Ask Amy: Mother-in-law’s rant requires apology
Ask your friend: “How does it feel for you when I share stories about my own good luck when things are going well? I do not want to add to your burdens in any way.”
Dear Amy: Methinks you have fallen for an urban myth that the word “tip” is an acronym for “To Insure Promptness.” First of all, the word is “ensure,” not “insure.”
It’s a simple fact check.
– Disappointed
Dear Disappointed: There is a healthy and important debate regarding the use of tips to compensate restaurant workers.
In terms of the acronym, my “simple fact check” regarding this assertion was borrowed from the New York Times: “One [London coffeehouse] frequented by Samuel Johnson had a bowl printed with the words “To Insure Promptitude,” and some speculate that ‘tip’ is an acronym for this phrase.”
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(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
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