lunch etymology

Etymology:

The word "lunch" is derived from the Old English word "nuncheon," meaning "a light afternoon meal." The term "nuncheon" can be traced back to the Middle English word "nonene," meaning "the ninth hour (3 pm)." This refers to the traditional time for a midday meal for religious communities, who would break their fast at around 3 pm after a day of fasting.

Meaning and Origin:

In its original sense, "lunch" referred to a light midday meal or snack taken in the early afternoon. However, over time, the meaning of the word evolved and became more closely associated with a larger midday meal, typically eaten between 12 pm and 2 pm.

In the 19th century, the term "lunch" became widely used in the United States to describe the main midday meal. This usage spread to other English-speaking countries and is now the standard term for a midday meal in most of the world.

Usage:

"Lunch" is typically used to refer to a substantial meal eaten during the middle of the day, as opposed to a smaller snack or light meal. A lunch may include sandwiches, salads, soups, or other food items. In many workplaces and schools, "lunch" refers to a designated break period for employees or students to eat their midday meal.

lunch relate terms

  • lump

    Etymology The word lump is derived from the Middle English word lumpe which in tur

  • luncheon

    Etymology The word luncheon comes from the Middle English word noncheoun which was i

  • nuncheon

    Etymology The word nuncheon is derived from Middle English nonechenche meaning af

  • noon

    Etymology The word noon comes from the Old English word nōn meaning the ninth hou

  • lunch

    Etymology The word lunch is derived from the Old English word nuncheon meaning a l

  • truncheon

    Etymology The word truncheon comes from the Old French word tronchon meaning a shor

  • dinner

    Etymology The word dinner comes from the Old French word disner which in turn comes

  • noon

    Etymology The word noon comes from the Old English word nōn meaning the ninth hou

  • brunch

    Etymology Brunch is a portmanteau word combining breakfast and lunch Meaning

  • breakfast

    Etymology The word breakfast originated in the early 15th century Middle English term

  • buffet

    Etymology The word buffet has two possible origins French From the Old French word

  • undern

    Etymology The word undern has its roots in the Old English word under meaning below

  • shoppe

    Etymology The word shoppe is derived from the Old English word sceoppa which means

  • give

    Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek word etymos meaning true or re