Spork

A spork is a hybrid form of cutlery taking the form of a spoon-like shallow scoop with three or four fork-like tines. Spork-like utensils, such as the terrapin fork or ice cream fork, have been manufactured since the late 19th century; patents for spork-like designs date back to at least 1874, and the word "spork" was registered as a trademark in the US and the UK decades later. They are used by fast food restaurants, schools, prisons, the military, and backpackers.

History

The word "spork" combines "spoon" and "fork". It appeared in the 1909 supplement to the Century Dictionary, where it was described as a trade name and "a 'portmanteau-word' applied to a long, slender spoon having, at the end of the bowl, projections resembling the tines of a fork".

Design

The spork is a portmanteau word combining 'spoon' and 'fork'. The spork is typically a spoon-like shallow scoop with two to four fork tines. The spork is usually made of plastic, or less commonly of stainless steel, silver, or other materials.

Uses

Sporks are commonly used in situations where the user's dexterity or coordination may be impaired, such as in the military or in space travel. They are also popular in outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, where carrying weight is a concern.

See also

• List of eating utensils
• Fork
• Spoon
• Knife

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  A collection of sporks
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  A single spork
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  Antique silver ice cream fork
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  Illustration of a spork
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  Kitchen utensil resembling a spork
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  Sugakiya spork