Catering Wasn't Always for Landlubbers

Words and their usage often follow unpredictable courses. The words that come out of our mouths have often travelled there from wholly other places, places that might sometimes surprise us. For example, what we think of today as "catering" could just as easily have entered the lexicon as the less lyrical word, "pursering." That's because, when catering started, the caterer often shared duties with the purser. It is only due to the peculiarities of history's momentum that things are the way they are; had it just been the purser on his own, weddings and parties and proms wouldn't be catered but pursered instead. Can you imagine hiring pursering services for a work party?

As well, development of the word might just as easily have meant that a catered event could only be possible at sea, or at best in the air, but only on a merchant vessel. Or, in another strange turn, caterers might not serve us food exclusively but also manage our wages and immigration records at the same time. Though they might sound midly absurd, each of these options is at least theoretically viable. Why is this exactly? It's because the term "Catering" has its origins in the merchant marine world of ships and sailors, not traditional dining of chefs and gastrology.

On sea vessels in days of old, a catering officer had a number of duties. They looked after wages, paid attention to currency exchanges, helped smooth immigration complications, and kept numerous records. Only one of their responsibilities was to manage and provide food to passengers and guests. In the case of very large ships, the catering officer and the purser together would manage all of these responsibilities and more. Though the term has been coopted for use on land, catering officer positions are still held on ferries, cruise ships and cargo vessels today, and retain the same varied list of responsibilities. The etymology of the word is in keeping with these myriad chores, as "Cater" comes not from a word having anything to do with food specifically, but rather merely to buy or provide supplies generally.

So, the next time you attend a catered event, imagine yourself on the open sea. Imagine the server spooning not only your pasta onto the plate but checking your passport and giving you exchange rate tips as well. Then, as you bring the food to your face, imagine too the strange route that words take from their humble origins to our unknowing mouths.

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