AmerLisa

Actually it wasn't hub that I picked it up from, just living in the UK! lol But it's a term I find sums things up when I'm super annoyed! Hubby doesn't like when I use it...

Lbjen

We teach our little ones to use a knife and fork properly, and the younger one has taken a liking to tea with milk and sugar. Both are partial to a little Cadburys.

The older one didn't speak a word of English when we arrived but now speaks only English, with a kind of American but not quite accent. The younger one was born here and doesn't really speak enough to have an accent yet.

I'd say the only really British thing we're teaching them is politeness, and perhaps a sense of social justice that I don't feel is particularly prevalent here.

BellaE

I taught my three (now grown) to eat Cadbury's and (with partial success) to say please and thank you. Also to appreciate the Beatles, Python, and Dr. Who. Apart from that, they are Yanks though and through.
(Any rhyming in this post is completely accidental.)

AmerLisa

I was taught to say please and thank you and I've taught my children the same. Don't think that's a British thing.... Being impolite seems to be a common factor everywhere these days. Really a shame....

Jerseygirl

I am confused by your last statement. I found all my daughter's American friends to be extremely polite.

Uncle Ebenezer

I agree. It seems the majority of kids these days - of whatever nationality - have no manners and are not grateful for anything.

SultanOfSwing

Yup. Bunch of self important wee shites, the world over.

cindyabs

I was thinking the same thing.....................

Steerpike

By 'properly' I presume you mean the awkward practice of holding the knife throughout the entire meal whether needed or not, and holding the fork 'tines down' at all times? That is just as ridiculous as the American practice of swapping the fork from hand to hand. I pick up the knife when needed, and use the fork with my left hand at all times (I'm left handed). Perpetuating a silly practice doesn't help anyone ...

Uncle Ebenezer

So, cutting the whole meal up, allowing it to get cold, so you can be lazy and swap your fork to your other hand, makes sense, does it? Or cutting (or attempting to cut) with a fork, instead of the implement designed for the task?

Ja5on

I was just back in the UK a couple of weeks ago and picked up a bunch of toys with British accents. The baby got her first taste of real bacon, first cornish pasty and first hollands pie.

Steerpike

Uncle Eb - I said "That is just as ridiculous as the American practice of swapping the fork from hand to hand. I pick up the knife when needed, and use the fork with my left hand at all times " So I'm not advocating the US practice either. Just because the US practice is lame doesn't mean the British one is any better ...

optomisticgirl

What is considered polite also differs. I was born and raised in the South, it was ingrained in me for as long as I can remember to say 'yes ma'm and no sir'. Not to do so ia rude and disrespectful. Even as an adult I do this. To my British husband it's extreme, a simple yes and no suffices.

Pulaski

So what do you suggest as a more logical alternative? .... Eat directly from a bowl, with your snout, like a pig?

Oh, and BTW, my knife is in almost continuous use, helping the fork by moving food around, especially sauces, rice, peas, beans etc., or by acting as a stop for the fork to push against. And that is how little Miss P is being taught - the knife is a helper.

civilservant

Ooh that sounds fun!