"double dipping" in Spanish

[chuni_buni]

Hi,
is there a Spanish equivalent for the term "double dipping" (when people put a food item or a spoon into a dip (food), take a bite and put it back in)?
if not, what is the best way to formulate "No double dipping!" in Spanish?
Thank you.

Comments

[helenadax]

There isn't a Spanish equivalent for the term, at least in Spain. You could say "No mojéis dos veces", but it would be weird, I think, because it isn't something we usually care about. Some meals, like paella, are often served in the same pan or casserole used to cook said meals, and everybody eats from there. Tapas are also served in a common dish.

Maybe it's different in American countries, though.

[chuni_buni]

We live in Israel, and here it's really not appropriate... At least not at the workplace, maybe on a party or smth.

[helenadax]

I see.... Maybe you could explain this person that it isn't appropiate? It's a cultural difference he/she probably isn't aware of.

[chuni_buni]

She was asked not to do that - and she still does :)

[helenadax]

:( Well, that's not polite. When in Rome...

[dorsetgirl]

Can I make sure I understand exactly what you're saying?

Are you saying it's OK in Spain to put a spoon in your mouth and then back in communal food? Is that just within the family, or everybody? (I don't even like it within the family!)

Maybe it's different in American countries, though.

Not just American countries - as far as I know it's a complete no-no here in the UK. Although thinking back, I had a boyfriend years ago who put his fork (that had been in his mouth) in the pickle jar and my mum complained afterwards that she'd had to throw the whole jar away. So perhaps in his family it was acceptable.

[helenadax]

Yes lol And funny thing is I never thought it could be seen as disgusting until now XD

We do that with some meals: salads, tapas, paella... We wouldn't eat pasta or, I don't know, lentils, that way. And when you're eating a communal paella i.e., you have your own "zone". You don't eat eat from other people's zone. And you can totally ask for a dish for your own, it isn't considered rude. Then, you'll be served before people start to eat from the communal dish.

Now, I don't know what's the costum in bussiness meals. It depends, I guess.

[dorsetgirl]

Very interesting - thank you for clarifying!

[alicit]

It may be a regional difference, but where I come from rice is served from the paella (dish) to the individual plates with a serving spoon, the spoon you put in your mouth does not go back to the common dish. Also, tapas are generally small individual portions of food accompanying a drink, not meant to be shared. A "ración" may be shared, for example, if you are having tortilla (as in spanish omelette, not mexican bread), each person would have their own fork or cocktail stick and take pre-cut pieces from the same plate. i.e. there is no contact with other bits of food, but if you are having lentils, you wouldn't put the spoon in your mouth and then dip it again in a shared bowl.

[helenadax]

Paella in Valencia is different, I'd say sometimes it's even like a ritual. If you're in a bussiness meal and there's paella for lunch, in a restaurant, you'll probably eat it in individual dishes. But if your boss invites you to his chalet to a Sunday paella, cooked with wood, you'll probably eat in the paella.

What about salads?

[alicit]

What about salads?

That is what serving cutlery is for.

I have to say that, not being from the area, I have never been invited to share a Sunday paella cooked with wood, but thanks for the warning; if it ever happens I won't be shocked now. ;)

[helenadax]

Let's say you're in Spain, in your house, and your family's going to eat lentils. And you also add some salad with lettuce, tomato and olives. You can't use serving cutlery to put the salad with the lentils. Would you serve the salad in individual dishes or in a communal dish?

[alicit]

I don't think I have ever had lentils with salad, but I don't see why you cannot use serving cutlery with both. You use a ladle to serve the lentils and salad spoons for the salad.

I would serve salad in individual bowls as a starter, or from a communal bowl to each individual plate (using serving cutlery) if accompanying a main course. But I think we are getting away from translations and getting into the realm of personal preferences.