Tag: Meal names

First appearing in the English language around the 15th century, the word 'breakfast' has a surprisingly literal origin. The reason it is called breakfast in America, and around the world, is due to the simple act of ending a period of overnight fasting.

Historically, medieval Europeans ate only two meals a day, but the three-meal structure of breakfast, lunch, and dinner became the standard during the Industrial Revolution. Beyond these staples, however, a diverse vocabulary exists for the daily eating schedule.

Historically, the main meal of the day was eaten at noon before shifting to the evening in many cultures. Lunch is typically the meal eaten in the middle of the day, with its size and significance varying widely across the globe. This midday meal provides the necessary energy to power through the afternoon, but its name can sometimes be a point of confusion depending on where you are in the world.

Historically, in Britain, a meal taken in the mid-afternoon was a light repast known as afternoon tea. Today, what is a meal at 4pm called? The answer is more flexible and depends heavily on cultural context, personal habits, and the type of food being served.