What Does courtesy Mean
Courtesy is a term that comes from courteous , an adjective that allows us to name attentive, affable and restrained people.
Specifically, that meaning emanates from many centuries ago when the Cortes were the most important political and social nuclei. In those, who were under the orders of the kings, there were also officials and vassals who were subordinate to them. Thus, when any of these men believed that he was behaving well, he was called courteous and the quality he had to be courteous was what was called courtesy.
It is the demonstration of a subject that shows affection , respect or attention towards another individual.
For example: “Please accept this glass of champagne free of charge: it is a courtesy of the house” , “Could you show a little courtesy to my friends? You didn't even say hello when you entered ” , “ The actor once again showed his courtesy by greeting each of his followers who was waiting at the door of the theater ” .
Courtesy, therefore, is an expression of good manners or recognition of social norms that are considered correct or adequate .
In addition to all the above, we have to emphasize that there are what are known as courtesy phrases. Of them we could say that these are expressions that are used quite frequently and that it is considered that whoever uses them is demonstrating their good education and also their respect for the person with whom they are speaking.
In this way, we find a great variety of courtesy phrases, where the following take special relevance:
• Sorry.
• Sorry for the inconvenience.
• Good morning, good afternoon, good evening…
• Please.
• Thank you.
• It is a pleasure to meet you.
Broadly speaking, these are some of the most frequent and useful courtesy phrases in contact with other people. However, it should be noted that they are also known by the name of courtesy formulas.
To treat someone with courtesy, it is essential to follow these rules:
• Treat them as we would like to be treated.
• Avoid attitudes or expressions that may be offensive.
• Be friendly and polite.
• Do not interrupt him when he is speaking.
• Actively listen to him and do not make fun of his opinions.
Importantly, courtesy is a cultural phenomenon : what is viewed as courteous in one society may be rude or absurd in another.
In this sense, the example of belching in Japan can be mentioned , which is a sample of good manners after a meal since it shows that it has made good profit. In the western world, burping is considered in bad taste.
Something similar occurs with chewing gum , tolerated in informal settings (in the middle of a sports game, in a meeting of teenagers, etc.) and condemned in formal encounters.
It is possible to distinguish between negative politeness (linked to deference "? Can you reach me that book, if not too much trouble" , "If you do not mind, I'll sit in this chair" ) and courtesy positive (which seeks to establish a positive link between two parties).