What do we do with something we don't want to eat, that it's already in our mouth ? (Eating Etiquette)

by Manuela
(Canada)

Let's say, we consume olives at the table. What is the proper way to eat them and 'spit' the seeds out and where is the right place we should put them. Same for fish bones, skins and other things we might find in our mouths ?


Mar 12, 2011
Eating Etiquette
by: Kevin (Modern Manners Admin)

You have a great question and the answer depends on how the food is served and also what kind of setting you are in.

If the event is informal, it is considered good etiquette to remove the pit or bone with your index finger and thumb.

There are some foods where it considered normal to hold the pit or bone in your fingers and eat around it. This would be true with chicken wings, olives served alone, or ribs.

If the setting is more formal, then the best way to handle it would be to try and cut the food away from the pit or bone prior to putting it in your mouth.

If you absolutely had to put it in your mouth to eat it, the use your spoon to politely transfer the pit or bone from your mouth to your plate. It is considered very rude to spit the pit or bone from your mouth to your plate.