Eating Manners
Discussion
I was always brought up to regard table manners as very important so I struggled when I lived in the US. Table manners over there are terrible. Even highly educated, well brought up types eat like unsupervised toddlers. There must be a law against holding a knife whilst eating because everyone dashes to cut up their food as quickly as possible into chunks then drops the knife like it was red hot and then proceed to hold the fork the wrong way up and shovel continuously until the plate is empty. My clients over there think I'm a chinese food addict because I always insist on eating at places with chopsticks instead of cutlery so it's a bit less like feeding time at the zoo! 
Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Not so bothered by the crisps thing as by people who get their fingers in their dinner. They sit there with a knife and fork and start eating the chips or dry bits of meaty stuff with their fingers.
"Get yer fingers out of your food or go and sit in the corner with the dog who doesn't care and will happy to lick them clean afterwards." Makes me ill just thinking about it.
"Get yer fingers out of your food or go and sit in the corner with the dog who doesn't care and will happy to lick them clean afterwards." Makes me ill just thinking about it.
OnTheOverrun said:
I was always brought up to regard table manners as very important so I struggled when I lived in the US. Table manners over there are terrible. Even highly educated, well brought up types eat like unsupervised toddlers. There must be a law against holding a knife whilst eating because everyone dashes to cut up their food as quickly as possible into chunks then drops the knife like it was red hot and then proceed to hold the fork the wrong way up and shovel continuously until the plate is empty.
Wikipedia said:
European style
The European manner is to hold the fork and knife, in the left and right hands respectively, throughout consumption. Once a bite-sized piece of food has been cut, it is conducted straight to the mouth by the left hand. There is no need to put down the knife.
The hand grasp is also different: outside of North America it is considered better manners not to hold a knife or fork as one would hold a pen, but instead 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), in this style of eating the tines must be pointed down.
The cause of the difference in custom is uncertain. It is believed to have originated because the 17th 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.
North American style
The knife is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Holding food to the plate with the fork tines-down, a single bite-sized piece is cut with the knife. The knife is then placed on the right edge of the plate (with the blade facing inward) and the fork transferred to the right hand, with the left hand falling to the lap. The cut piece is then speared (if not already during the cut) or scooped and eaten using the fork in a tines-up orientation. The fork is held in the right hand or put down on the plate while chewing. The fork is then transferred back into the left hand, the right hand picks up the knife, and the process is repeated as necessary. A left-handed consumer can retain the fork in the stronger hand, although the knife is still released.
Variations
While cutting, the fork is usually held upside down with the handle along the palm and the index finger pressing down at the neck of the handle. Because most forks have a curve this will point the tines downward into the food.
If the food is very soft or flaky (for example, fish), some choose to disregard the knife entirely, using a fork in their right hand and cutting their food by pressing down with the edge or with the tines of their fork. Sawing at the food in this way is considered bad form.[citation needed] Alternatively, a fish knife can be used, held much like a pen or a scalpel. Such knives are rarely seen in the U.S., but they are used more often in Europe.
The fork can be held with the index finger touching the back of the fork throughout the motion of picking up and putting in the mouth.
That's how they are supposed to do it! You were the one with bad manners The European manner is to hold the fork and knife, in the left and right hands respectively, throughout consumption. Once a bite-sized piece of food has been cut, it is conducted straight to the mouth by the left hand. There is no need to put down the knife.
The hand grasp is also different: outside of North America it is considered better manners not to hold a knife or fork as one would hold a pen, but instead 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), in this style of eating the tines must be pointed down.
The cause of the difference in custom is uncertain. It is believed to have originated because the 17th 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.
North American style
The knife is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Holding food to the plate with the fork tines-down, a single bite-sized piece is cut with the knife. The knife is then placed on the right edge of the plate (with the blade facing inward) and the fork transferred to the right hand, with the left hand falling to the lap. The cut piece is then speared (if not already during the cut) or scooped and eaten using the fork in a tines-up orientation. The fork is held in the right hand or put down on the plate while chewing. The fork is then transferred back into the left hand, the right hand picks up the knife, and the process is repeated as necessary. A left-handed consumer can retain the fork in the stronger hand, although the knife is still released.
Variations
While cutting, the fork is usually held upside down with the handle along the palm and the index finger pressing down at the neck of the handle. Because most forks have a curve this will point the tines downward into the food.
