Weekly Funbag: Chopsticks, Dated Nicknames, and Robots – Your Letters Answered

Welcome to another edition of the Defector Funbag. Have a question or topic on your mind? Email the Funbag—we’re here to help. For more from Drew, check out his work at SFGATE or consider picking up one of his books.

This week’s Funbag covers a variety of topics, including chopsticks, dated nicknames, and robots. Let’s dive in.

Your Letters

Chopstick Etiquette

Dear Funbag,

I’ve always wondered: Is it rude to stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice? I’ve heard it’s a death omen in some cultures. —Joe

Funbag responds:

Great question, Joe. Yes, sticking chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice is considered impolite in many East Asian cultures. It resembles incense sticks burned for the dead, which is why it’s associated with death and bad luck. Instead, lay them across your bowl or on a chopstick rest when not in use.

Dated Nicknames

Dear Funbag,

My partner still calls me pet names from when we first started dating—like “Snickerdoodle” and “Pumpkin.” It’s sweet but also kind of cringe. Should I ask them to stop? —Anonymous

Funbag responds:

It’s up to you, Anonymous. If the nicknames make you uncomfortable, it’s okay to politely ask your partner to use something else. Frame it as a preference rather than a criticism. For example: “I love that you still use those nicknames, but I’d feel more comfortable with something a little more… modern.”

Robots Taking Over

Dear Funbag,

I keep hearing about AI and robots taking over jobs. Should I be worried? —Concerned Worker

Funbag responds:

It’s a valid concern, Concerned Worker. While automation is changing the job market, history shows that new technologies also create new opportunities. Focus on developing skills that are harder for robots to replicate, like creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. Stay adaptable, and you’ll be fine.