What is a meal at 4pm called?

October 18, 2025 •

3 min read

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.

Quick Summary

This article delves into the various names for a meal around 4pm, examining the origins of British afternoon tea, the emergence of modern portmanteaus like 'linner' or 'dunch,' and the modern classification as either a late lunch or an early dinner.

Key Points

No Single Name: There is no one specific word for a 4pm meal; it depends on context and tradition.
Afternoon Tea: In British tradition, the meal at this time is called afternoon tea, consisting of light snacks and pastries.
Late Lunch/Early Dinner: For most, a 4pm meal is simply a late lunch if it replaces the midday meal, or an early dinner if it is the main evening meal.
Linner and Dunch: Modern, informal portmanteaus like 'linner' or 'dunch' exist but are not widely used or recognized.
Context is Key: The name of the meal is influenced by the time, the food's heartiness, and social factors.
Cultural Roots: The distinction between meals like Afternoon Tea and High Tea reflects historical class and work schedules.

The Lack of a Single Name for a 4pm Meal

There is no single, universally accepted name for a meal eaten at 4pm. This is largely because meal routines vary greatly among cultures, families, and individuals, a flexibility that has increased with modern life, blurring traditional mealtime distinctions. For example, work schedules can significantly alter when a person eats what they consider 'dinner' or 'supper'. The 4pm timeframe is often seen as a flexible period between traditional midday and evening meals.

Traditional and Informal Names

The British Tradition of Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea is a specific, well-established British tradition for a mid-afternoon meal, typically served around 4pm. This light meal includes finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, accompanied by tea. It is thought to have originated in the 1840s by the Duchess of Bedford as a way to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner.

The Difference: Afternoon Tea vs. High Tea

While sometimes used interchangeably, afternoon tea and high tea have different origins and characteristics.

Afternoon Tea (or 'Low Tea'): Associated with the upper class, it was a light meal served on low tables.
High Tea: A more substantial, working-class meal eaten later in the day at a high dining table, often including heartier dishes.

Modern Neologisms: 'Linner' and 'Dunch'

Inspired by 'brunch,' informal terms like 'linner' (lunch and dinner) and 'dunch' (dinner and lunch) have been suggested for meals taken between lunch and dinner. However, these terms are not in widespread use.

The Late Lunch vs. Early Dinner Distinction

The most common ways to describe a 4pm meal are as either a late lunch or an early dinner. The distinction often depends on the size of the meal and individual schedules. A smaller, delayed midday meal might be a late lunch, while a substantial meal intended as the evening's main can be considered an early dinner. Restaurants may even offer "early bird specials" during these hours.

Comparison of Afternoon Meals

A table comparing different afternoon meals can highlight the differences in time, origin, formality, food type, and setting between Afternoon Tea, High Tea, Late Lunch, and Early Dinner. For detailed features of each, see {Link: The Food Timeline https://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq7.html}.

Factors that Influence How a Meal Is Named

Several factors influence how a meal at 4pm is named:

Cultural Background: Different cultures have varying meal schedules and names. British tradition, for example, has 'afternoon tea'.
Personal Schedule: Work, activities, or personal preference dictate when someone eats, leading to late lunches or early dinners.
Type of Food: The content of the meal, whether light snacks or a full hot meal, often determines its classification.
Social Context: The occasion and who you are eating with can also influence how a meal is perceived and named.
Region: Regional linguistic variations can affect meal terminology; for instance, 'tea' can refer to the evening meal in some UK areas.

Conclusion: The Modern 4pm Meal

In summary, there's no single fixed name for a 4pm meal. It can be a traditional Afternoon Tea, or more commonly, a late lunch or early dinner, depending on individual schedules and the meal's nature. Terms like linner exist but aren't widely adopted. The contemporary approach values flexibility in eating habits over strict adherence to traditional labels.

For additional context on how meal times have changed, consider the impact of the Industrial Revolution.

Glossary: Understanding Meal Names

Key terms related to meals include Afternoon Tea, Brunch, Dinner, Dunch, Early Bird Dinner, High Tea, Late Lunch, Linner, and Supper. For definitions of these and other meal types, refer to {Link: The Food Timeline https://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq7.html}.

Frequently Asked Questions

Formally, a 4pm meal is most precisely referred to as 'afternoon tea' in the context of British tradition, which involves light snacks and beverages. In modern, non-traditional settings, there is no formal name.

'Linner' is a portmanteau of 'lunch' and 'dinner' and, while its usage is tracked, it is not a standard, widely accepted term. People will most likely understand what you mean, but it's not a common part of the English language.

Afternoon tea is a lighter meal of sandwiches, scones, and cakes enjoyed in the mid-afternoon by the upper class. High tea was a heartier, early evening meal for the working class, served at a high dining table.

The distinction depends on your overall eating schedule. If you typically eat your main meal later, a 4pm meal is likely a late lunch. If this is your main, substantial meal of the evening, it is an early dinner.

In historical British context, it was called afternoon tea. In other historical contexts, meal times varied significantly by social class and daily routine.

There is no common name because 4pm does not fall into a traditional meal window. Meals evolved around work and sleep schedules, and 4pm is typically a time for a snack or falls between standard lunch and dinner times.

No, it is not considered bad etiquette. With modern, flexible lifestyles, it is perfectly acceptable to eat when you are hungry. The most important thing is to be mindful of your own body's needs.