Video of an American Trying Out European Cutlery Etiquette Sparks Global Debate
Europeans Criticize Americans Harshly Over Perceived "Caveman" Utensil Usage
TikTok user Amy Gordy's attempt to eat like the Europeans leaving online users puzzled.
Posting a video of herself trying the "continental" dining style at a restaurant, Amy Gordy sparked a cultural conversation about dining etiquette on social media platforms. The American mom held her knife and fork in a manner that left many viewers amazed, as they were used to a different method.
Trying to pick up and eat her food with the fork still in her left hand, Amy found it challenging, and her video reached an impressive 2 million views and over 7,000 comments.
"I’m confused, so how do Americans use cutlery?” one perplexed viewer asked.
A viewer from the States responded, "We use the fork in the right hand to eat. The knife use with the right hand is only for cutting, then it gets set down and the fork goes back in the right hand."
Europe vs. America: Differences in Dining Etiquette
These contrasting eating habits highlight the subtle, yet significant cultural distinctions in table manners between Europe and America. The European style features the fork being held in the left hand with the tines facing down and the knife in the right hand, while in America, there is a four-step process involving switching the fork to the right hand after cutting the food.
European dining typically employs a more formal table setting, with multiple forks, knives, and spoons being used from the outside in, depending on the course being served. American dining tends to be more casual and focuses on larger portions, with a strong culture of tipping.
Controversy Surrounding Utensil Usage
Amy's video garnered attention not just for her struggle with the European style but also for her husband's comment on the practice of holding cutlery while speaking being considered rude in America. This left viewers from around the world feeling puzzled and confused: "Eating properly is rude in America?" questioned one.
The debate about the cutlery etiquette reflects broader cultural differences in table manners, with international customs varying significantly. For instance, in Thailand, putting a fork directly in one’s mouth is considered tacky and in Thailand, it is considered offensive. Touching food with the hands is considered rude in Chile, and in the Middle East, India, and parts of Africa, the left hand is associated with hygiene, leading them to only eat with their right hand.
Folded Salads and Respecting Elders
Other differences between the two dining styles include cutting salads with a knife without being considered glamorous in France, where it's more common to fold the lettuce using the forks. In South Korea, younger individuals are expected to respect their elders, while accepting any drinks offered with both hands.
Global Reaction: A Mixed Bag of Confusion and Amusement
Amy’s viral video sparked a global debate on dining etiquette, with viewers across the world expressing their surprise, amusement, and confusion. These differences in cultural eating practices serve as an interesting reminder of the diverse world we live in.
Poll Question
Which dining style do you use?
European style (fork in left hand, knife in right, no switching)
American style (cut and switch: knife in right hand, then fork switches to right)
No matter where you stand in this global debate on dining etiquette, one thing remains certain: people all around the world have different cultures and customs, making our world an exciting and ever-changing place.
- The European dining style, as demonstrated by Amy Gordy's video, features holding the fork in the left hand with the tines facing down and the knife in the right hand, contrasting with the American style of using the fork in the right hand for eating, and only using the knife for cutting then setting it down.
- The Dutch vlogger's video on French etiquette, while not explicitly about dining, also sheds light on cultural differences in manners, showcasing the French disdain for certain Americanisms, such as folding salads with a knife.
- The global reaction to Amy's video, with its astounding views and comments, highlights the diverse and intriguing customs that make up our world, emphasizing the need for understanding and respect among different cultures in the table manners sphere and beyond.
