When have we eaten from the same dish?
Spanish idiom
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"When have we eaten from the same dish?" (Spanish: ¿Cuándo hemos comido en el mismo plato?) is a Spanish idiom said to someone who has caused irritation or offense by acting too informally.[1] It is usually made as hierarchical social commentary about poor manners or incivility,[2][failed verification] said to someone perceived to be acting above their social standing, position, class or rank.[citation needed]
![](#/media/File:Boys_eating_from_same_piece_of_fruit,_"bite_for_bite"_(18849444679).jpg)
Background
According to José María Sbarbi, in his dictionary of proverbs,[3] the saying comes from a great lord who organized a feast. At the table, the place makers required that each lady had a gentleman by her side. For each couple there was only one dish, a single glass and a single knife, even though the couples were strangers. The talent of the host was to place the guests in such a way that the familiarity between them was pleasing to both.[4]
Human social relationships and rituals are built upon food and its consumption.[5] Traditionally, sharing food has suggested a level of intimacy between the people sharing the meal.[6] The expression is used as a cutting remark;[7] when asking if two people are eating from the same plate, what one is really saying is, "are we on such familiar terms that you can treat me with disrespect?"[1][4]
In many countries, family and friends often ate from a communal bowl. With that came a whole set of customs and expectations.[2][5] Shared food is one of the most intimate and generous acts.[8] People sit to eat with their family and friends, and to celebrate special occasions.[9]
