12 hours ago
Woman divides TikTok over the 'correct' way to use a knife and fork
An American woman has sparked debate on TikTok about the 'correct' way to eat after she filmed a video showing how Europeans hold their utensils.
Amy Gordy, from Chicago, recently shared a video of herself trying to use cutlery the 'European way' on TikTok. In the European style of dining, the fork is typically held in the left hand and the knife is held in the right hand for the entire meal.
The knife is used for assisting in moving the food onto the fork, and the prongs of the fork usually face down. Americans, on the other hand, usually only use the knife while cutting then put it down and switch the fork to their right hand, with the prongs facing upward.
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In the clip, Amy struggled as she attempted to use the European method while eating a grain bowl with steak and eggs.
'I don't even know how to do this. What do I do? So I don't put this down, right? I'm keeping this in my hand,' she said, referring to the knife.
Her husband replied: 'I'm talking to you right now and you're holding both? That's insane. I don't get it. In America, that's considered rude.'
Amy added: 'I'm confused as to how I use my knife with my [right] hand,' she continued. 'Do you scoop things on the back of the fork? I am really struggling. I'm really trying you guys.'
Hoards of Europeans rushed to the comment section, insisting the way they eat is actually 'proper etiquette' and roasting Americans over their style.
'It's not the "European Way," it's THE CORRECT WAY,' one user said.
'Scottish here. Absolutely baffled as to why you're struggling to use a knife and fork,' added another.
A third chimed in: 'It's not insane, it's the correct etiquette.'
'It's the correct way. Americans are just one step up from eating with their hands,' joked another.
Dining style: In Europe, the fork is typically held in the left hand and the knife is held in the right hand for the entire meal, and the prongs of the fork usually face down
However, others defended Amy. One person wrote: 'Guys relax. It's almost like different countries and cultures have different norms and standards of etiquette.
'If you've developed the fine motor skill to do something a certain way for your entire life, doing it a different way will feel unnatural.'
Another person added: 'Geez this comment section is so judgmental. The idea that Americans have a separate culture and therefore do things differently is so upsetting for some of you. Etiquette is different everywhere you go!'
'Guys America does suck I agree with you but damn different places do things differently leave us alone,' a third chimed in.
Criticism: Some social media users insisted the European way is 'proper etiquette'
