What is the Difference Between Napkin and Serviette?

The terms "napkin" and "serviette" both refer to a square piece of cloth or paper used at meals to wipe the mouth, fingers, and face. However, there are some differences in their usage:

1. Usage: "Napkin" is more commonly used in American English, while "serviette" is used in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and other countries.
2. Association: In the UK, "napkin" is associated with the upper class, while "serviette" is considered more common or un-posh.
3. Material: In Australia and New Zealand, "serviette" generally refers to the paper variety, while "napkin" refers to the cloth variety. The same distinction is used in Canada, although "paper napkin" may be used interchangeably with "serviette".

In summary, both "napkin" and "serviette" have the same meaning, but their usage varies depending on the country and social context. Americans typically use the word "napkin," while British people may use "serviette" to distinguish it from the upper-class "napkin".

Comparative Table: Napkin vs Serviette

The difference between a napkin and a serviette lies in their usage and connotations in different regions. Both terms refer to a square piece of cloth or paper used during mealtime to wipe one's face or hands. Here are the key points:

In the UK, the word "napkin" is associated with the upper class, while "serviette" is considered more common or un-posh. In the US, "napkin" is the commonly used term. Canadians use both words interchangeably. In Australia and New Zealand, "serviette" generally refers to the paper variety, and "napkin" refers to the cloth variety. The distinction between the two terms is mainly based on regional preferences and social connotations.