Former Super Bowl champion starts a thread about tipping culture in America, and it’s a must read.
This year I spent a lot more time abroad and got used to not tipping. Got back to the US and had sticker shock every time I had to add +20% to my bill. So, I did some research, trying to answer the question–why are we one of the few places in the world with tipping?
This year I spent a lot more time abroad and got used to not tipping.
Got back to the US and had sticker shock every time I had to add +20% to my bill.
So I did some research, trying to answer the question–why are we one of the few places in the world with tipping?
— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) February 21, 2024
Tipping culture in the United States can indeed be perplexing for visitors.
Let’s delve into the reasons behind it.
Historical Origins:
Tipping became commonplace in the US during the 1900s. Rumor has it that European aristocrats, after their visits to Europe where tipping was customary, wanted to appear cultured and sophisticated. They brought the practice back to the US.
However, Americans were criticized by Europeans for over-tipping. Despite this, tipping persisted due to a specific reason.
Tipping Credit:
In the 1960s, the US Congress introduced a “tipping credit.” This allowed employers to pay employees (especially in the food industry) below the minimum wage, assuming they would make up the difference through tips.
Consequently, servers, bartenders, and other tipped workers often rely heavily on tips to supplement their meager paychecks.
While some professions treat tips as a bonus, others depend on them for survival.
Restaurant & Cafe Norms:
When dining out, the standard tip is around 20% of the bill. Anything less is generally considered subpar.
Servers and bartenders work tirelessly, balancing hot plates, remembering orders, and maintaining a smile. Their income primarily comes from tips.
The emotional toll of dealing with particular customers and unexpected food complaints can be draining.
Flashback to the tipping credit: servers may earn substantial cash tips, but their base pay remains minimal.
Other Tipping Scenarios:
Tipping extends beyond restaurants. You might tip valets, hairstylists, masseuses, and even the cute guy at your local coffee shop.
Hotels, spas, and salons also appreciate tips, especially where staff compensation isn’t generous.
Where not to Tip:
You don’t have to tip at fast food places or coffee shops with counter service (but don’t worry, there will be a tip jar just in case).
Ndamukong Suh, an American football player, is currently a free agent and a defensive tackle. He played college football at Nebraska, where he achieved great success and earned multiple awards.
In the 2010 NFL Draft, he was chosen as the second overall pick by the Detroit Lions.
Throughout his career, he has also played for the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Suh has participated in three Super Bowls, representing different teams in each.
His time with the Lions saw notable accomplishments, with four All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections and being named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2010.
Suh signed a record-breaking contract with the Dolphins in 2015 but was released after three seasons.
He has faced criticism for his intense playing style and lack of sportsmanship, but his talent earned him a place on the NFL 2010’s All-Decade Team.
In summary, tipping in the US is deeply ingrained due to historical factors, economic policies, and the reliance of many workers on tips.
Fans reacted as follows:
As a European who goes to America lot I don’t mind tipping the 20% for good service but some places it’s expected regardless of the standard of service. That for me is where I struggle because I know it’s to make up wages but also you should earn the tip not just expect it
— Drew Ashurst (@DAshurst23) February 21, 2024
I have never had a problem with tipping at restaurants. The experience guides the tip. The problem now is coffee shops and the like that expect the tip before you receive the product or service. That’s literally just me paying you so your owner doesn’t have to.
— Poopbutt69, M.D, Ph.D. (@gmanfridge) February 21, 2024
"Tipping" is such a bad culture
— Abdulrahman Alnassar (@By3Abdulrahman) February 21, 2024
Where this certainly gets out of hand is fast causal concepts where the interaction with the “service” workers is essentially a window into the kitchen and hybrid kitchen staff who scoop into bowls, etc.
— Paul Blaylock (@paulb272006) February 21, 2024
Most workers who work for tips make much more money than they would if they were making at or slightly above minimum wage. In fact a lot of folks I know who work for tips are living just fine. I enjoy tipping well for good service. Poor service I tip but not as well.
— Gobirds! (@WRnation123) February 21, 2024
Tipping culture is excellent.
It creates a meritocracy where folks who try harder can earn more money and the poor performers don't last.
It's why the USA is the service capital of the world.
I love it!
— Nick Huber (@sweatystartup) February 21, 2024
The real question is: Are business owners actually passing the tips to their employees, or are they keeping them for themselves?
— Gav Stark (@GavStark1) February 22, 2024
An interesting thread. Thanks for history lesson. Tipping in America has largely become the consumer subsiding the wages of the employees on behalf of the business.
I would pay a little more on menu price in exchange for not tipping and knowing the staff receives a living wage
— capturetheta135 (@capturetheta135) February 21, 2024
My grandmother was a waitress for 50 years in at Silk City Diner in Philly. She was a single mother of two at the age of 19. She never pandered. She did her job well and people rewarded her for it. When she retired she had 3 homes and enough to retire comfortably. She would tell…
— Peter J Kratofilow (@PeterJKratofilo) February 22, 2024
It used to be a gratuity – a thank you to the server. Now it's not simply expected, it's demanded; and there is retribution if it doesn't please the recipient. On top of all that, it's not even appreciated.
— Daniel Stroup (@DanielStroupArt) February 21, 2024
I felt the same thing the first time I left the US. I learned that in other countries people in the service industries make living wages, have free health care, and funded pensions.
— D. K. (@DK70813) February 21, 2024
Mr. Suh. I guarantee you won’t mind tipping and would be glad to tip extra if servers followed these rules. My personal Server Manifesto. If you need some help in your restaurants, hit me up.https://t.co/VLaZr1hbPA
— Kenny Kim (@KendoVT) February 21, 2024
We were Stationed in Okinawa, Japan; and we found it interesting they didn’t want a Tip.
However, we also noticed, the Restaurants that was close to the Base (s), they had Tip Jars fully displayed..
But the Restaurants far away from the Base (s), no sight of tip jars.
— THE_NOMADCAST ®️ (@The_NomadCast) February 21, 2024
But some countries and resorts outside the US force add a service charge. Just saw this in MX and Bahamas which makes me appreciate my option in the US… even tho it’s an expected option
— David Sullivan (@homesandhomies) February 21, 2024
Tipping is anti-American at its core. I’ve yet to hear a compelling argument for tipping.
— Jesse Palmer (@RealJessePalmer) February 22, 2024
