Why don't many people know how to hold their fork and knife?
Dec 7th, 2012, 08:53 AM
#41
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Old thread, but I'll throw in. I recall reading that the "American" style actually predates the Continental style. As times moved along, Europeans adopted this more efficient style, but we Americans kept to the original "zig-zag" method.
Maybe true, maybe not.
In my opinion, if one is able to use both methods, one might endeavor to use the method that prevails wherever they are at the time. But most importantly, just be tidy, don't be snobbish, and try not to gross out your fellow diners.
Maybe true, maybe not.
In my opinion, if one is able to use both methods, one might endeavor to use the method that prevails wherever they are at the time. But most importantly, just be tidy, don't be snobbish, and try not to gross out your fellow diners.
Dec 7th, 2012, 01:54 PM
#42
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I grew up in Canada eating the European way but I still remember the first time I realized Americans switched hands- I was staring at the person in amazement as they cut and switched - I still don't get it. You already have the fork in your left hand with some food on it- might as well eliminate a step and just hold onto it.
Dec 10th, 2012, 04:27 AM
#46
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I have no idea how I eat. I'm left handed. I've never thought about it. These days I eat very little meat, so I don't use a knife much.
I guess I'll have to think about it next time I sit down to a meal.
I guess I'll have to think about it next time I sit down to a meal.
Dec 10th, 2012, 02:41 PM
#48
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Didn't read all the replies on this 10/yr old thread, but though I was taught as a child to switch utensils, by the time I was about 8/yrs old, wondered why this extra step when I could get food into my face sooner... that was the end of my switching. The family thought I had lost it, but nowadays seems everyone I know doesn't bother with the switching and they're all Americans.
As to using a knife/fork only to cut meat? Not me... whatever might have to be cut, but even just getting some small morsels - pasta, salad, veggies, other - I find easier with both utensils rather than attacking any of these with only a fork or using a piece of bread. But then, I can eat as a righty or lefty... no issue with me.
As to using a knife/fork only to cut meat? Not me... whatever might have to be cut, but even just getting some small morsels - pasta, salad, veggies, other - I find easier with both utensils rather than attacking any of these with only a fork or using a piece of bread. But then, I can eat as a righty or lefty... no issue with me.
Dec 10th, 2012, 04:53 PM
#50
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sandi - When I was about 8, some of our cousins visited from Morocco and France. They all ate the European way, which I thought was extremely logical, so I started eating that way too. My dad put a stop to it though when he yelled at my and told me I was an American and I should eat like one. Thanks dad. He is known for unenlightened, reactionary responses.
Dec 12th, 2012, 11:16 AM
#51
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I have been to many restaurants where well-dressed people look like they're butchering a cow as they cut food and then keep on switching the utensils between hands.
The solution is to avert your eyes.
HTtY
The solution is to avert your eyes.
HTtY
Jun 7th, 2013, 10:18 AM
#52
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Not switching is just plain idiotic. Why would you want to put a fork in your mouth upside-down? It doesn't make any sense. Just look at the simple design of a fork - it's not meant to enter your mouth upside-down with food on it!
Jun 7th, 2013, 10:18 AM
#53
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Not switching is just plain idiotic. Why would you want to put a fork in your mouth upside-down? It doesn't make any sense. Just look at the simple design of a fork - it's not meant to enter your mouth upside-down with food on it!
Jun 7th, 2013, 12:08 PM
#55
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Hoisin, as a matter of fact, stab a piece of meat and put it in your mouth fork upright. Then do it fork aimed down. It actually seems much easier and "better" with the times pointed down. For one thing you don't have to raise your arm as much and you aren't sticking your hand directly in front of your face. Meanwhile I haven't had to put the knife down and switch the fork from one hand to another just to take a bite of meat.
Jun 7th, 2013, 01:06 PM
#56
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My parents are European & came to this country 50 years ago. Somehow they raised 4 American kids who switch back & forth American-style.
When I was young I asked my father about the difference. He told me the American habit of switching hands after cutting harks back to the pioneer days...so you could always keep one hand under the table on your six-shooter.
When I was young I asked my father about the difference. He told me the American habit of switching hands after cutting harks back to the pioneer days...so you could always keep one hand under the table on your six-shooter.
Jun 7th, 2013, 02:25 PM
#57
Never mind, Hoisin. When you've travelled a little more you'll see there are many different culinary customs, all correct in that country / culture. And a lot of interesting variations.
The first time I saw someone eating in the American "switch" fashion, I thought it was the most awkward thing imaginable.
The fact that I'd not seen it before, didn't mean it was wrong - just that I had learned something new about how things are done elsewhere.
There are many subtle variations even within the "European" style - how a knife is held, for example.
Fork tines are down if a knife is used.
The first time I saw someone eating in the American "switch" fashion, I thought it was the most awkward thing imaginable.
The fact that I'd not seen it before, didn't mean it was wrong - just that I had learned something new about how things are done elsewhere.
There are many subtle variations even within the "European" style - how a knife is held, for example.
Fork tines are down if a knife is used.
Jun 7th, 2013, 05:55 PM
#58
I was always told the reason I was taught the switch method was because in the US during the American Revolution, the Americans wanted no part of English customs. So, they changed the way we use a fork and knife. I have no idea if that is true. I have a friend living in Europe and she refuses to use the American style because she doesn't want to stand out. Yes, I really did ask her as I thought it was strange.
)
