page_title: Table manners in North America
section_title: Offenses
hierarchical_section_title: Table manners in North America / Offenses
caption_attribution_description: - Taken at 2:33 PM on April 03, 2006; cameraphone upload by ShoZuCold, spicy noodles - Korean Food at HMart on Seymour and Robson - Roland in Vancouver 1262.jpg
context_page_description: Table manners are the cultural customs and rules of etiquette used while dining. As in other areas of North American etiquette, the rules governing appropriate table manners have changed over time and may differ depending on the setting.
context_section_description: The convention of avoiding putting one's elbows on the table while eating arose from a time when tables were sufficiently rustic and unstable that leaning on them could cause loose planks to disrupt the meal. However, as time has changed, it has become more acceptable to put one's elbows on the table, but only between courses, not while eating.
  The main reason to be quiet while eating is for safety. According to the National Safety Council, suffocation, especially on foods, was ranked fourth on a list of major causes of death in American homes.
   In most places, it is unacceptable for someone to make disapproving or disrespectful sounds when presented with food. Likewise, blowing one's nose at the table is unacceptable. In addition, slurping food is considered offensive and impolite.
caption: Slurping is an action that has been perceived differently by different cultures.
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