Etiquette expert reveals how to avoid talking with your mouth full

Etiquette expert reveals the correct way to respond if someone speaks to you while you’re chewing to avoid speaking with your mouth full – and says eye contact is key

  • London-based TikTokker Lucy Challenger, 38, makes etiquette videos 
  • A recent clip showed what to do when someone talks to you while eating
  • According to the etiquette expert, there are four steps you should take
  • She added that talking with your mouth full is a big faux pas, you should avoid it 

An etiquette expert has revealed the posh way to respond to someone who asks you a question while you are chewing.

London and Berkshire-based Lucy Challenger, 38, is the founder and CEO of high-end Mayfair agency Polo and Tweed, which sources employees for uber-wealthy clients.

She is also a TikTok creator, and has garnered more than 6 million likes for her videos which teach Gen Z social media users the essential manners and etiquette they need to fit in with the upper echelons of society.

In a recent video, Lucy explained the correct steps you should take to avoid being rude, when someone asks you a question and you have a mouthful of food.

According to the etiquette expert, talking with your mouth full is a big no-no

TikTokker Lucy Challenger (pictured), who is based in London and Berkshire, makes videos teaching people about etiquette

She said: ‘If you’re eating, and midchew, someone asks you a question, what should you do?

‘Well, the most polite way to approach this is to simply cover your mouth, continue to chew [and] make eye contact with the person so they know that you have acknowledged and heard them, swallow, smile, and answer the question.’

She continued: ‘It’s a really easy technique to use, but it avoids you showing the contents of your mouth [and] talking with your mouth full, which is a big no-no.

‘But it respectfully shows that you’ve heard them, and that you are ready to acknowledge and answer them as soon as you’ve finished your mouthful.’ 

Many TikTok users felt that it was rude of people to talk to someone when they are clearly eating

Many TikTok users felt that it was rude of people to talk to someone when they are clearly eating

A number of commentators suggested that the faux pas lay with the other person, for asking a question while they could see you’re eating.

One wrote: ‘It’s vicious and evil to ask people a question when they have just taken a bite.’

Another joked: ‘I just lean forward and let everything fall out of my mouth onto the plate and answer. funny thing is they never ask anything else until I’ve finished.’

A third chimed in with another joke, writing: ‘I’d roll my eyes and point to my chewing like “hello don’t you see I’m eating?”.’ 

Numerous commentators thanked the creator for the advice, noting that they already take the actions she recommends

Numerous commentators thanked the creator for the advice, noting that they already take the actions she recommends

But other TikTok users welcomed the video, saying the advice reflected what they already do.

One said: ‘I do this so I must be Etiquette.’ 

Another wrote: ‘That’s what i always do! Still very awkward tho.’

And a third agreed, adding: ‘I’ve been doing this since I was like 5 glad to see i have the proper manners.’