is this poor etiquette?

Question

my grandmom, used to get upset if when i ate from a spoon or fork i turned it upside down to lick it...my boyfriend says thats stupid, is that poor etiquette? and my mom says to eat french fries with your fork...isnt french fries a finger food? who used a fork for some mcdonald fries.... potatoe wedges maybe...puny french fries

Answer 1

Yes - it's poor manners to turn a piece of cutlery upside down to lick it. You should place the food in your mouth with the utensil and then remove it (without biting down on it). As for french fries - technically, yes you should eat them with a knife and fork, cutting them if they are too large to be placed in your mouth in a neat bite, but nowadays it's common to eat them with your fingers.

Most of these things actually depend on the company you are in, so if you're mother doesn't like you eating french fries with your fingers then when you are with her it would be polite not to. The purpose of etiquette is to make the people around you comfortable so if your behaviour is likely to cause offence, don't do it.

Answer 2

When it comes to dining/eating etiquette...poor etiquette is really anything that draws attention to the act of eating..this includes licking fingers, slurping soup, and yes, licking your fork/spoon. It is perfectly acceptable to eat certain foods without utensils. Fried chicken, nachos, and french fries are all called "finger foods" for a reason. In most cases it is just fine to neatly eat these items using your hands. The only real caveat to this rule is if your host is using utensils to eat them, then etiquette dictates you follow suit and use a fork. I think your mom might be going a tad bit overboard by saying you must use a fork for french fries. If you're at a fancy restaurant and are eating steak fries/potato wedges, then you should use a fork...but McDonald's fries??? Yes, you may use your fingers!

Answer 3

In some countries, fingers are never used to eat food. For example, in Europe you will commonly see people eating their hamburger with a fork and knife, and the french fries are eaten with a fork. Here in the states however, it's perfectly acceptable to eat your fries with your fingers. In your own home, licking the spoon is fine, but to avoid offending anyone, try to refrain from doing this in restaurants or during holiday meals.

Answer 4

Etiquette is defined by the setting. While there are some absolutes, always ask "what is appropriate for this setting". If you were eating fries with the Queen of England, I would suggest a fork. Apparently Grandma is "old-school" and thats OK. We need more etiquette in society. When your with your friends eat the fries with your hands!

Answer 5

I'm sorry your grandmother is causing so much of an issue when she should do everything to make her visiting family feel welcome and comfortable. However, consider her age. Perhaps eating at a fast food restaurant is not something she engages in - if ever. If the fries are something she or your mom made at home and they are served on a plate as a side dish, she is correct - use a fork. Also use the side of the fork to cut each fry into a bite-sized piece.

It's such a simple thing to do to keep the peace in the family. When you are not in the company of your mom and grandma and are eating fries - let your hair down and do what comes naturally.

Answer 6

If you sat at a table to lick a spoon and had your tongue hanging out of your mouth, then yes, it is poor etiquette. But if you put the spoon in your mouth, I don't see what the problem is. I totally agree with you about the french fries. I would love to see someone eating them with a fork. Pah.

Answer 7

Is this a question of etiquette or your family traditions.

Etiquette is all about the right form for the occasion. Therefore, it can be acceptable for one to eat fish and chips with ones fingers whilst eating take away and strolling along the beach. However, if the meal is presented at the table and cutlery is provided then it should be used.

When dining at a set table it is poor etiquette to lick any item on cutlery or crockery.

Answer 8

Your grandmom is correct. And she is trying to teach you proper etiquette, a lesson you will appreciate when you become an adult. Can you imagine the impression you may make on a future employer or mate if you, as a adult, lick your utensils at the table? Listen to your grandmom and thank her! As for finger foods, and french fries served in a paper bag fit this category, it is perfectly alright to use your fingers....but don't lick them!

Answer 9

Thats true what you said about mcdonalds, however when you are at granmas, or any body elses for dinner, it will be called un lady like for you to eat your French fries the way you do, So Use the Fork the regular way , a nice young lady should

Answer 10

In my opinion, one shouldn't lick spoons etc. However, I agree with you that french fries can be eaten without knife and fork in a fast food restaurant. When I eat fries at home (I rarely eat fries, but anyway) or in a "real" restaurant I never use my fingers, though.