Tipping—which may have originated in the taverns of 17th Century England, where drinkers would slip money to the waiter “to insure promptitude” or T.I.P for short—wasn't embraced by all Americans when the custom began to make its way into our country's taverns and dining halls.

Tipping in the UK, or "gratuities," traces its modern origins back to 17th-century Tudor England. It began in private country houses where guests were expected to give "vails" (small sums of money) to the host's servants for the extra work their visit caused. By the 18th century, this practice moved into the public sphere of London’s coffee houses and taverns. Legend suggests the word "TIP" originated from bowls labeled "To Insure Promptitude," though etymologists generally view this as an acronymic myth. In the 19th century, tipping became so entrenched that it faced a significant "anti-tipping" backlash from social reformers who viewed it as a "vile aristocratic vice" that undermined the dignity of labor. Despite this, the culture persisted. In 2026, tipping in the UK is common but less aggressive than in the U.S.; a 10-12.5% service charge is often added to restaurant bills automatically, but unlike the mandatory nature of American tipping, it remains legally "discretionary" for the consumer.