toasting

Toasting is a social ritual in which people raise glasses, often with beverages, to honor a person, event, or idea. A toast typically involves a speaker who articulates a tribute or wish, followed by the audience drinking. Etiquette varies by culture; common elements include making eye contact with others, refraining from speaking while the toast is being delivered, and clinking glasses. In some traditions, glasses are not clinked or are clinked lightly, and there may be rules about who may propose toasts and when they are offered. Toasts are used at celebrations such as weddings, banquets, and civic or religious ceremonies, as well as in informal gatherings.

The origin of toasting as a ritual is ancient, with references in Greek and Roman feasting. Historically, toasts served both social bonding and symbolic ritual—participants would drink together to seal a pledge or express goodwill. In Europe and the English-speaking world, the practice evolved through the medieval and early modern periods into a standardized ceremonial act, often accompanied by short speeches or verses. Contemporary toasts span diverse cultures and can mark achievements, anniversaries, farewells, or simple expressions of appreciation, with variations in language, gesture, and formality.

Toasting bread or other foods refers to browning food by exposure to dry heat. This process enhances flavor, aroma, and texture through the Maillard reaction. Toasting is performed with appliances such as toasters, ovens, or skillets, and results in a crisp, browned surface. Toasted bread is common for breakfast, snacks, or as an ingredient in dishes like croutons. Overtoasting can lead to excessive darkening and increased acrylamide formation, though moderate toasting is widely regarded as desirable for taste and texture.