somme man Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 Can anyone help me please.On a number of occaisions now tradesmen working on our house have in a very pleasant way refused to shake my hand as theirs have been dirty, they proceed to bend their right hand towards them and offer me their wrist.What should my response be? To date I have tried shaking the wrist, holding out my wrist and also proclaiming that i am not concerned by their dirty hands all of which appear incorrect.Advise would be greatly appreciated. Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Animal Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 You just give a "handshake" on their wrist, they are offering that instead of their dirty hand. [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judith Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 [quote user="Christine Animal"]You just give a "handshake" on their wrist, they are offering that instead of their dirty hand. [:)] [/quote]I've known the little finger to be offered when all else is dirty. In that case, as far as I know, all that is required (as with bisoux) is to make the appearance of shaking hands etc. It is certainly a no/no not to try to attach and shake some part of the anatomy. I think it's nice courtesy that they try to shake hands regardless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cassis Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 I follow local custom and usually offer an elbow when my hands are dirty (rarely does the little finger escape the dirt). Custom is for the other person to touch it. It's called giving someone the elbow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted August 26, 2008 Share Posted August 26, 2008 If you wish to be on equal termswith the tradesman, i.e. I am not a rich English pigeon just a humble working guy like you then you seize his dirty hand and shake it vigorously whilst saying "Bof".Preferably when he arrives not as he is leaving after unblocking your drains [;-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonzjob Posted August 29, 2008 Share Posted August 29, 2008 I agree with JR, But us JRs have got to stick together!!!If I am offered a dirty hand to shake by the back of the wrist then I usually say "Par de problem" and take the hand. It's usually greeted with a huge smile and a dirty hand.The next time my hands are dirty is NOT going to be the first time!!! And it won't be the last! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
somme man Posted September 2, 2008 Author Share Posted September 2, 2008 Thanks to you all, I like the idea of just offering my hand irrespective of the state of the tradesmans hands. Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Katie Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Judith wrote:" I've known the little finger to be offered when all else is dirty"JK replied:"Hands up who could seriously shake that AND keep a straight face?"JK asked:Why doesnt the quote button work? [:@] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Dordogne Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 On Sunday last I was cooking/preparing lunch for 50 at a chum's house and was still working when the guests arrived. I offered my wrist because my hands were oily, fishy etc and several of the Brits there couldn't understand what I was doing.Interestingly, the French people there just grasped my hand despite my protestations, their wives still did bisous but the non-French by and large looked a bit perplexed. Some people grabbed the wrist, others sort of looked embarrased. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.