Why do the people of US use only use fork when they have their meal?

Answer 1

forks aren't the only thing we use!

Answer 2

Here is a interesting fact in regards to forks.
FORKS
Spain and Italy were the first countries to adopt the fork as a utensil to be used at the table to eat with rather than just a serving utensil. This was in the 16th century. It would be a hundred years before the French decided to use the fork at table.

It is against the law to eat chicken with a fork in Gainesville, Georgia, the 'Chicken Capital of the World.'

In the 11th century the Christian Church was opposed to the use of forks. So much so, that when a Byzantine princess who used a 2 tined gold fork died from the plague, her death was called "a just punishment from God."

In the U.S. forks did not become popular until the 19th century, when the Rockefellers, Morgans and Carnegies popularized them

I dont think americans only use a fork. I for one use all my utensils depending on what I am eating.

Answer 3

If you're referring to why Americans don't hold both knife and fork at the same time through their meal...

Some say it's because people used their right hand to hold the spoon (the first utensil developed specifically for eating) to eat, and Americans were too set in their way even in the advent of the fork. (See "From Hand To Mouth, Or, How We Invented Knives, Forks, Spoons, and Chopsticks..." by James Cross Giblin).

Another popular opinion is that holding the knife as you put food in your mouth looks a bit hostile and crude.

I'm sure there are other theories. So, you decide.

Answer 4

This contrasts with the European manner of constantly holding both knife and fork, in the right and left hands respectively, throughout consumption. The hand grasp is also different, in Europe it is considered better manners not to hold a knife or fork as one would hold a pen, but to have the handle running along the palm and extending out to be held by thumb and forefinger. This style is sometimes called 'hidden handle'. This method is also common in Canada and other former parts of the British Empire. In contrast to the American method of using a fork much like a spoon (tines up), the Europeans primarily use the fork with tines facing away from the user (tines down).

The cause of the difference in custom is uncertain. It is believed to have originated because the 16th century American colonists had established themselves before the fork, and any custom of its use, had become widespread in Europe. The implement did not become widespread in Europe (certainly northern Europe) until the 18th century, and was not adopted in the United States until the 19th century. The American use of blunt-ended knives was also a factor.

Another belief is that, as the frontier was a rough and ready place, the placing of the knife back on the table indicated to others that you had no intentions of hurting them. The dropping of the left hand into the lap near a pistol or another knife, however, was an important safety precaution

Answer 5

I'm from the USA and I use a fork, knife, and spoon. Maybe not all 3 at every meal because it depends what I'm eating. It takes a long time to eat soup with a fork! lol

Answer 6

People in the US are pragmatic. They use whatever utensils are necessary given the food being eaten. If soup is bing eaten, they use a spoon. If meat is being eaten they use a fork and knife. If a multi-course meal is being server with a variety of different foods, then spoons, forks, and knives may all be used. It all depends on the meal being served.

How do you choose what utensils to use?

Answer 7

is there a better way to eat cereal?


anyhow, I'm not sure what you mean. I'm an American and when I set the table its fork, spoon, knife. I cook every meal at my house but I also make a lot of sides that a spoon is needed. I also host a lot of meals too. I'm don;t know about "most Americans" but I don't think you do either.

Answer 8

There have been some interesting answers, but i think there is something more sinister here.
Muslims only eat with their right hand and so do most fork users.

Are they secretly Muslims

Answer 9

you are absolutely right!.
I've asked myself the same question......
I have lots of American friends who only use a fork when we have dinner, even though I am serving chicken breast!!
They try to cut the meat and struggle with the fork, instead of using the knife!
Could be because it is polite here to eat with one hand under the table.....

Answer 10

Fork is best in most cases. I also use spoons.

The ability of the fork to stab is highly valuable. It also has a strait edge so you can cut soft things with it.

Answer 11

We also use spoons and knives.

Knives are to cut meat and hard things. Spoons are for eating soups and other runny liquids.

Forks are always used to pick up solid food after it has been cut with a knife.

There are times when food is so soft that you can cut it with a fork.

You are possibly getting confused with other countries that eat with their fingers or with chopsticks.

It is possible that the only americans you know have not been educated in table etiquette. I guarantee you....there are many of us who know how to use table utensils correctly.