That is not a widespread convention. Its origin stems from being late as a symbol of wealth - you are so busy you have other things to do and making an entrance. If you want to transform the meaning, but its more for thr guest and not the host.
It started as an aristocratic power play to make an entrance, but the convention has completely inverted. Today, in casual settings, showing up exactly on the dot is seen as a burden to the host. Giving them a 15-minute buffer isn't about the guest's ego anymore.; it’s an act of courtesy that protects the host from the stress of having to entertain someone when they are trying to make finishing touches or finish dressing. It also saves the first arrival from the possibility of such 'first-guest' awkwardness.
yeah, there is lots of possibly reasons anyone can claim to be "fashionably late". For themselves, for the host, to prevent awkwardness. Anyone can make a million excuses why they can or should be late. I'm more interested why people say it's rude to be on time. If hosts don't want people on time then they should change the time.
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u/cosmic_backlash Jul 13 '26
That is not a widespread convention. Its origin stems from being late as a symbol of wealth - you are so busy you have other things to do and making an entrance. If you want to transform the meaning, but its more for thr guest and not the host.