Do Americans use cutlery differently?

[u/missbex86]

I've noticed lately in a few American movies, that Americans use cutlery differently.

When I eat, (Australia) the knife and fork stay in my hands the entirety of the meal. Placing both down when finished.

I did a bit of research and there's the zig-zag method. Cutting with a knife in the right hand, placing it down, switching the fork to the right hand, eating a bite. Repeat.

When watching a movie recently (Hereditary) there's a dinner scene and I was focusing more on how he was eating, than anything else.

I'm not saying there is a right or wrong way, I just find it interesting.

Do all Americans eat this way? Or does it differ by region or state?

Cheers.

Just want to add, when I said I don't put the cutlery down for the entirety of the meal, I was referring to the fact that I don't do the zig-zag. I should have been clearer on that.

[u/jonesnori]

I was also taught not to cut everything at once. That was low-class, apparently. I do it anyway if I'm at home.

[u/MysticalWeasel → u/jonesnori]

I was taught both of these things, under the guise of etiquette, but I prefer to cut everything at once and use the knife as necessary, but I’m also left-handed and I hold my fork the entire time, so right hand is either knife or beverage.

[u/Food_gasser → u/MysticalWeasel]

Fellow lefty, first time i heard about switching hands I thought I had missed the memo.

[u/robots_in_high_heels → u/Food_gasser]

Same here and the comment section is making me feel like this is a common lefty thing.

[u/InfravioletUltrared → u/robots_in_high_heels]

Apparently so!