Martin, Judith -- “Miss Manners,” syndicated column (1981-04-11)

Dave — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:15:12 +0000

You, sir, are an anarchist, and Miss Manners is frightened to have anything to do with you.
It is true that questioning the table manners of others is rude. But to overthrow the accepted conventions of society, on the flimsy grounds that you have found them silly, inefficient and discomforting, is a dangerous step toward destroying civilization.

Judith Martin (b. 1938) American author, journalist, etiquette expert [a.k.a. Miss Manners]
“Miss Manners,” syndicated column (1981-04-11)
(Source)

Mocking people who make a huge fuss when correcting someone on how they are misusing their fork at the table.

Collected in Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior, Part 3 "Basic Civilization," "Table Manners" (1983).

WIST Quotations

Martin, Judith -- “Miss Manners,” syndicated column (1981-04-11)