Comments on: Why Chopsticks Make Sense http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html This is China Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:15:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: hey there http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-3404 hey there Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:20:57 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-3404 ok westerner, so uhhh there aren't even 12 billion people in the WORLD. so there can't be 12 billion chinese people. ahaa just felt like i should point this out to you alll. and thank you guys for your reasons on why chopsticks are better! because i need to write an essay on it for school and i wasn't sure if i should do this topic. ok westerner, so uhhh there aren’t even 12 billion people in the WORLD. so there can’t be 12 billion chinese people. ahaa just felt like i should point this out to you alll.

and thank you guys for your reasons on why chopsticks are better! because i need to write an essay on it for school and i wasn’t sure if i should do this topic.

]]> By: Westerner http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-3398 Westerner Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:38:17 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-3398 >It’s expected westerners tend to be against chopsticks; using chopsticks requires >articulate finger and hand coordination, not every westerner is capable of using >chopsticks. Are you kidding me? Everyone is capable if 12 billion Chinese are capable. >It’s expected westerners tend to be against chopsticks; using chopsticks requires >articulate finger and hand coordination, not every westerner is capable of using >chopsticks.

Are you kidding me? Everyone is capable if 12 billion Chinese are capable.

]]> By: bemgelado http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-3355 bemgelado Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:49:57 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-3355 Actually, my mother has successfully eaten exclusively with chopsticks for the past 10 years, and I've yet to see her come across something that she can't conquer. (I should mention though that she doesn't eat dessert, so ice cream, pie, things of that nature aren't part of the equation for her.) When it comes to a steak, she does have to use a knife to cut the meat, but she holds her chopsticks to steady the steak while she's cutting. Also, I must mention that my mother is from the US, was born and raised in a small town in the South, and had never tried to eat anything with chopsticks until she was an adult, so I don't think that westerners have a problem with dexterity, I think the problem is lack of exposure. I've been eating with chopsticks since I was small, and I eat faster with them than with a knife and fork. Actually, my mother has successfully eaten exclusively with chopsticks for the past 10 years, and I’ve yet to see her come across something that she can’t conquer. (I should mention though that she doesn’t eat dessert, so ice cream, pie, things of that nature aren’t part of the equation for her.) When it comes to a steak, she does have to use a knife to cut the meat, but she holds her chopsticks to steady the steak while she’s cutting. Also, I must mention that my mother is from the US, was born and raised in a small town in the South, and had never tried to eat anything with chopsticks until she was an adult, so I don’t think that westerners have a problem with dexterity, I think the problem is lack of exposure. I’ve been eating with chopsticks since I was small, and I eat faster with them than with a knife and fork.

]]> By: all4daSkill http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-3350 all4daSkill Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:44:20 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-3350 another thing... chopsticks can be reversed and the opposite end is used to pickup foods if needed~ another thing… chopsticks can be reversed and the opposite end is used to pickup foods if needed~

