Comment
Taken from the book "Modern Etiquette" by
Agnes M. Miall
Pearson, London, 1950
Why shouldn't one "shovel" up peas in the curve
of the fork? It is so much easier then the regulation method
of prodding them laboriously on the prongs. But try both
ways while watching yourself in the mirror and you will
soon see why the second is more considerate. Pronging up
peas with your fork held curve downwards keeps your arm
well into your side, whereas "shovelling" as though
a fork were a spoon, turns your left elbow horizontally
outwards, so that is takes up a lot of room. This may not
matter if you are feeding at home or at a restaurant with
a whole table, or one side of one, to yourself. But picture
the same expensive movement at a public dinner where people
have to be served close together, and you will realise why
the "shoveller" is unpopular both with neighbours
and waitresses!
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