Fork This

Imagine a fork. Yes, the thing you eat with. It has a long handle, and there is a definite curve to the fork, particularly the part you put in your mouth.

Imagine how you use that fork. You make the most of that handily placed curve. It makes a nice place to put meat or peas on the trip from your plate to your mouth.

Now, imagine you are British. You turn that fork over, so instead of curving down, it curves up. You will probably still be able to balance that piece of meat on your fork. But try to balance your peas on the top of that hump.

And just so you know, it’s difficult to keep a straight face while you are watching someone try to pile their peas onto the top of that hump and keep them there while they try to take a bite.

It makes you think of two things:

First, how hard it is not to say, “Pardon me, but may I make a small suggestion…”

Second, this explains why British people eat so many mashed potatoes – its gluey texture makes a perfect bond to hold the peas to the fork.