[Shawnee123]

I don't see a problem with elbows if you're conversing before or after meal, as SG says. Leaning on one elbow and shoveling food from a fork into your mouth...ooooh, Dad would not have allowed that!

The zig zag thing: I have read a few things about the European style and American style. I actually try to do less of the zig zag because it is kind of silly when you think about it. I noticed my 6 year old niece eating like a European; I guess she hasn't been told the "custom" yet. I think custom is an odd choice of word for the practice. It's not like tribal leaders ('rents) stand at the head of the table, bless the food, and announce "now we shall commence with the ancient custom of our ancestors: switching the fork and knife. ahhhhhhhhhmennnnnnnnnnnnn."

I mean, we just do it. Everyone we see growing up does it. It's not really a tradition, or a ritual, or a custom. It's just aping.