I love that word...tidbit. It's funny, it's cute, it's short and sweet and to the point.
By definition, a tidbit is a "delicate morsel of food" or a "choice or pleasing piece of news or gossip" or a small piece of something, usually something pleasant." The British version is, "titbit," which I hate to admit is even funnier. According to The Word Detective, the word tidbit, originated in 1640 as a reference to food. Then in 1735, it came to mean a small interesting piece of news or information.
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| Blue Ridge Southern Potteries "Delta Daisy" |
It wasn't until late in the 18th century that it was being used to refer to anything small or inconsequential...that seems kinda harsh for such a cute word...just sayin'.
Well, since this is a site where dishes are revered, honored and for sale, let's stick with the definition involving food, shall we. First off, I have to say it's not like I've spent years pondering the origins of the word tidbit. It wasn't until recently when I began writing the descriptions for our fabulous finds that I became enamored with this funny little word. Then I wondered, when and why did tidbit become part of the dinnerware vernacular...who wouldn't?
Take for example this Blue Ridge Southern Potteries Delta Daisy tidbit tray...what did the 1930s and 40s American hostess serve on it? Well, let's take a look back at what was going on during those years to help answer that question. There was the repeal of Prohibition, the beginning, middle and end of The Great Depression and all of World War II. It's no wonder that it was during this time period that Americans developed what James Beard described as "a new, at times delightful form of hospitality--the cocktail party."
In his first book, Hors D'Oeuvre and Canapés With a Key to the Cocktail Party (1940), Beard said, "In many ways this is one of the most truly American contributions to the art of good living." I'll drink to that. He described the development of what he called a cocktail hors d'oeuvre snack. "This is a small tasty bite served usually without bread or biscuit, sometimes on a toothpick and sometimes under it's own power." I love that part.
So it was good old Yankee ingenuity...we invented finger food! And what did the perfect hostess need for her delicate morsels of food? What else...a tidbit tray!
Moving on to the fifties and sixties, cocktail parties were as popular as ever. Martinis got drier, appetizers were wrapped in blankets and tidbit trays got lower and groovier. Bell of California's tidbit tray gave the hostess a chance to be daring and actually mix cold and hot munchies in the same dish...unheard of! The compartments kept everything together but separate at the same time...more Yankee ingenuity at work.
Now it seems the tidbit tray has gone the way of so many other dinnerware relics...tureens, egg coddlers, grease jars. And yes, the actual tidbit has been replaced with tapas or antipasto or the ever popular, starters. Personally, I think I'm gonna stick with tidbits...I love that word.
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