Why do American women eat with just a fork?

Question

They even use the fork as a knife, what have they got against knives?

Answer 1

They only pick up the knife to stab you with it.

American women are rather uncouth whereas table manners are concerned. They believe themselves to be well mannered but for the most part have no inkling of what that really means.

Many also tend to refer to themselves and other women as ladies, being of the belief that being a woman is the same as being a lady.

My response will serve to generate many thumbs down from these 'ladies', I gather.

Answer 2

And here I thought I was a scoundrel of a gentleman for the way I stated things. I believe you have topped me, so I do doff my cap to you, sir. Your superior inconsideration truly dazzles.

Now, to answer your question. Some women eat with just a fork because that is how they are comfortable. The American style of dining is typically called zig-zag and involves switching the hand holding the fork, then letting the left hand rest in the lap. There is history to this, if you care for a lesson, sir. But, one may cut through softer food if one were so inclined, the only time a knife may be called for would be with something akin to thick meat, a steak, veal, et cetera. However, as my sister is a lady, and American, she eats quite properly to the point that even while using her knife and fork in "european" style, her head, neck and back do not bend at all toward the plate while eating, but rather she sits straight and brings the food to her; without spilling anything I might add.

Answer 3

I am American and I am one of those people who rarely uses a knife. The reasons:

1) I can cut into most meals by pressing down with the side edge of the fork.
2) A knife is an extra utensil to clean so why use it when a fork is just as good.
3) This is the way my dad ate and I guess I learned it from him : )

Answer 4

I use both and I am an American woman. I know what you are talking about, though. I think maybe that is just the way they were taught from their parents. My family thinks I am odd because I use my knife and fork and not just my fork.

Answer 5

It's not just the women. A friend from the US told me that when US citizens see us Brits keeping the knife in our hand throughout the meal they ask, 'Don't they know how to eat in little ole England?'
Use the fork as a shovel seems to be the rule across the Pond.
My advice is 'do your own thing'. The French have a phrase for it: 'Vive la différence!' Long live the difference.

Answer 6

I don't know many that do, but I'm assuming it's part of etiquette. Actually, in America the "polite" thing to do is hold the knife in the right hand while holding the fork in the left to keep the food in place, then once it's cut to use the fork after switching it to your right hand to pick it up and eat it.

Answer 7

That really is weird. If they need a knife they shouldn't replace a fork instead. When they are eating things like steak, they should use a knife and a fork.

Answer 8

I can't stand to see this: As soon as the plate of spaghetti arrives, the person uses a fork to chop all the noodles into small pieces and uses the fork as a spoon to pick up the pieces. Another unsightly scene: cutting a entire steak into cubes first.

Answer 9

I am an American woman and I use a fork and a knife. I
also teach my children to use both. I don't know who you
are talking about.

Answer 10

alright I am an american 14 year old and I use forks as knifes just to save time (It is a busy world!). when eating around others I use a knife, though