Ancient Quote by Susie Dent
“The battle between server and servee is as ancient as it is well disguised, and it follows, therefore, that waiters have developed a private lingo that allows them to mock, complain, or simply entertain themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Language of Restaurant Service, Susie Dent, 2015
The quote highlights the hidden, often humorous language that waiters use to cope with and mock their work environment.
In simple terms: Servers use secret slang to vent and entertain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and respect workplace subcultures.
Themes
workplace culture
communication
humor
service industry
Mood
playful
critical
Type
observational
humorous
When to use this quote
- restaurant shifts
- team building
- customer interactions
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
identity
stress relief
Questions to Reflect On
- How does insider language affect team cohesion?
- When might it be inappropriate to use?
A Different Perspective
Such slang can alienate new staff or customers if misunderstood.
