Belching, breaking wind, grabbing things without asking, and slurping soup I can understand...but sometimes it's just nice to rest your arms this way.
2007-01-20 11:57:02 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I heard that it was because in early times in the US that there were so many people crowded around the table that it would get crowded if everyone put their elbows on the table.
In Europe it is a different story. My mother says it's polite to always have both hands above the table. You may put your elbows on the table if you like, as well. This dates back to bad times in Europe when if you couldn't see your companion's hands, he might be holding a knife to stab you with.
2007-01-20 12:04:50 · answer #1 · answered by tisamely 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This was covered, somewhat, in an etiquette class I took when I was 13. First of all, it's only rude if you do it during the courses. You may put your elbows on the table between courses or after you finish.
Anyway, the thought was that the custom stemmed from the great houses and castles of England during the middle ages when they did not have dining tables in the great halls. Tables were made from trestles and then covered with a cloth. The diners would sit along one side only so if they put their elbows on the table and leaned on them too heavily, the table would tip over. Don't know how true that is, but it was a theory tossed around in class.
2007-01-20 20:04:42 · answer #2 · answered by glitterkittyy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Putting elbows on the table is a breach of etiquette at polite dinner parties. These rules were designed so as not to offend anyone. They may be outmoded in today's freer society, but good manners are always in vogue. My suggestion: When you're at home in a more informal atmosphere, probably no one will mind if you rest your arms in this manner, but if you are invited to a formal dinner party, it's best to display good manners. Oh, and don't forget to use your napkin, don't slurp, don't grab, etc.etc.
2007-01-20 20:08:24 · answer #3 · answered by gldjns 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is only considered rude during eating in which case you are taking up more than your alloted space for dining. After the meal has finished and people are lingering at the table then you may place your elbows on the table.
2007-01-20 20:03:29 · answer #4 · answered by castle h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is. You could get your sleeves in the food, going back to the mideval time, when people wore long swallow-tailed sleeves, haveing your elbows on the table would be sure to drag your clothing in the dish. That and I surmise my grandmother had some reason for cracking me across the arms with her ruler
2007-01-21 17:37:52 · answer #5 · answered by essexsrose 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to my culture putting your elbows on the dinner table is out of respect for the foods, not only that you are also giving misfortune to the family. In short it is a sign of bad luck.
2007-01-20 20:34:40 · answer #6 · answered by linda c 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My guess would be that it would take up too much table room, you might knock something over or block out someone sitting next to you from joining in a dinner conversation.
2007-01-20 20:37:06 · answer #7 · answered by BR 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may come from circumstances where the table was a little crowded. Elbows added to the crowding.
2007-01-20 20:01:11 · answer #8 · answered by Mr Ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe cuz the table is meant to have food and dishes and forks and spoons instead of your body part and bacteria would probably go into the food
2007-01-20 22:08:12 · answer #9 · answered by raspmenu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My guess is that it shows laziness and possibly bad posture.
2007-01-20 20:22:21 · answer #10 · answered by dgclip1981 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