comfortable. I guess its because we usually slouch a bit when we do and its not so much as bad manners but more like we look like we dont have poise or something