Polite company refers to social situations, often in formal settings, involving people you do not know well.
Understanding Polite Company
The term "polite company" describes a social environment where certain standards of behavior and conversation topics are expected to be upheld. This is primarily to ensure comfort and respect among individuals who may not have established close relationships.
Based on the provided reference, polite company is characterized by specific conditions:
Key Characteristics from the Reference
- In Formal Settings: The context of polite company is often found in situations that are structured or official, rather than casual or intimate gatherings.
- With People You Do Not Know Well: A key element is interacting with individuals with whom you lack familiarity or a close personal connection.
Behavior in Polite Company
In such settings, certain topics or ways of speaking are considered inappropriate or impolite. The reference implies this by stating, "It's not something you should talk about in polite company." This suggests that discretion is important, and subjects that are overly personal, controversial, or potentially offensive should be avoided to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
- Topics to avoid: While the reference doesn't name specific topics, the phrase implies avoiding subjects that are too sensitive or polarizing for general discussion among acquaintances or strangers.
- Maintaining decorum: Interactions are typically more reserved, focusing on general pleasantries and neutral subjects.
Essentially, navigating polite company involves adhering to widely accepted social norms and demonstrating consideration for the feelings and backgrounds of those around you, particularly when the relationships are not close.
