why do americans switch fork over to the other hand when eating?

Answer 1

When you cut your meat, you hold the knife in your dominant hand. Then, you switch the fork to your dominant hand to eat your food.

Answer 2

There is no definitive answer I can find. However, my humble opinion is this:

The peasants or poor class in Europe at the time the U.S. was formed were eating by switch hands with the fork and knife. The nobility of Europe during the 1700's in America were the bad guys and so I believe the manners we observe in respect to fork and knife reflect the desire to be basic, normal people vs lords and ladies of Europe.

Here is a quoted section from: MegaEssays.com

"The French considered the American way of eating salad before the main course at dinner barbaric. The French used to eat their salad after the main course. Now the salad has disappeared from the menu in a country where at one time it was a fixture after the main course. The French do not understand why Americans eat the way they do, and they consider it very ill mannered. The French can be quite embarrassed with the way Americans switch the fork between hands, because it is considered that way of eating is the way of a peasant. The French are very formal and are often embarrassed by American informality." They do not like American chummy handshakes, and are frightened when they hear “I know all about you” and “I have heard all about you”.

Happy Trails

Answer 3

Here is a link that suggests that it is because the fork was introduced late into the American colonies:

http://www.cuisinenet.com/digest/custom/etiquette/utensil_howto.shtml

But I have also heard it was distinguish Americans from the English.

I eat the Euro way. My parents said the American way was stupid, pretentious and a waste of motion. I also have my salad after the main dish like French (again, that's the way we did it at home).

Actually, the salad answer is incorrect. Americans get the custom of eating salad first from the Spanish. In Spain, salads are always first. Most early American settlers were British or German (neither culture is noted for their love of fresh vegetables). Salads began to become more popular on the American table after the acquisition of Florida in the 18th century (Florida had been a Spanish possession).

Answer 4

As an American, I would have to say the reason is....

Because we don't know any better! Honestly. I had now idea there was another way to eat until I was ten. And I come from a very culturally diverse family AND I live in San Francisco.

Answer 5

Most people are right-handed, so holding the fork in the right hand gives you more control.

Answer 6

They basically use the knife to cut their food up and then abandon it.Then switch their fork to the dominant hand/side

Answer 7

Do you mean after we finish cutting something? Because we use our dominant hand to work the knife and then switch back to our dominant hand to eat with.

Answer 8

If you're asking where it came from, I don't know. I'm American, but my family is from England, so I grew up doing it your way. Oddly enough, I've never had anyone comment about it.

Answer 9

In the event it's a fruit it includes seeds, otherwise it's a vegetable. And vegetables are usually grown in the ground while fruits are grown in trees.

Answer 10

Because they are peasants, and want to shovel the food in.