TikToker Criticizes Tipping Culture Following Unpleasant Macaroon Encounter

• A viral TikTok video criticizing tipping culture has gained global support.
• The video recounts an incident where a worker rolled his eyes and scoffed at the TikToker for not tipping for a macaroon.
• Commenters from different countries are sharing their experiences with tipping culture in their respective regions.

In recent months, tipping culture has become a viral topic of debate, particularly on TikTok. Users are expressing frustration over feeling obligated to tip for small transactions and stating that tipping has become excessive.

Many of these videos specifically critique tipping culture in the United States, where automated tipping screens are increasingly common in various industries.

However, a TikToker from the United Kingdom has also sparked outrage for an incident involving a single macaroon. The user @unwedvampire shared a video describing how an employee scoffed at him for not tipping £1.70 (approximately $2.15) for the treat. Despite tipping being customary in the UK, it is not universally expected.

The video received over 750,000 views and garnered support from commenters who shared their own experiences with unreasonable tipping expectations.

“Guys, tipping culture is insane,” said @unwedvampire at the beginning of the video. He recounted how he purchased a single macaroon and was prompted to tip £1, £2.50, or £5. He expressed disbelief, stating that he wouldn’t tip for simply being handed the macaroon without any additional service.

After declining to tip, the employee rolled his eyes and scoffed at @unwedvampire, who argued that tipping entitlement is unnecessary in the UK. Top commenters echoed the sentiment, suggesting that service workers should be paid fair wages and that customers should not feel guilted into tipping.

Some viewers were surprised to learn that tipping pressures exist in the UK as well. Commenters from various nations, including Germany, Costa Rica, Singapore, and Australia, expressed their confusion about tipping culture.

Despite the overwhelming support for the TikToker, there were also opposing opinions. One commenter pointed out that service workers have additional responsibilities beyond handing out macaroons, emphasizing that tips can help them cover their expenses.

This video is just one example of a larger trend on TikTok that calls attention to tipping culture. The platform’s “tipping culture” hashtag has over 115 million views and is filled with videos critiquing and satirizing various tipping situations.

Insider has contacted @UnwedVampire for comment.