A English word spoon derives from Old English spÅ?n, meaning a chip of wood or even horn carved from either either a big piece, successively deriving from the Proto-Indo-European root *spe-, denoting 'a long piece of wood'.¹

When of the Forties the combination utensil of spoon & fork, the spork has been in have", likewise a woon is a small wooden spoon commonly used for eating ice cream, cakes and "malts".

Babies can often be entertained for extended periods by being shown their reflection in the two different sides of a metal spoon. This fascination can also be seen in some types of domestic birds, such as lovebirds and budgerigars.

Many people also derive amusement from the practice of hanging a spoon from one's nose which can be accomplished by breathing on the curved area and then carefully placing it on the tip of your nose. This would however be considered poor table manners.

A musical instrument
Spoons can be played as a makeshift percussion instrument, or more specifically, an idiophone related to the castanets. A pair of spoons is held like Chopsticks, with concave sides facing out. When the pair is struck, the spoons sharply hit each other and then spring back to their original position. The spoons are typically struck against the knee and the palm of the hand. The fingers and other body parts may also be used as striking surfaces to produce different sounds and for visual effect. Music expert [http://experts.about.com/q/2370/1471016.htm Mike Kieth] hypothesizes that "Spoons were probably utilized when instruments shortly fallowing spoons were utilized for eating."

Spoons as an instrument are associated with American folk music, minstrelsy, and jug and spasm bands. These musical genres make use of other everyday objects as instruments, such as the washboard and the jug. In addition to common tableware, musical instrument suppliers make spoons that are joined at the handle. Bobby Hebb is a well-known spoons player.

Spoon types

Dessert spoon — between tablespoon and teaspoon in size Egg spoon — used for hens' eggs; smaller than a teaspoon Grapefruit spoon — a special spoon with serrated edges for cutting into and eating grapefruit halves Ladle — spoon with a long handle attached vertically; for liquids Love spoon — a carved wooden spoon given as a token of betrothal Runcible spoon — invented by Edward Lear in The Owl and the Pussycat, but later given a real meaning Serving spoon Silver spoon — a small spoon given to a newborn child to ensure good fortune; used as a metaphor for someone born to riches Slotted spoon Soup spoon — different types: metal soup spoon similar in shape to a teaspoon Chinese soup spoon — usually ceramic and of a distinct Chinese soup spoon shape Spoodle — a cross between a spoon and a ladle, often used in European cooking, particularly for soups and stews Tablespoon Teaspoon Wooden spoon

Other uses
A spoonful is an indicative cubic measure for non-solid substances, in some sizes, such as a tea spoon, a soup spoon, not uncommon in culinary and medical recipees A wooden spoon is also not an uncommon choice as an implement for corporal punishment, especially young children (too small to endure heavier traditional implements except the bare hand), notably in the form of a spanking