Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Hotel accommodation - Why are waiters in ancient hotels called Xiao Er instead of Xiao San, Xiao Si or others?

Why are waiters in ancient hotels called Xiao Er instead of Xiao San, Xiao Si or others?

Many waiters in ancient hotels were ordinary people, and ordinary people at the bottom of society generally didn't have names, so people gave them a number symbol to call them. The boss is, of course, the "owner of the shop", and these waiters are also called "shop assistants" or "little assistants" accordingly.