why do we clink glasses before we toast?
The Real Answer
Clinking glasses before a toast likely originated in medieval times as a practical safety measure. When drinks were commonly poisoned, clinking glasses ensured the beverages mixed slightly as they touched, reassuring everyone the drink was safe. An alternative theory suggests it engaged all five senses during a celebration — sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch — making the moment more memorable and communal.
We took a medieval poison-prevention strategy and turned it into a mandatory percussion performance that happens every time someone decides to give a speech. Nobody's been poisoned at a wedding in 400 years, but we're still clinking like we're confirming the drinks are safe for human consumption.
Basic sketch — the funniest questions get upgraded to a full cartoon.
Why People Ask This
This is one of those rituals people perform every few months without ever thinking about it — until suddenly you're mid-clink and wonder why you're playing percussionist. The poison origin story is so dramatic that it sticks in your head, making the whole thing feel oddly medieval every time you do it.