WHY is it considered rude to eat in the street?

[policywonk]

Following on from another thread... I've never understood the thinking behind this (in fact, I'd never heard it at all until I was in my twenties).

Is it a middle class thing? Is it because street food is considered to be the preserve of the poor (I know this is the case in some developing countries)?

I can understand why it's inconsiderate to eat strong-smelling foods in enclosed spaces, but other than that I'm bemused by this one.

My Granny told me that eating in the street was 'common', she never told me why though.

I have never heard this, ever.

But this thread has made me hungry.

Riven

Only if you use cutlery

And a napkin - not a serviette, that would be vulgar.