I am running a bit of a risk here - there are bound to people out there who will take issue with this post, but I'll take that risk, so here goes.
Someone in France said to me many years ago - don't eat the middle section of a baguette (or similar) if offered, and only eat the ends. Why, I asked. He replied - well it depends on who bought it and where. If it was at the supermarket - probably no problem, but if the man of the house either walked or cycled to the local boulangerie to get the bread, it is highly likely the baguette will go under his left armpit to be carried home - either so he can steer his bike or if walking, to leave his right hand free to greet his friends and neighbours on the way back.
I do now make a mental note of the number of times I see baguettes being carried this way - it's more frequent than I originally thought.