The photo is misleading, that’s Indian idly, which is supposed to be eaten with your hands. But you get the point.

So “That’s poor etiquette” is a helpful phrase for us. It seems to sum up many reasons to do things. Or not do them.

Example 1, Nose picking:
Instead of telling our kids “Ew, that’s gross and icky!” We keep it more indifferent and say it’s poor etiquette. One reason is because nose picking and eating might be good for the immune system, but we still don’t want our kids to do it. So instead of freaking out, we let them know it’s poor etiquette and give them a tissue.

Example 2, running around the house with no underwear when guests are coming or going outside not fully dressed:
My father in law has a saying, which we all lovingly quote, “That’s not done in the better homes.” I remember him using it while my nephew was running about with just a diaper on in his front yard. Family quotes are the best.

Example 3, drinking with your hand:
Ero has taken to using his hand to drink or eat anything liquid like. He can’t quite understand etiquette, but instead of making him stop completely I tell him it’s poor etiquette and hand him a spoon to use. I walk a line between letting kids play with their food and poor etiquette.

So there are many reasons why we use the phrase. I’m not even sure it it’s proper grammar. But it works.