Italian Customs
by Aislinn Smith
What's the difference?
Italian Customs are very different to those shown by Australians, and here are some examples.
Italian Customs
Table Etiquette
- It is considered rude to sit down without being invited to.
- Leaving large amounts of food on your plate is disrespectful.
- Keeping your plate tidy is a must.
- Snacks must be eaten with a knife and fork, unless you are among friends.
- Taking large helpings is considered rude.
- Drinking small amounts of wine is politer than large amounts.
Clothes
- Dressing up well, even in public, is considered polite.
- Clothing indicates social status.
- Bare backs, knees and shoulders are considered offensive.
Etiquette towards new people
- Politeness is essential.
- It is rude to call someone by their first name until they say you can.
- Asking a woman's age is impolite, especially if they're middle aged.
- First impressions are everything.
- Looking into the other person's eyes while shaking their hand is polite.
Jokes
- Humour is appreciated and accepted in Italy.
- Jokes told by Italians may contain issues pertaining to the place, but if you are not Italian it is considered offensive.
- Jokes among friends may have gross connotations, but resolve in a funny way.
Australian Customs
Table Etiquette
- Siting down without invitation is fine.
- Leaving large amounts of food on your plate is frowned upon, but not disrespectful.
- Keeping your plate tidy is not a must.
- Eating finger food is fine.
- Large helpings are alright, as long as they're not enormous.
- Drinking wine carries no burden.
Clothes
- Relaxed clothing is fine unless you are somewhere fancy.
- Clothing indicates very little, unless you're in a suit or fancy attire.
- Any sort of clothing is fine, bare body parts are not taboo unless they're erogenous.
Etiquette towards new people
- Politeness is appreciated.
- Calling someone by their first name is alright.
- Asking a woman's age is impolite, especially if they're middle aged.
- First impressions are everything.
- Looking into a person's eyes while speaking to them is polite.
Jokes
- Humour is appreciated and accepted in Australia.
- Jokes told by Australians are very free in concept.
- Jokes among friends may have gross connotations, but resolve in a funny way.