I don't know why we simply do not say "good appetite," because that's what the other cultures say. Of course, we all know from our beloved Julia Child here in the U.S. that the French say "Bon Appetit ." In Germany they say "guten appetit" and people say "gleichfalls," meaning "likewise." "Buen provecho" is something that's often spoken in Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries. All over the world, people will say at the beginning of a meal, "Eat well; have a good appetite." Maybe we're a little bit shy about saying that as English-speakers. It could be because England and France have been in a rivalry, both formal and informal, for hundreds of years. It could be because we just found it to be a little old-fashioned. But it's a shame, because I think it's wonderful to say to your fellow companions and diners that you want them to eat well and heartily.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why we simply do not say "good appetite," because that's what the other cultures say. Of course, we all know from our beloved Julia Child here in the U.S. that the French say "Bon Appetit ." In Germany they say "guten appetit" and people say "gleichfalls," meaning "likewise." "Buen provecho" is something that's often spoken in Latin American and Spanish-speaking countries. All over the world, people will say at the beginning of a meal, "Eat well; have a good appetite."
Maybe we're a little bit shy about saying that as English-speakers. It could be because England and France have been in a rivalry, both formal and informal, for hundreds of years. It could be because we just found it to be a little old-fashioned. But it's a shame, because I think it's wonderful to say to your fellow companions and diners that you want them to eat well and heartily.