Why do Americans and Brits eat with their knives and forks differently? This video explores the interesting cultural divide on proper dining etiquette. We discuss the history behind the contrasting styles and why each developed.
In the UK, it's considered proper to keep the fork in the left hand and knife in the right throughout the meal. Food is cut with the knife and then transferred to the fork to bring to the mouth. But in America, the fork is switched between hands between cutting and eating.
This fork-switching style was popularized in the US after the Civil War and Industrial Revolution when faster-paced lifestyles emerged. Keeping the fork in the left hand like the British custom was seen as outdated.
The differing utensil use is embedded in each culture. American style emphasizes convenience while the British way values etiquette. Neither is right or wrong, just ingrained norms.
But why does the discrepancy exist at all? Cutlery wasn't always used - they were adopted in the 17th century. Forks came before knives, so knives were originally used for just cutting.
When forks took on the dual role of spearing food, knife-switching became common. But by the 19th century, styles diverged between the upper-class etiquette in Britain and efficient style of America.
Interestingly, each country views the other's style as strange! But whether you keep your fork in your left hand or work on perfecting seamless hand-switching, understanding this cutlery quirk sheds light on how culture influences dining habits.
#shorts #short #usa #uk
