For eating why do some eat w/the fork in the left hand-knife in the right but others w/the fork in right hand?

Question

And where did holding the fork in your left hand for cutting and then switching it to your right hand to eating come from?

I know Europeans generally hold their fork in the left hand, knife in the right. So how, when & why did Americans start eating with the fork in the right hand--having to switch the fork around after cutting?

Answer 1

Fork in the left hand is the European way to eat - all cultures do so except for Americans.

I think Americans like to butcher culture just like they did the English language.

I was raised the right way.

Answer 2

I have always eaten with the fork in my left hand and knife in right. It's much easier than switching. l also iron and sew with both hands. My Dad golfed and batted with his left but the right hand was dominant.

Answer 3

I've noticed that people from Europe may be more likely to eat with their fork in their left hand... Its just an observation.

Answer 4

my Mom. She taught me to never switch hands and always hold the fork in my left hand - during cutting and eating. It's an old fashioned etiquette thing, though I think both methods are acceptable these days.

Answer 5

Its common sense. You use your dominant hand to handle the sharp knife and the other for the fork. It makes eating easier.

Answer 6

Some people are left-handed and some are right-handed.
And then there are those that are ambidexterous.

Answer 7

it came from the arab jew budhas