What does “Below the salt” mean?

"Below the salt" means that someone is of lower social status or importance.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The servants were always seated below the salt at the dinner table.

Example

In the feudal system, peasants were considered below the salt.

Example

He felt uncomfortable being treated as below the salt by his colleagues

Is “Below the salt” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Below the salt” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Below the salt” effectively in context?

You can use "Below the Salt" to describe someone or something of lower social status or importance. It emphasizes the hierarchical nature of a situation or society. For example, if you're talking about a company where the executives are treated with more respect than the employees, you might say, 'In that organization, the employees are always seated below the salt.'

1Social Hierarchy
In the feudal system, peasants were considered below the salt and had limited rights and privileges.
2Dining Etiquette
The servants were always seated below the salt at the dinner table, indicating their lower status.
3Workplace Dynamics
He felt uncomfortable being treated as below the salt by his colleagues, who constantly overlooked his contributions.

Similar phrases to “Below the salt”:

Lower on the totem pole

To have a lower rank or position in a hierarchy

Example

As an intern, she was always lower on the totem pole and had to do the grunt work.

Second-class citizen

Someone who is treated as inferior or has fewer rights and privileges

Example

In that country, immigrants often feel like second-class citizens.

Under the thumb

To be under someone's control or influence

Example

She felt like she was under the thumb of her demanding boss.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Below the salt” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Below the Salt" dates back to medieval times when salt was a valuable and expensive commodity. In wealthy households, a large salt cellar was placed in the center of the dining table. The most important guests were seated near the head of the table, above the salt, while the less important guests, such as servants or lower-ranking individuals, were seated below the salt.

Is “Below the salt” common in everyday conversation?

While "Below the Salt" is not as commonly used as some other expressions, it is still known and understood by many English speakers. It may be more frequently encountered in historical or literary contexts, but it can still be used in everyday conversation to describe social hierarchies or situations where someone is considered of lower importance.

What tone does “Below the salt” have?

"Below the Salt" conveys a tone of inequality or social stratification. It highlights the distinction between those who hold higher positions or statuses and those who are considered less important.

Can “Below the salt” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Below the Salt" is more commonly used in formal or semi-formal settings, such as discussions about history, literature, or social dynamics. However, it can also be used in informal conversations to describe situations where someone is treated as of lower importance.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'In that organization, the employees are always seated below the salt.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's always treated as "below the salt".' to imply someone's lower status.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

inferior
subordinate
beneath someone
of lower standing
less important