Etiketa

Etiketa is a term used in many languages to denote either rules of social behavior (etiquette) or a physical or digital label applied to an object. The word is cognate with French étiquette and in several Slavic and other European languages carries both meanings: behavioral norms governing polite conduct, and tags or labels used for identification and classification.

As etiquette, etiketa refers to conventions, rituals and polite practices that regulate interpersonal interactions in private, professional and ceremonial contexts. This sense covers manners, dress codes, protocol in formal settings, and rituals of diplomatic or corporate conduct. Norms described as etiketa vary by culture, social group and historical period, and are enforced informally through social approval and disapproval.

As a label, etiketa denotes adhesive stickers, printed tags, or metadata used on products, documents, or digital items to convey information such as origin, composition, instructions, branding or classification. In manufacturing, retail and archival contexts etiketa serve practical, legal and marketing functions. In information systems the concept extends to tags and metadata that organize and retrieve digital content.

The dual meanings reflect a common origin in the notion of a tag or ticket that came to imply prescribed behavior. Contemporary usage can be context-dependent, and the term is frequently translated into English as either "etiquette," "label" or "tag" depending on whether it refers to conduct or physical/digital identification.