Tipping

* Re “Who Decides How Much to Tip,” Voices, May 29: Etymology lesson! In olden days, the amount one tipped was determined by the price of the cheapest (alcoholic) drink. That’s where the word tip comes from: the British “tipple.” In French, it’s called pourboire, which translates literally to “for to drink.” In German, it’s trinkgeld (or “drink money”).

David Stockman’s assertion that “tips” is an acronym for “To Insure Prompt Service” is a popular misconception, reflecting the American love of slogans, buzzwords and platitudes (and presenting them as facts). Since you tip after the service, the to-insure-promptness bit doesn’t make much sense anyway.

KEVIN DAWSON

Sunland