how come americans keep one hand under the table when eating dinner? its not good manners (at least in europe)

Answer 1

because it only takes one hand to hold a utensil. Besides there nowhere else to put it.

Answer 2

I don't think I know anyone who does that, but then I've never noticed it before, so we may and I just didn't find it odd.

Assuming you're right and I just haven't noticed, it likely has to do with either not knowing what to do with our hands (something a lot of Americans have trouble with, right along with not being able to sit in silence) and not putting our elbows on the table (considered bad manners here, I don't know about in Europe.)

Keep in mind, though, that various countries and continents have various ideas of what good and bad manners are. In America, it's considered a good thing to look someone straight in the eye when you talk (in most societies), but in some other places, it's rude. Here, too, it's rude to stand too close to someone when you're talking (we like what we call our "personal space" and invading personal space is not nice), but elsewhere in the world, if you back up from a conversation, you actually offend the person you"re talking to.. There are some countries in the world where women are to walk behind their men, with eyes cast downward. In America, that would seem odd in the extreme and would likely get a man labeled as possessive, controlling, or cheuvanistic (can't spell tonight, sorry).

Just pointing out that just because in Europe, hands under the table is bad manners, that doesn't mean it is across the board.

Answer 3

That's just the way we were raised. It is considered impolite to keep both hands or an elbow on the table. I am an American living in Europe, and I've noticed that Americans will slice their food with a knife and then set the knife down, while Europeans keep the knife in their hands the entire meal.

I've been told here that I eat funny, but I can't help it!

Answer 4

The hand under the table is reserved for getting rid of bites of broccoli, liver, and other undesirable foods. You pretend to cough and spit the offending item into the hand used to cover your mouth. Then you can either feed the gnarly wad of half-chewed whatever to Spot or smush it against the table and hope that it sticks.

No, seriously, it's a cultural difference, just like the way that people cut meat or use a fork. There's no real right way or wrong way. . .it's just whatever your culture (or that of your host) says is correct at the time.

Answer 5

I have heard that in Europe it's thought a person must be masturbating at the table if they have their hand in their lap. It must be a crazy place to live, I say!

In America, I think the main reason for the habit is that it's supposed to be impolite to eat with both your elbows on the table, and so by keeping one hand in your lap you make it cerain you will never wind up in that position.

Answer 6

I'm guessing people keep one hand under the table when they eat because some people like to keep a napkin on their lap and they feel they must somehow hold the napkin from falling? I am an American but I dont keep one hand under the table, but those Ive seen it do it, have a napkin on their lap.

Answer 7

Because here in America it is considered bad manners to put both hands/elbows on the table

Answer 8

Are we suppose to put elbows on table in Europe? I guess they have etiquette lessons that are different from America. I never put elbows on table I think I eat fine for an "uncivilized" American.

Answer 9

Because in AMERICA we don't put our hands on the table or our elbows because that is not good manners here...different culture. It's just comfortable and what we are used to how we were taught to behave. It's normal here in America.

Answer 10

probably a culture barrier, i personally do not do that, but i know people who do... also in countries like France it is culturally necessary to bring a gift for the host whenever you go to some body's house; not always in America. also in Islamic culture it is inappropriate to have the bottom of your shoe showing anywhere, so the way alot of American males sit would be offensive to Muslims, I'm sitting that way right now as a matter of fact. So to answer your question, it's because it IS acceptable here

Answer 11

Because it is uncomfortable to hold it over our heads for the duration of the meal and since it should never rest on the table, our lap seems to be the best alternative.