etiket

Etiket is a set of conventional rules of social behavior that govern how people interact in formal and everyday settings. It encompasses how to speak, dress, greet, eat, and conduct oneself in relation to others, and it often varies by context and culture. The term is used in many languages with similar meanings; it derives from the French étiquette, originally referring to a label or badge at the royal court that indicated rank and appropriate conduct, and later came to denote the rules of courteous behavior. In Turkish, etiket can also mean a label or tag on goods, reflecting a broader sense of prescribed form and presentation as well as manners.

Etiquette covers several domains: dining etiquette, which prescribes seating, utensils, and timing; business or professional etiquette, which includes communication style and punctuality; dress codes; greetings and forms of address; and etiquette of communication, such as how to write emails and how to listen respectfully. With the rise of digital communication, netiquette describes polite behavior online, including respecting privacy, avoiding spamming, and using clear language. Etiquette is normative rather than legal; it guides behavior, but it can be adapted to local customs and evolving social norms.

Because etiquette is culturally learned, practices differ between regions and communities. What is considered polite in one culture may be viewed as rude in another, making cross-cultural awareness important for travel, business, and international relations. Etiquette guides, from traditional manuals to modern online resources, help people navigate these norms.