If the food is very soft or flaky (for example, fish), some choose to disregard the knife entirely, using a fork in their right hand and cutting their food by pressing down with the edge or with the tines of their fork. Sawing at the food in this way is considered bad form.[citation needed] Alternatively, a fish knife can be used, held much like a pen or a scalpel. Such knives are rarely seen in the U.S., but they are used more often in Europe.
The fork can be held with the index finger touching the back of the fork throughout the motion of picking up and putting in the mouth.
I always eat with my mouth closed. Just so happens that the shape of my mouth is conducive to making lots of noise. My dad is the same. We both have very good table manners and are not pigs. Granted ,I smell my own farts and pick my nose etc, but not at the dinner table, thankyou. Some people just can't help being a bit loud.
A lot of this is to do with (you can't tiggle yourself).
Same when you suck a sweet, you know you're going to do it.
It's when you're tired, and the person you're with keeps sucking, crunching, munching, genarally being a pain in the arse. Could be tapping their fingers.
You don't want it!
Same when you suck a sweet, you know you're going to do it.
It's when you're tired, and the person you're with keeps sucking, crunching, munching, genarally being a pain in the arse. Could be tapping their fingers.
You don't want it!
AlexC1981 said:
OnTheOverrun said:
I was always brought up to regard table manners as very important so I struggled when I lived in the US. Table manners over there are terrible. Even highly educated, well brought up types eat like unsupervised toddlers. There must be a law against holding a knife whilst eating because everyone dashes to cut up their food as quickly as possible into chunks then drops the knife like it was red hot and then proceed to hold the fork the wrong way up and shovel continuously until the plate is empty.
Wikipedia said:
European style
The European manner is to hold the fork and knife, in the left and right hands respectively, throughout consumption. Once a bite-sized piece of food has been cut, it is conducted straight to the mouth by the left hand. There is no need to put down the knife.
The hand grasp is also different: outside of North America it is considered better manners not to hold a knife or fork as one would hold a pen, but instead 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), in this style of eating the tines must be pointed down.
The cause of the difference in custom is uncertain. It is believed to have originated because the 17th 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.
North American style
The knife is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Holding food to the plate with the fork tines-down, a single bite-sized piece is cut with the knife. The knife is then placed on the right edge of the plate (with the blade facing inward) and the fork transferred to the right hand, with the left hand falling to the lap. The cut piece is then speared (if not already during the cut) or scooped and eaten using the fork in a tines-up orientation. The fork is held in the right hand or put down on the plate while chewing. The fork is then transferred back into the left hand, the right hand picks up the knife, and the process is repeated as necessary. A left-handed consumer can retain the fork in the stronger hand, although the knife is still released.
Variations
While cutting, the fork is usually held upside down with the handle along the palm and the index finger pressing down at the neck of the handle. Because most forks have a curve this will point the tines downward into the food.
If the food is very soft or flaky (for example, fish), some choose to disregard the knife entirely, using a fork in their right hand and cutting their food by pressing down with the edge or with the tines of their fork. Sawing at the food in this way is considered bad form.[citation needed] Alternatively, a fish knife can be used, held much like a pen or a scalpel. Such knives are rarely seen in the U.S., but they are used more often in Europe.
The fork can be held with the index finger touching the back of the fork throughout the motion of picking up and putting in the mouth.
That's how they are supposed to do it! You were the one with bad manners The European manner is to hold the fork and knife, in the left and right hands respectively, throughout consumption. Once a bite-sized piece of food has been cut, it is conducted straight to the mouth by the left hand. There is no need to put down the knife.
The hand grasp is also different: outside of North America it is considered better manners not to hold a knife or fork as one would hold a pen, but instead 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), in this style of eating the tines must be pointed down.
The cause of the difference in custom is uncertain. It is believed to have originated because the 17th 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.
North American style
The knife is held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Holding food to the plate with the fork tines-down, a single bite-sized piece is cut with the knife. The knife is then placed on the right edge of the plate (with the blade facing inward) and the fork transferred to the right hand, with the left hand falling to the lap. The cut piece is then speared (if not already during the cut) or scooped and eaten using the fork in a tines-up orientation. The fork is held in the right hand or put down on the plate while chewing. The fork is then transferred back into the left hand, the right hand picks up the knife, and the process is repeated as necessary. A left-handed consumer can retain the fork in the stronger hand, although the knife is still released.
