Toast (honor)

Toast (honor)

A toast is a ritual in which a drink is taken as an expression of honor or goodwill. The term may be applied to the person or thing so honored, the drink taken, or the verbal expression accompanying the drink. Thus, a person could be "the toast of the evening", for whom someone "proposes a toast" to congratulate and for whom a third person "toasts" in agreement. The ritual forms the basis of the literary and performance genre, of which Mark Twain's "To the Babies" is a well-known example.

History

The custom of toasting, as we understand it today, originated in the 16th century. The term "toast" itself originated in the 17th century in England. The word is derived from the Latin tostus, meaning roasted or scorched. It was customary to drop a piece of toast into the wine, as this was supposed to make the wine taste better.

Procedure

The procedure for toasting can vary, but it typically involves the following steps: a toastmaster proposes a toast, the attendees raise their glasses and drink in honor of something or someone, and then they touch their glasses together. This is often followed by a speech or a few words of praise or tribute.

Cultural variations

Toasting traditions vary from country to country, each with its own customs and etiquette. In some cultures, it is customary to toast before every drink, while in others, toasting is reserved for special occasions. In some cultures, failing to look someone in the eye during a toast is considered rude.

See also

• Drinking culture
• Toastmaster
• Speech
• Etiquette