]]> By: all4daSkill http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-3348 all4daSkill Sat, 10 Jan 2009 07:05:11 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-3348 Chopsticks are indeed a marvelous way to eat, and cook, with comfort and style. They are a useful tool that can't be denied. Two sticks, used together in one hand, to grab, scoop, stab, cut, twirl noodles and most anything else you can think of. There's also those extra long cooking chopsticks~ I think chopsticks are more practical...whats also interesting is different Asian countries and depending on the individual have different styles of holding chopsticks...I like that~ quite possibly many non Asian people such as Russians may have adopted chopsticks in the family...? Most Americans just don't know how to use them, I've worked in restaurants and seen the customers. I'm glad to see them learn and practice. There are also those who act like they know how but it's pretty obvious they can't eat comfortably. People ought not disrespect the chopstick or even joke, cos the joke isn't funny coming from people who don't know how to use them. If you eat with them at home everyday all the time go ahead an say anything. Saying things about something you don't know how to use/know nil about? ...enough said~ Chopsticks, they're great~ =D Koreans often use chopsticks that are silverware and are heavy at home, but some restaurants have silverware chopsticks too. There are also high quality wood and plastic chopsticks, and Ivory ones which should just be kept as jewelry haha... They are great for eating the delicious crispy seaweed which Koreans eat and use chopsticks to wrap neatly around some rice. Honestly, my mom made this cassava dessert with coconut, cuts it into bars, like brownies, I usually just grab some plastic chopsticks in the kitchen and eat them off my plate. I mean yah, if I'm out with friends and order a big steak even though I could use chopsticks and bite off it, that's "considered" bad manners. Well I prefer eating cake with a spoon as well~ In Thailand of course they use chopsticks. They have their own word for it in Thai, maybe I'm wrong but I think they usually use it for noodles mostly/only? Chopsticks can be set them anywhere, even table edges to keep the end clean, forks won't balance. Chopsticks give good reach, so you don't have to. C'mon you know people wanna learn, take a look at Asian restaurants, it's obvious people enjoy dining with chopsticks, esp Americans cos they aren't used to them. It's fine to ask for a fork an be honest, but why is it that nobody likes to be asked...yoo needah poku??? I know I don't, actually I hate that, but I think by now most people are catching on and I assume restaurants tell servers not to ask customers if they need a fork. Actually my mom is French (HELL JEA Vive La FRANCE!!!) an my Apa is Korean (AJA!! AJA!! KOREA PAI-TIIIING!!! ^^) anyway I came to the U.S as a baby and grew up here, not saying where, but to pure Asians I may at first look white, if you're observant, smart an eyes are good you can clearly see/tell i'm half, an I can tell who has good eyes hahaaa~ anyway I am whatever you say I am XD So ya I feel like telling them, do I ... need a Poku??? hell no, I probably use chopsticks better than you mofo, my deadly technique is da best, I eat everything with chopsticks I eat cereal with chopsticks! haha not really but I could... ^^ so when they say that to me I usually just smile and say no, but maybe I should say yes then they bring me that poku and I leave it at da table and show em... =] Chopsticks are also great when you use one hand to hold a piece of food that has bones or shells like chicken or seafood, can't do that with a fork. Personally I think food is fun to eat and for me is more enjoyable with chopstix than a stabbing utensil. Oh yah IIstix again over a fork.... cos girls can wear them in their hair, so SEXY, so CUTE XD !! Some inspiring arts an crafts are made with wooden chopsticks, and when you have a pair of wooden chopsticks handy in you're car glove compartment, you can grab that earring or whatever fell between the damn car seat~ Knives I think really aren't needed at the table, only Kitchen preparation. For me, all I need is a spoon and chopsticks ......and a straw, I like straws esp those bubble tea straws, so sharp!!! ^^ PeacE OowwWW~ Chopsticks are indeed a marvelous way to eat, and cook, with comfort and style. They are a useful tool that can’t be denied.
Two sticks, used together in one hand, to grab, scoop, stab, cut, twirl noodles and most anything else you can think of. There’s also those extra long cooking chopsticks~

I think chopsticks are more practical…whats also interesting is different Asian countries and depending on the individual have different styles of holding chopsticks…I like that~
quite possibly many non Asian people such as Russians may have adopted chopsticks in the family…?

Most Americans just don’t know how to use them, I’ve worked in restaurants and seen the customers. I’m glad to see them learn and practice. There are also those who act like they know how but it’s pretty obvious they can’t eat comfortably.
People ought not disrespect the chopstick or even joke, cos the joke isn’t funny coming from people who don’t know how to use them. If you eat with them at home everyday all the time go ahead an say anything.
Saying things about something you don’t know how to use/know nil about? …enough said~

Chopsticks, they’re great~ =D

Koreans often use chopsticks that are silverware and are heavy at home, but some restaurants have silverware chopsticks too.
There are also high quality wood and plastic chopsticks, and Ivory ones which should just be kept as jewelry haha…

They are great for eating the delicious crispy seaweed which Koreans eat and use chopsticks to wrap neatly around some rice.

Honestly, my mom made this cassava dessert with coconut, cuts it into bars, like brownies, I usually just grab some plastic chopsticks in the kitchen and eat them off my plate. I mean yah, if I’m out with friends and order a big steak even though I could use chopsticks and bite off it, that’s “considered” bad manners. Well I prefer eating cake with a spoon as well~
In Thailand of course they use chopsticks. They have their own word for it in Thai, maybe I’m wrong but I think they usually use it for noodles mostly/only?
Chopsticks can be set them anywhere, even table edges to keep the end clean, forks won’t balance. Chopsticks give good reach, so you don’t have to.
C’mon you know people wanna learn, take a look at Asian restaurants, it’s obvious people enjoy dining with chopsticks, esp Americans cos they aren’t used to them.

It’s fine to ask for a fork an be honest, but why is it that nobody likes to be asked…yoo needah poku??? I know I don’t, actually I hate that, but I think by now most people are catching on and I assume restaurants tell servers not to ask customers if they need a fork. Actually my mom is French (HELL JEA Vive La FRANCE!!!) an my Apa is Korean (AJA!! AJA!! KOREA PAI-TIIIING!!! ^^) anyway I came to the U.S as a baby and grew up here, not saying where, but to pure Asians I may at first look white, if you’re observant, smart an eyes are good you can clearly see/tell i’m half, an I can tell who has good eyes hahaaa~ anyway I am whatever you say I am XD

So ya I feel like telling them, do I … need a Poku??? hell no, I probably use chopsticks better than you mofo, my deadly technique is da best, I eat everything with chopsticks I eat cereal with chopsticks! haha not really but I could… ^^ so when they say that to me I usually just smile and say no, but maybe I should say yes then they bring me that poku and I leave it at da table and show em… =]

Chopsticks are also great when you use one hand to hold a piece of food that has bones or shells like chicken or seafood, can’t do that with a fork. Personally I think food is fun to eat and for me is more enjoyable with chopstix than a stabbing utensil.

