Why do some people eat with their fork upside down? And when did that start?

[porschegrl]

so basically, Americans are confused as to why the rest of the world dont use a knife and fork like they do.... right... gotcha....

You do love a broad brush, don't you? (Notice, it's not, "You folks from Ireland do love a broad brush.")

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

You do love a broad brush, don't you? (Notice, it's not, "You folks from Ireland do love a broad brush.")

I thought they liked Guinness. And there is a very particular ‘proper’ way to drink Guinness.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

To be perfectly honest, in the U.K., how one holds cutlery and behaves at the table is a ‘class’ thing. Many children are taught table manners alongside English grammar. It is considered that important. There are lots of, so called, ‘class’ giveaways .... responding to ‘how do you do’, shaking hands, holding wine glasses, eating soup and pudding etc. Even what time one eats.

 

[Disneefun]

I noticed it becoming more prevalent around here when Downton Abbey was at the height of its popularity.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I swing both ways.

 

[mousefan73]

This is common in Europe and with Europeans.

Correct.. I actually had to test to see what my fork does... Mine is 99% of the time mine is pointed down.. The reason being the formal, more european way is that the fork is in the left hand and knife in the right ( left handers might switch).. and during the meal they stay there, putting knife down. I notice American will use their knife and then put it down.. and switch fork back over..

when using a knife, having the fork pointed UP, doesnt work.. the fit is wrong.

I eat fork only, when eating noodles or salad from a bowl. then I use my right hand.

concerning peas , I slide with my knife the peas onto the fork, which I quickly turn up with one hand. I smooth flip

 

[mousefan73]

Isn’t it the European method of using silverware? Knife in right hand, fork upside down in left hand. Then you just cut the meat and put it in your mouth with the left hand upside down fork instead of putting the knife down, changing the fork to the right hand right side up. As for peas or potatoes or whatever, you push the food onto your upside down fork with your knife.

correct, very efficient... Makes it kinda hard to text and eat at the same time.. lol.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

I noticed it becoming more prevalent around here when Downton Abbey was at the height of its popularity.

I don’t think we are alone. I believe many cultures, such as Japanese and Chinese also have very ‘particular’ table manners/etiquette.

 

[kdonnel]

So as not to offend those from countries where eating with the left hand is considered gross, I just skip utensils completely and shove my face into the food dog style. Always making sure to use my right hand for the napkin.

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

So as not to offend those from countries where eating with the left hand is considered gross, I just skip utensils completely and shove my face into the food dog style. Always making sure to use my right hand for the napkin.

Reverse tongue motion?

 

[TippyThomas]

so basically, Americans are confused as to why the rest of the world dont use a knife and fork like they do.... right... gotcha....

I am American and I'm not confused at all. Hope that helps.

 

[Timandalicia]

It's all in the title.

I learned to use a fork the normal, at least the previous normal, with the tines up instead of down, also sort of replicating a spoon effect. When I see somebody using the fork upside down, I am thinking the food is going to fall off their fork. It seems like it is usually younger people eating with the upside down fork method.

I do have to admit, I have not seen this for almost a year now, no restaurant eating since last February.

View attachment 557279 View attachment 557281

Maybe you’re eating with your fork upside down. Who’s to say what is the top of the fork?

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

I'm not confused at all.

Easily remedied.

 

[SirDuff]

To be perfectly honest, in the U.K., how one holds cutlery and behaves at the table is a ‘class’ thing. Many children are taught table manners alongside English grammar. It is considered that important. There are lots of, so called, ‘class’ giveaways .... responding to ‘how do you do’, shaking hands, holding wine glasses, eating soup and pudding etc. Even what time one eats.

I missed a pivotal plot point in a movie once (watching while in England with English friends) where an imposter was "unmasked" because she didn't put in the milk in after the tea (the horrors).

 

[Micca]

so basically, Americans are confused as to why the rest of the world dont use a knife and fork like they do

I'm afraid you've nailed it Tink, we're a bunch of fork-ups

 

[kdonnel]

I enjoy this guys YouTube channel, knew he must have a video that covered this thread.

 

[slo]

I only hold my fork upside down when I’m cutting something with my knife - outside of that, it’s turned the other way

 

[lucas]

I've never noticed it with forks. But, lately I see a lot of people eating ice cream with the spoon upside down. I don't get it!

 

[Orion Nebula]

Just remember if you want to be fancy flip it. I flip it when I eat a filet but not when it's a cheaper cut of steak to impress people.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Well, when I posted this, I was wondering if anybody would respond for me to get some ideas on 'why'. After 22 years here, I should know better, haha. Obviously, there are many ways to eat.

Anybody want to try chopstick protocols now?

Thank you all for your varied input. I think I am more confused than I was before asking.