I spend a lot of time in Europe and the European style of holding the fork in the left hand makes so much more sense than all of the utensil juggling we do in the USA. I always eat this was at home. Is it rude for me to eat European while dining with friends?
2007-06-09 17:18:54 · 40 answers · asked by beezersmutti 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Some years ago my friends and I were dinner guests at a home in England. The children at the table stared at us with fascination as we held the food with the fork in the left hand while cutting with the right. Then we would prop the knife on the plate, switch the fork into the right hand and put our left hand in our laps. These kids thought this was the funniest thing they ever saw. They were hysterical trying to imitate us.
2007-06-09 17:36:22 · update #1
I doubt anyone will notice.... I'm European, eat European style, lived in the US for five years and NO ONE ever commented on it or gave me weird looks or anything. Yes, I also think it's much easier than switching hands!
2007-06-10 10:01:33 · answer #1 · answered by Sheriam 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it is not rude to eat the European way in the US.
I eat that way too because I find it easier, but some people think it is more stylish -(in the sense that the person knows etiquette) to eat the European way, since the knife is not being set aside the plate and is held in ones right hand at all times.
Europeans tend to think the American way of eating is somewhat sloppy. I don't think so, but I've seen some people attack their food with the knife and fork as if they are holding a dagger instead of a fork in their left hand!
Actually all of this is of minor importance. -- Enjoy the food!
2007-06-09 19:21:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not believe its rude at all. I spent some time in Norway and also noticed how they did use the left hand for the fork and the right for the knife. I started to do that and pretty much have not stopped. I don't think people really notice that too much anyways
2007-06-09 18:03:32 · answer #3 · answered by carriec 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In fact it is. I was born in Brazil and my grandparents are all Italian (!!! yes, it is true)...mom and dad were taught to use the right hand to cut and put the knife on the plate and use the right hand back to eat...confused? some people are not taught how to eat, and we say the most educated ones eat this way. The idea is not (NEVER) use the knife to bring food to the fork!! did I make myself understood? I had a brain surgery and I am having problem with my memory!
2007-06-09 17:32:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. I have lived in the US all of my life and I hold the fork in my left hand. Got tired of switching hands to have the knife in my right hand. Watch an American eating a steak. They put the fork in their left hand and the knife in their right to cut the steak. Then put the knife down, switch hands, and then put the bite into their mouths. I did it that way for years until someone pointed it out to me.
2007-06-13 14:41:28 · answer #5 · answered by Smarter than the average bear 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know where you live, but proper etiquette is to keep the fork in your left hand when you eat and the knife in your right. What kind of barbarian eating are you doing? Why do you think this behavior has anything to do with being American? It just sounds like no manners to me.
2007-06-09 19:50:33 · answer #6 · answered by yp_plum_new_york 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Both are considered proper forms of eating. My mom was born in England so the European form is used by us also. To me its also just easier and less time consuming rather than setting the knife down and swapping hands.
2007-06-13 06:53:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its easier to hold a knife in your right hand to cut up food. The only thing that is rude at the table is to be inconsiderate and talk with your mouth full
TP
2007-06-09 17:27:51 · answer #8 · answered by taylor p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in the US, but grew up in Canada. I eat the European way . I never realized it until I was at a dinner party and a gentleman called me on it. The gentleman in question was European. Americans never noticed, and neither did I.
2007-06-09 18:15:10 · answer #9 · answered by beliha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this way of eating European? I think not. I have always been taught to eat this way and was raised in the West Indies. Well, considering the British did invade my country, I suppose they influenced this behavior. Either way, not just Europeans eat in this manner, and people who are astute and observant will take notice. If they have any intelligence, they'll be fascinated and start a conversation about it.
2007-06-09 17:26:24 · answer #10 · answered by bahjij6 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