Etiquette and Manners

 

Etiquette and Manners

'Etiquette' and 'manners' are synonymous words' The word 'etiquette' is derived from French language. It means the rules of correct behaviour in society. On the other hand, 'manners' is an English word. It means the behaviour that is considered to be polite in a particular society or culture. In English there is a slight difference between the meanings of the words 'manner' and 'manners'' Manner refers to usual behaviour towards others. It may be good or bad. However, the word 'manners' is the plural form of the word 'manner'. It refers to polite ways of treating people, Speaking with food in one's mouth is socially' considered a bad manner. A bad mannered person has less social acceptance. Everybody dislikes him. The idea of 'etiquette' and 'manners' is not same. It varies from culture to culture and society to society. The best institute of learning 'etiquette' and 'manners' is the family. We learn it from our parents at our very early age. We also learn it in schools, colleges and from professional bodies. Every social occasion has its own rules of behaviour. They are different from each other. Some behaviour may be appropriate in a wedding ceremony, but inappropriate in a debating club. So, we must be careful about 'etiquette' and 'manners' as they represent the quality of individuals.