boardinghouse reach

Etymology
So called because the lodgers at a boardinghouse, dining at the same time, might have to reach past each other for dishes and condiments.

Noun

 * 1) The ability to reach a long distance across a table to get desired food.
 * He developed his boardinghouse reach in the oil fields.
 * 1) The act of reaching across a table to get desired food, often considered poor etiquette because it invades others' personal space.
 * 1) The act of reaching across a table to get desired food, often considered poor etiquette because it invades others' personal space.