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A GENTLEMAN TIPS HIS HAT

If a gentleman elects to wear a hat, or a cap, he understands what to do with it when greeting others. He “tips” his hat whenever he is being introduced to a new acquaintance or whenever he greets a lady, an older person, or a distinguished personage of either sex. He feels no particular need to tip his hat when greeting another gentleman of approximately his own age and status, although hat tipping always suggests congeniality and respect.

The tradition of tipping one’s hat dates from the Middle Ages, when noblemen removed their helmets when greeting one another so as to demonstrate their peaceable intentions and to indicate that they had no fear while in the fellow nobleman’s presence. A knight removed his helmet in the presence of a lady, of course, to indicate that he was at her service and that he had no thoughts of seizing her for ransom.

A gentleman understands that “tipping” his hat no longer means that he must remove it entirely. Instead, he may simply lift his hat quickly from his head and replace it immediately, especially if the wind is chill or if the sun is hot. He may, in fact, simply give the brim of his hat or cap a quick touch, “tipping” it as an indication that he is a man of peace, goodwill, and good breeding.