American English Podcast 189.2 - To Tip or Not to Tip? Cultural Curiosities with Liz
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May 14, 2025 Dive into the curious world of tipping as the hosts unpack its complicated cultural significance in the U.S. They share personal anecdotes highlighting the pitfalls of tipping and discuss controversial aspects like classification as wages. The conversation shifts to dating etiquette, exploring who should pay on a first date and the nuances of personal space. With humor and insights on dining practices, listeners will reflect on their own social norms and the impact on service workers. It's a lively exploration of modern monetary manners!
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Tipping Culture in the U.S.
- Tips are expected more frequently in the U.S., especially in restaurants and service industries.
- Be prepared to tip around 15-20% before tax for dining service to support workers.
Tipping Fiasco at Closing Pizza Place
- Shauna recounts a tipping fiasco where one person left only 50 cents on a large group bill.
- She ended up tipping extra to make up for the insult and felt bad for the server.
Servers Rely on Tips to Survive
- Many U.S. states pay servers below federal minimum wage, relying on tips to reach a living wage.
- This makes tipping critical for service workers' income and survival.