The Fascinating History of Tipping Around the World
Explore how the practice of tipping evolved from medieval times to modern service industries across different cultures.
The practice of tipping has a rich and complex history that spans centuries and cultures. What began as a gesture of goodwill has evolved into an expected part of many service transactions around the world.
Medieval Origins
The concept of tipping likely originated in medieval Europe. By the 16th century, visitors to private homes would provide a small sum of money to the host's servants as a "vail" or gratuity for extra service. This practice acknowledged the servants' low wages and the additional work created by guests.
The Tudor Period and "To Insure Promptitude"
During Tudor England, visitors to private homes would give money to the host's servants "to insure promptitude" or TIP. While this acronym origin story is contested by etymologists, the practice of paying for better service was firmly established by this time.
Coffee Houses and European Spread
By the 17th century, the practice had spread to coffee houses and other commercial establishments throughout Europe. Patrons would tip servers "to insure promptness," creating an early performance-based incentive system.
American Resistance and Adoption
Interestingly, Americans initially opposed tipping as it arrived in the United States in the 1850s and 1860s. It was viewed as undemocratic and contrary to American ideals of equality. However, after the Civil War, the practice became more widespread, particularly with the rise of the Pullman Company and its railway porters.
Post-Prohibition Entrenchment
The end of Prohibition saw restaurants struggling financially. Encouraging tipping allowed owners to pay lower wages to servers, effectively transferring part of the compensation burden to customers. This system became entrenched in American service culture.
Global Variations
While tipping became standard in the United States, other countries developed different customs. In Japan, exceptional service is considered the standard and tipping can be seen as insulting. In countries like France and Italy, a service charge is often included in the bill, making additional tipping optional and modest.
Modern Tipping
Today, tipping practices vary widely across countries and industries. In the United States, tips constitute a significant portion of service workers' income due to the tipped minimum wage system. Meanwhile, countries like New Zealand, Denmark, and Japan have moved away from tipping culture, preferring to include service costs in pricing.
Digital Transformation
The digital age has introduced new tipping platforms and methods, from tablet POS systems with suggested tip amounts to QR code tips and digital payment services that prompt for gratuities. This technological shift is changing how we think about and execute tipping transactions.
Understanding the history of tipping provides context for its varied practice around the world today. Whether you view it as a voluntary reward for good service or an expected supplement to wages, tipping continues to evolve as economies and service industries transform in the 21st century.