OUCH! – How Victorian Ladies Handled Inappropriate Behavior

Literary Kicks in the Pants, Reported by Reg Green

A lady should never ‘cut’ someone, that is to say, fail to acknowledge their presence, after encountering them socially, unless it is absolutely necessary. A cut is only excusable when men persist in bowing whose acquaintance a lady does not wish to keep up. Upon the approach of the offender a simple stare of silent iciness should suffice followed if necessary by a cold bow which discourages familiarity without offering insult….To remark “Sir, I have not the honor of your acquaintance” is a very extreme measure.

From What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew  By Daniel Pool