Some definitions are from the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Most are from real-life experiences submitted by fellow servers.

 
A
Asshole - a descriptive term used at least once a shift, usually more, to describe a particular customer who acts like an asshole. Sorry, but you would be amazed at how many times that word comes up in the service station.


B
BAC - Blood Alcohol Content - A measurement of how much alcohol is in the bloodstream.

Bar Time - Usually 5 - 10 minutes faster than anywhere else in your time zone. It doesn't matter what your watch says, its bar time. Don't argue, whine or complain. See '86'

C
Camper - A customer who keeps a table for longer than the time it takes for the usual dining/drinking experience. This keeps the table from turning, and causes the waitress to lose money. A good camper tips double or triple to compensate the server for keeping the table. What do we call a bad camper? See 'asshole'.

Chew and Screw - When someone eats, drinks and leaves without paying. See 'asshole'

Crop duster - can you guess what this might be???


D
Dine and Dash - See 'Chew and Screw'

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'86' - You're outta here!! An unruly customer is asked to leave....one of my favorites!!

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Gratuity - something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service; especially : TIP


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Right Column Shopper - I work in a four star, four diamond restaurant and we occasionally get customers who, trying desperately to impress their dining partners ask a boatload of questions about some very high end wines, browse the wine list with their finger trailing down the prices and haughtily order the $30.00 bottle as if our recommendations are below their tastes. We like to call them "Right Column Shoppers"


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Shitty Tip - Less then 15 - 20%


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Ten Steps of Service - Some restaurants have the "10 steps of service" in their training. There are actually only four that matter, 1. Greet It 2. Seat It 3. Feed It 4. Beat It !!

Tip - To bestow a gratuity.

Tip-out - What a server has to bestow upon bartenders, hosts, hostesses, etc. to compensate them for their assistance. It is required, even if the waiter doesn't receive a tip, and even if the support staff does a poor job. It also allows management to pay less than minimum wage.


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