The Vague Zone of the Afternoon Meal
When you eat around 4 p.m., you are in a linguistic gray area of the dining day. Unlike the widely accepted term 'brunch' for a meal combining breakfast and lunch, the portmanteau words for a late lunch/early dinner are not universally recognized and are often used jokingly. Your specific context—where you are, your daily schedule, and the substance of the meal—determines the most appropriate and socially understood term. In many American contexts, a simple explanation like 'late lunch' or 'early dinner' is the clearest approach.
Late Lunch vs. Early Dinner: The Semantic Debate
For most people, the choice between calling a 4 p.m. meal a late lunch or an early dinner is based on a few key factors. If you've skipped your midday meal or are eating a substantial meal that will be your last of the day, it's more likely to be an early dinner. Conversely, if you're planning on eating another, possibly smaller, meal later in the evening, it can be framed as a very late lunch.
- Late Lunch: Typically occurs between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and is often considered a replacement for the standard midday meal. It usually consists of typical lunch items, such as sandwiches, salads, or lighter fare.
- Early Dinner: This can be a full-sized dinner meal consumed before the typical evening dining hours, sometimes as early as 4:30 p.m. for some schedules. This is a common practice for families with children or individuals with early work schedules.
British Tea: A Cultural Distinction
In the UK, the term 'tea' has a rich and varied history and can refer to a light afternoon meal taken around 4 p.m. or a cooked evening meal.
Afternoon Tea
This is a classic British tradition, typically served between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and consisting of light fare like sandwiches, cakes, and scones with a cup of tea. Historically, this was a lighter meal for the upper classes.
High Tea
While often mistaken for the more delicate afternoon tea, 'high tea' was traditionally a more substantial, working-class meal eaten later in the day, around 5 or 6 p.m., often with meat, pies, or cheese. The name comes from being served at the main dining table rather than a lower coffee table. Unfortunately, some hotels now use the term 'high tea' to market a fancier version of afternoon tea, blurring the historical distinction.
Neologisms: When Lunch and Dinner Collide
Like 'brunch,' people have coined several playful portmanteau words for the meal between lunch and dinner. However, these are not widely accepted in formal conversation.
- Linner: Combining 'lunch' and 'dinner,' this is one of the more common neologisms and is often used semi-jokingly to describe a meal eaten late in the afternoon that serves as both.
- Dunch: A less common variation, blending 'dinner' and 'lunch'. Some have suggested this term is more appropriate for a lighter meal, much like 'brunch'.
- Lupper: A fusion of 'lunch' and 'supper,' another variation for this in-between meal.
Late Lunch vs. Early Dinner vs. Afternoon Tea
| Feature | Late Lunch | Early Dinner | Afternoon Tea | Linner / Dunch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time Frame | Usually 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Varies by schedule, can be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. | 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (BrE) | Informal, flexible |
| Meal Purpose | Replacing or extending the midday meal | Replacing the evening meal | Light social snack | Replacing lunch and dinner |
| Meal Type | Typically lighter fare (sandwich, salad) | Can be a full, substantial meal | Small sandwiches, cakes, scones | Varies, can be substantial or light |
| Social Context | Casual, personal schedule dependent | Often family-oriented or due to early schedule | A British social tradition | Informal, humorous, slang |
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on the 4 p.m. Meal
When asking what is it called when you eat at 4pm, the most accurate answer is that there is no single, correct term. The best descriptor depends on your personal daily rhythm, cultural background, and the nature of the meal itself. For clear communication, 'late lunch' or 'early dinner' are the safest and most commonly understood options in many regions. In specific contexts, like the British afternoon tradition, 'tea' is the precise term. While inventive portmanteaus like 'linner' can be fun, they lack universal recognition and are best reserved for casual, in-the-know conversations. Ultimately, the food you choose to eat is more important than the label you assign it. For a deeper dive into British meal traditions, explore resources like the Wikipedia article on the outline of meals.
The Health Implications of a 4 p.m. Meal
Eating at 4 p.m. can have significant effects on your digestive schedule and metabolism. For some, it can be a way to manage hunger and prevent overeating later in the evening, promoting a more consistent energy level throughout the afternoon. For others, it might disrupt the balance of their three main meals. The key is to listen to your body and adjust your meal timings to suit your individual needs and dietary patterns.
