quarkochronic

A word coined in the Polly Platt book "French or Foe" to describe the attitude towards being on time that is prevelant in Mediterranean cultures and countries as opposed to northern European countries and cultures. In north European countries it is generally felt that being 15 minutes late for a meeting is somewhat rude, and half-an hour is late enough for the people to become quite annoyed. In France the criterea for being late is much more relaxed. Meetings NEVER start less than 15 minutes after the scheduled time, and showing up on the scheduled time for a social gathering at someone's house is just rude.

Pierre: I have arrived!
Herman: Late as usually. But he is French and therefore quarkochronic, so he can't help it.

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