What are the different types of cutlery?
There are several types of cutlery depending on their use:
- Fork : standard, dessert, fish
- Knives : table knives, meat knives, fish knives, cheese knives
- Spoon : tablespoon, dessert spoon, teaspoon, mocha spoon
- Spork : spoon/fork combination (often used outdoors)
Some sets also include chopsticks or folding utensils for camping.
What are the cutlery pieces called?
Cutlery encompasses all the utensils used for eating: fork , knife, and spoon . A matching set is also called a "tableware set," while a complete set is referred to as a "flatware set." In English, they are called "cutlery" or "flatware."
Is it okay to eat with silver cutlery?
Yes, genuine silver cutlery is perfectly safe for eating. Silver is naturally antibacterial, doesn't rust, and doesn't alter the taste of food. However, it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent tarnishing. It is often used for formal or ceremonial meals.
Why the covered name?
The word "couvert" comes from the Latin *cooperire*, which means "to cover". Originally, a "couvert" referred to everything that was placed on a table for a meal: plate, napkin, glass, utensils… By extension, the term came to refer mainly to the utensils for eating: knife, fork, spoon.