Oh yah IIstix again over a fork…. cos girls can wear them in their hair, so SEXY, so CUTE XD !!

Some inspiring arts an crafts are made with wooden chopsticks, and when you have a pair of wooden chopsticks handy in you’re car glove compartment, you can grab that earring or whatever fell between the damn car seat~

Knives I think really aren’t needed at the table, only Kitchen preparation.

For me, all I need is a spoon and chopsticks ……and a straw, I like straws esp those bubble tea straws, so sharp!!! ^^ PeacE OowwWW~

]]> By: Tony http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-1487 Tony Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:15:25 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-1487 It's expected westerners tend to be against chopsticks; using chopsticks requires articulate finger and hand coordination, not every westerner is capable of using chopsticks. It’s expected westerners tend to be against chopsticks; using chopsticks requires articulate finger and hand coordination, not every westerner is capable of using chopsticks.

]]> By: Lu http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-1471 Lu Sat, 31 May 2008 09:03:55 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-1471 Btw, the radical for 筷 is 竹, not 快. You could explain the character 筷子 as 'something made of bamboo 竹 that sounds like fast 快'. 子 has a lot of meanings but 'small sticks' isn't one of them, to the best of my and my dictionary's knowledge. Btw, the radical for 筷 is 竹, not 快. You could explain the character 筷子 as ’something made of bamboo 竹 that sounds like fast 快’.
子 has a lot of meanings but ’small sticks’ isn’t one of them, to the best of my and my dictionary’s knowledge.

]]> By: Lu http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-1470 Lu Sat, 31 May 2008 08:59:32 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-1470 From what I learned, chopsticks used to be called tingzi (don't know which characters), but ting sounds the same as 'stop', and so the word was taboo at boats (since it would be bad for business if the boat couldn't sail on). On boats, people started to refer to chopsticks as kuaizi, since kuai sounds like 'fast'. Apparently this new name spread to the rest of the people as well. In Taiwanese chopsticks are called ti7. I suspect that is related to the old name, tingzi, rather than the current one, kuaizi. So, seems there is a relation between fast and chopsticks, but it is not that chopsticks themselves are somehow fast. From what I learned, chopsticks used to be called tingzi (don’t know which characters), but ting sounds the same as ’stop’, and so the word was taboo at boats (since it would be bad for business if the boat couldn’t sail on). On boats, people started to refer to chopsticks as kuaizi, since kuai sounds like ‘fast’. Apparently this new name spread to the rest of the people as well.
In Taiwanese chopsticks are called ti7. I suspect that is related to the old name, tingzi, rather than the current one, kuaizi.
So, seems there is a relation between fast and chopsticks, but it is not that chopsticks themselves are somehow fast.

]]> By: chriswaugh_bj http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-1469 chriswaugh_bj Sat, 31 May 2008 02:41:52 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-1469 With 棍 I was thinking of sticks in general, not necessarily small ones useful for eating. First word that popped into my head. Shoulda made that clearer. I still don't see 子 as small sticks in this context and can't find any reference to support your claim. Seems to me to be a pretty common suffix: 狮子,孩子, for example. With 棍 I was thinking of sticks in general, not necessarily small ones useful for eating. First word that popped into my head. Shoulda made that clearer.

I still don’t see 子 as small sticks in this context and can’t find any reference to support your claim. Seems to me to be a pretty common suffix: 狮子,孩子, for example.

]]> By: revi http://cupofcha.com/2008/05/29/why-chopsticks-make-sense.html/comment-page-1#comment-1468 revi Sat, 31 May 2008 01:09:11 +0000 http://cupofcha.com/?p=290#comment-1468 @ chriswaugh BTW if you use 棍 for stick in the context of chopsticks, the Chinese would just laugh their heads off since 棍 is more often used to denote much larger "sticks" as in broomsticks , long shovel stick, a lond rod or even a weapon such as those Shaolin monks often use or the stick you see in pictures of the monkey king. Consequently I would love to see you use 筷 棍 to eat your food, LOL. So, "nice try, but a little fact-checking would’ve been in order" right back at you and a big fat raspberry to go with it too just to keep things lighthearted ;) @ chriswaugh

BTW if you use 棍 for stick in the context of chopsticks, the Chinese would just laugh their heads off since 棍 is more often used to denote much larger “sticks” as in broomsticks , long shovel stick, a lond rod or even a weapon such as those Shaolin monks often use or the stick you see in pictures of the monkey king. Consequently I would love to see you use 筷 棍 to eat your food, LOL. So, “nice try, but a little fact-checking would’ve been in order” right back at you and a big fat raspberry to go with it too just to keep things lighthearted ;)

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