2007-01-21 05:56:13 · 8 answers · asked by viking5150 2 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Dining Out
A restaurant bill is called a check because it had its origin from the days, prior to the passage of the Pure Food & Drug Act, when restaurants were not regulated as to the purety and wholesomeness of the meal served. In those days, before a customer or patron was required to pay for the meal, he or she would be "Checked" by the restaurant's proprietor to see whether any health issues had arisen from the risk of indulging in food that may have been contaminated. Upon assurances from the customer or patron that their health had not been endangered or compromised, the meal would be then paid for. So even today, whether you realize it or not, the cashier "Checks" your appearance for any signs of health deterioration before accepting payment. If the cashier fails to provide an adequate review of your appearance as relating to health, just remind him/her to conduct a "Check." They'll know what you're referring to.
2007-01-21 06:30:49 · answer #1 · answered by cliff 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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RE:
why is the restaurant bill called a check?
2015-08-18 22:01:18 · answer #2 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not entirely sure of everything about the words origin however I used to wonder about the word "tab" (as in, "put it on my tab). Apparently that word comes from the word "tabulation".
The word "check" originally comes from the Greek word "ktasthai" which means to acquire which I think has something to do with chess and I believe that it
originated back in the 1400's and by the 1700's the meaning widened to "a token used to check against loss or theft". Which is how the term "hat check" originated. That's all I know.
Take care.
2007-01-21 06:39:44 · answer #3 · answered by Mary R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-04-05 02:54:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe it's bad
2016-07-28 07:49:05 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not sure. it's actually called a chit so maybe it got misunderstood as check a lot so people started calling it that.
2007-01-22 03:19:57 · answer #6 · answered by butter_cream1981 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
need to check that someone else has not put their tab on it.
2007-01-21 06:03:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some things in life just come from customary terminology.....just go with it .
Everything is not such a BIG DAMN DEAL !!
2007-01-21 16:50:20 · answer #8 · answered by BigTip$ 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
it depends...
2016-08-14 08:02:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