Tea Blog

There are guides to just about everything these days—beginner’s manuals, how-to books, etiquette handbooks, and endless lists of “101 Ways” to accomplish one thing or another. Yet nowhere have I found a dedicated resource for those among us who happen to point a pinky while drinking tea.

Clearly, this oversight must be corrected.

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The Demi is more demure, but the Full keeps would-be pilferers away from your tea! (From Yahoo! Images)

Ignore the Tea Etiquette Overlords

The internet contains no shortage of self-appointed authorities explaining what constitutes proper tea etiquette. Among their favorite topics is the eternal question: should one point a pinky while drinking tea?

Many etiquette experts insist that pinky pointing was historically associated with people attempting to imitate aristocratic behavior. Others argue that genuine members of the upper classes never engaged in the practice at all.

As for the supposed historical explanations, the theories are plentiful.

I’ve encountered claims that aristocrats kept their pinkies extended to preserve delicate fingers for dining duties. Others suggest it served as a subtle social signal among members of high society. Still others insist it was purely accidental.

Whether any of these explanations are true is open to debate.

My advice is much simpler: hold your teacup however you find comfortable and allow the etiquette battlegrounds to rage elsewhere.

Choosing Your Pinky-Pointing Style

Every tea drinker has a unique personality—or perhaps we should call it a unique personaliTEA.

As such, your choice of pinky-pointing style should reflect your individual approach to tea drinking.

The Full Pinky Point

The more outgoing and theatrical tea drinker may prefer the Full Pinky Point.

This is the bold, unmistakable version. The pinky extends confidently outward at an angle that announces its presence to the entire room.

It conveys confidence.

It conveys determination.

It may also convey a mild risk of accidental eye contact—and by eye contact, I mean eye poking.

Guests seated nearby should maintain a respectful distance whenever the cup is raised.

The Demi Pinky Point

For those who prefer a more understated approach, the Demi Pinky Point offers an elegant compromise.

The finger remains extended, but only modestly. It projects refinement without becoming a potential safety hazard.

This is my preferred method.

Not only is it less likely to injure fellow tea drinkers, but it also reduces the likelihood of poking oneself during particularly enthusiastic tea consumption.

Trust me on this one.

Experience was involved.

So was tea spillage.

How Not to Use Your Pinky

While etiquette authorities continue debating matters of class and propriety, there are a few practical rules upon which we can probably all agree.

• Your pinky is not a napkin. Using it to remove jam, clotted cream, or similar substances from the corners of your mouth is generally discouraged. Licking the evidence off afterward is even less advisable.
• Your pinky is not a facial tissue. Should circumstances arise that require the assistance of a tissue, use an actual tissue. They were invented for a reason.
• Your pinky is not a utensil. It is not a spoon, fork, knife, toothpick, stirrer, or emergency serving implement. Any theories suggesting otherwise should be approached with caution.

The Great Pinky Debate

Tea etiquette has inspired spirited discussions for centuries, and pinky pointing remains one of its most persistent controversies.

Some tea drinkers consider it improper. Others see it as harmless fun. Most are probably too busy enjoying their tea to care one way or the other.

In the end, the quality of the tea is far more important than the position of a single finger.

Final Thoughts

Whether you embrace the Full Pinky Point, favor the Demi Pinky Point, or keep all fingers firmly in formation around your teacup, remember that tea is meant to be enjoyed.

Good company, a pleasant conversation, and a well-brewed cup will do far more for your tea experience than any etiquette rule ever could.

So respect your pinky, extend it if you wish, and enjoy your tea with confidence.

See more tea articles and tea culture commentary by A.C. Cargill.

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