Victorian etiquette

Victorian etiquette refers to the elaborate social codes governing behavior in Britain during Queen Victoria's reign (1837–1901) and similar conventions in other Western countries of that era.

These rules dictated proper conduct in matters ranging from introductions and calling cards to dining, correspondence, and courtship, with strict distinctions based on gender and social class.

The term now evokes rigid formality and excessive propriety: All this Victorian etiquette about thank-you notes feels outdated.

Something described as requiring Victorian etiquette suggests fussy attention to social niceties that modern sensibilities find quaint or oppressive.