The English made tea a true cultural institution. From morning breakfast to afternoon break, this drink accompanies every moment of the day across the Channel. But be careful: according to an etiquette expert, most people make a mistake while sipping their favorite drink.
William Hanson is a very well-known figure in England, author of several bestsellers and host of the podcasts “Help I Sexted My Boss” and “The Luxury Podcast”, with a TikTok profile of over three million followers. His specialty? Reveal the secrets of British etiquette, with tips and mistakes to avoid. In a recent video, Hanson highlighted a very ordinary and almost always unnoticed mistake, but which immediately betrays those who do not know good manners.
The handle mistake
The problem is how you grip the cup. Many people stick their finger inside the handle, a posture that for etiquette experts represents a real gaffe. The correct technique instead involves delicately pinching the handle between thumb and forefinger, without inserting your finger.
Hanson explained precisely: you need to grasp the handle with a pinch motion, keeping the other fingers curled up. And the little finger? It must remain close to the other fingers, without extending. That affected pose with the little finger raised, which many consider refined, belongs to the past and today appears exaggerated, if not downright mischievous.
The rules of perfect tea
Cup etiquette goes beyond gripping the handle. Here are other useful tips:
Other details to respect
If the tea is too hot, patience is the answer. Blowing on the drink to cool it is considered inappropriate, it is better to wait for the temperature to drop naturally. Whoever adds the milk must do so after pouring the tea, so as not to alter its flavor.
During the tea break, the cell phone must disappear from sight and the napkin should be used naturally. Small sips are drunk in silence, with calm and composure.
Hanson’s video received thousands of reactions. Among the comments, some admitted that the little finger lifts automatically, others discovered that they had always gotten the handle wrong. The public’s response demonstrates how these apparently insignificant details are part of a code of behavior that still fascinates and intrigues today.
@williamhansonetiquette This is how Hyacinth would want us to do it! #dining #etiquette #williamhanson
♬ original sound – William Hanson
