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In my experience, the concept of a "doggy bag" is universal. I think only the name "doggy bag" may be a euphemism that only Americans use and may have a negative connotation elsewhere in the world.

Today, when an American asks for a "doggy bag," the leftover food is clearly not meant for the household dog; we like the food, but our stomachs are full, and we would like to take it home and eat it at a later date because its better than anything we can prepare ourselves. And the gods forbid, we waste food and money. But there is something in the American psyche that doesn't want to admit that it can accept and even enjoy leftovers/things that are second hand, second best. Food is supposed to be disposable, so we lie, we say it's for the dog, even when we all know that the dog's going to being eating Purina.

In the rest of the world, such euphemism is not needed. In English, you can call it "take-away" or "take-home."

I've lived in continental Europe for five years, and every restaurant that I know of would take it as a compliment if you asked to take its food home with you. They all carry special containers for such "take-away" or "take-home" food.

I've spoken with restaurant managers on this subject, and they definitely want you to take any leftovers with you.

Learn more about this author, Thos Robert.
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