“Gulosity,” a useful, if outmoded term, was invented by none other than the author of the first dictionary of the English language: Doctor Samuel Johnson.
The trencher-to-plate evolution is fascinating. That shift from edible dishes to washable ones seems so simple but it says alot about how sanitation became tied to status. I've always loved that "trencherman" survived as a term while the actual trencher disappeared. The progression from status-driven banquets to "have it your way" individualism captures something way bigger than just food service, its basically the whole arc of Western culture packed into eating habits.
We can start a club...
The trencher-to-plate evolution is fascinating. That shift from edible dishes to washable ones seems so simple but it says alot about how sanitation became tied to status. I've always loved that "trencherman" survived as a term while the actual trencher disappeared. The progression from status-driven banquets to "have it your way" individualism captures something way bigger than just food service, its basically the whole arc of Western culture packed into eating habits.
I think I might start referring to myself as a trencherman nerd of food history.