Variations
While cutting, the fork is usually held upside down with the handle along the palm and the index finger pressing down at the neck of the handle. Because most forks have a curve this will point the tines downward into the food.
If the food is very soft or flaky (for example, fish), some choose to disregard the knife entirely, using a fork in their right hand and cutting their food by pressing down with the edge or with the tines of their fork. Sawing at the food in this way is considered bad form.[citation needed] Alternatively, a fish knife can be used, held much like a pen or a scalpel. Such knives are rarely seen in the U.S., but they are used more often in Europe.
The fork can be held with the index finger touching the back of the fork throughout the motion of picking up and putting in the mouth.
king. Sit. There. And go SSSSLLLRRRRRPPPPP trying to sip it for Christ's sake.OnTheOverrun said:
I was always brought up to regard table manners as very important so I struggled when I lived in the US. Table manners over there are terrible. Even highly educated, well brought up types eat like unsupervised toddlers. There must be a law against holding a knife whilst eating because everyone dashes to cut up their food as quickly as possible into chunks then drops the knife like it was red hot and then proceed to hold the fork the wrong way up and shovel continuously until the plate is empty. My clients over there think I'm a chinese food addict because I always insist on eating at places with chopsticks instead of cutlery so it's a bit less like feeding time at the zoo!
Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Have you ever thought that there is no such thing as a naturally 'correct' way to use a knife and fork. You are presuming that the way you have been brought up to use a knife and fork is the 'correct' way across the globe.Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Presumably you would think Sri Lankans have appalling table manners as they eat their food using their fingers. And that includes the "highly educated, well brought up types".
Shay HTFC said:
OnTheOverrun said:
I was always brought up to regard table manners as very important so I struggled when I lived in the US. Table manners over there are terrible. Even highly educated, well brought up types eat like unsupervised toddlers. There must be a law against holding a knife whilst eating because everyone dashes to cut up their food as quickly as possible into chunks then drops the knife like it was red hot and then proceed to hold the fork the wrong way up and shovel continuously until the plate is empty. My clients over there think I'm a chinese food addict because I always insist on eating at places with chopsticks instead of cutlery so it's a bit less like feeding time at the zoo!
Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Have you ever thought that there is no such thing as a naturally 'correct' way to use a knife and fork. You are presuming that the way you have been brought up to use a knife and fork is the 'correct' way across the globe.Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Presumably you would think Sri Lankans have appalling table manners as they eat their food using their fingers. And that includes the "highly educated, well brought up types".
OnTheOverrun said:
Shay HTFC said:
OnTheOverrun said:
I was always brought up to regard table manners as very important so I struggled when I lived in the US. Table manners over there are terrible. Even highly educated, well brought up types eat like unsupervised toddlers. There must be a law against holding a knife whilst eating because everyone dashes to cut up their food as quickly as possible into chunks then drops the knife like it was red hot and then proceed to hold the fork the wrong way up and shovel continuously until the plate is empty. My clients over there think I'm a chinese food addict because I always insist on eating at places with chopsticks instead of cutlery so it's a bit less like feeding time at the zoo!
Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Have you ever thought that there is no such thing as a naturally 'correct' way to use a knife and fork. You are presuming that the way you have been brought up to use a knife and fork is the 'correct' way across the globe.Oh, and a friend of mine married a Greek woman and finally ended up divorcing her five years later because although delightful in most areas, she spent every evening nimbling pound after pound of seeds whilst spitting the husks into a bowl, which finally broke my mate!
Presumably you would think Sri Lankans have appalling table manners as they eat their food using their fingers. And that includes the "highly educated, well brought up types".
You make it out that you put across your points in a rational and well balanced way.Read what you said again. It comes across as patronising and self righteous. And I'll put in bold a bit that negates your "I never said I eat the 'correct' way" remark.
"Table manners over there are terrible. Even highly educated, well brought up types eat like unsupervised toddlers. There must be a law against holding a knife whilst eating because everyone dashes to cut up their food as quickly as possible into chunks then drops the knife like it was red hot and then proceed to hold the fork the wrong way up and shovel continuously until the plate is empty."
Do you also wear your top hat to the table?
Anyway, I'm tired and this isn't going anywhere. I feel like a bit of a fool for getting drawn in to be honest, because its stupid.
Might have a quick bite of supper before bed and eat a slice of pizza with my fingers.
Edited by Shay HTFC on Monday 5th July 23:27
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