Define etiquette?

[Jennifer W]

What is your definition of etiquette?

[seys]

Etiquette, one aspect of decorum, is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the contemporary conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. Usually unwritten, it may be codified in written form. Etiquette usually reflects formulas of conduct in which society or tradition have invested. An etiquette may reflect an underlying ethical code, or in may grow more as a fashion, as in eighteenth century Britain where apparently pointless acts like the manner in which a tea cup was held became important as indicators of upper class status. Like "culture", it is a word that has gradually grown plural, especially in a multi-ethnic society with many clashing expectations. Thus, it is now possible to refer to "an etiquette" or "a culture", realizing that these may not be universal. In Britain, though, the word etiquette has its roots in the eighteenth century, becoming a universal force in the nineteenth century to the extent that it has been described as the one word that aptly describes life during the reign of Queen Victoria.

[Angel C]

Etiquette is a system of rules and regulations defining good form or "good manner" in social, public or official behaviour. It originally applied only to conduct in court circles, but the code has been extended to provide guides for every day living.

Etiquette is the glass of basic rules of politeness, but it is influenced by local or regional customs. For example etiquette requires that an honoured guest be placed next to the host or hostess and custom dictates what side that shell is. In most of the western world it is the right side but in Scandinavian countries it is usually the left side.

[RainbowSeer]

The art of making others comfortable.

[Leticia]

In my own words: manners that society has implemented to make social life habitable.