Many people use the terms supper and dinner interchangeably, but supper is more commonly used in certain parts of the United States, particularly in rural and Southern areas. People who identify as Southern and live in the Southeast and Midwest are likely to refer to the evening meal as “supper”, while those in the Northeast and West Coast usually say “dinner”.
This is likely due to the way their ancestors spoke and the historical significance attached to various regional dialects.
In areas where “supper” is popular, it can also indicate a larger, heavier meal than “dinner”. Such a meal could include starchy sides and comfort food like potatoes, casseroles, biscuits, and gravy, which are perfect for a casual gathering.
Supper is also often associated with weekly family traditions like Taco Tuesday or Sunday night potluck dinners.
Specifically, supper is historically seen in many African American and Black American communities. Whether the meal is the late afternoon snack before the main evening meal or the evening meal itself, many of these cultures have traditionally referred to it as supper.
When did supper become dinner?
The term supper has been used to refer to the evening meal since the 14th century, but it wasn’t until the 17th century that the word dinner began to be used in place of supper. This shift in usage began in the English-speaking world, particularly in regional dialects of England.
However, it spread quickly across the British Isles and then to what is now the United States, where it eventually became the term to describe the evening meal. Supper had typically referred to the main meal of the day, that is, the larger meal that was usually eaten at midday.
Dinner, on the other hand, began to refer to the evening meal following the replacement of supper. Though supper has continued to be used, dinner has become the more accepted term for the evening meal and is used in most parts of the English-speaking world.
What time is supper versus dinner?
Supper and dinner are terms that are often used interchangeably, referring to the main evening meal that is eaten in the late afternoon or evening. Generally speaking, supper is considered to be the meal eaten closer to the evening, while dinner is the more substantial evening meal, typically eaten around mid-afternoon.
However, this is not always a hard and fast rule, and may vary regionally or from family to family. In the United States, for example, the term supper is more often used in rural areas and amongst working-class families, while in urban and middle-class areas, dinner is the more common word used.
Internationally, the terms have different meanings, and the type of meal they refer to can vary greatly. For example, in some parts of Scotland, the word dinner is sometimes used to refer to the midday meal.
Ultimately, the exact meaning and usage of the terms supper and dinner can vary depending on context, region, and personal preference.
Why did people stop saying supper?
In general, the use of the word ‘supper’ began to decline in the 20th century and continues to do so today. This change is largely attributed to the amount of globalization and the creation of a more global, unified culture.
As the language became more global, terms such as ‘dinner’ and ‘supper’ started to overlap, as certain countries and regions used both words. As the etymology of the two words (meaning ‘afternoon meal’ and ‘evening meal’, respectively) is quite similar, the distinction between the two became blurred over time and people started to opt for the simpler, more general word ‘dinner’ in the majority of cases.
The decline in the use of the word ‘supper’ is also linked to changes in the traditional family structure and typical daily activities. As the trend of eating dinner earlier on in the evening grew, so did the use of the word ‘dinner’ rather than ‘supper’.
Additionally, as family members became increasingly busy and more social events began to take place in the evenings, the need to distinguish between a ‘dinner’ and a ‘supper’ diminished. Furthermore, as eating habits and culinary trends changed, people started favouring lighter evening meals and snacks, meaning that the terms ‘dinner’ and ‘supper’ were used less and less.
In summary, the reasons why people stopped saying ‘supper’ are due to a combination of globalization and changes in dietary habits and family life. With the two terms ‘dinner’ and ‘supper’ becoming increasingly interchangeable, people eventually opted to just use one word; leading to the decline of ‘supper’ in everyday language.
Does anyone still say supper?
Yes, many people still say “supper” when referring to a meal in the evening. Supper is typically thought of as the last meal of the day, traditionally eaten in the evening. Depending on who you speak to, there can be a distinction between “supper” and “dinner,” with “supper” being more casual and “dinner” being more formal.
The term “supper” is more commonly used in certain areas of the country, such as the Southern United States, Midwest, and rural areas. In some places, “supper” is a replacement for “dinner,” while in other places there is a distinct difference between the two meals.
Supper is often used as a synonym for dinner, though it can also refer to a light meal or snack eaten in the evening.
What do Southerners call lunch?
In the South, lunch is often referred to as “dinner. ” Dinner in the South typically begins around midday and is usually comprised of heavier, heartier dishes that are usually served along with sides, such as collard greens, fried okra, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
The larger meal is usually referred to as dinner, whereas a lighter midday meal is referred to as “lunch. ” It is common for Southerners to enjoy a smaller meal around lunchtime, such as a sandwich, salad, soup, or leftovers from dinner the night before.
Traditional Southern dishes, like chicken fried steak and chicken and dumplings, often make an appearance on the dinner table, and it is common for dinner guests to be asked to stay and enjoy a dessert afterward.
Regardless of its name, lunch in the South is always a time to gather and enjoy a hearty meal.
What do Brits call supper?
In the United Kingdom, supper is traditionally the last meal of the day and can be referred to as either supper or tea. The terms are often used interchangeably, with people opting for whichever word they feel more comfortable with.
Generally speaking, supper is seen as more of an evening meal and is likely to be a heartier meal than separate occasions such as afternoon tea, which is more often associated with cakes and sandwiches.
Supper is seen as having a wider range of food available, including soup, a main course and dessert. Traditionally it would also have included a selection of cheeses or biscuits to follow. It is usually eaten between 5 and 7 pm in the evening, but this time may vary depending on individual preferences.
Some people may even choose to enjoy a light snack such as a sandwich or a piece of toast in lieu of a proper meal. Generally speaking, dinner and supper can be used interchangeably and simply refers to the evening meal enjoyed in the UK.
When did 3 meals a day become a thing?
The concept of eating three meals a day began to become popular in the 16th century in Europe, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner being the standard times we still eat at today. The introduction of this meal plan – as opposed to the traditional four or five regional meals eaten throughout the day – was due to the introduction of the mechanical clock.
Prior to this, meals were eaten according to the sun or other natural markers; however, with the increased use of clocks in homes and workplaces, individuals were able to divide their day into more manageable intervals, allowing them to fit their meals into specific timelines.
Additionally, the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and early 19th centuries contributed to the concept of three meals a day. The increase availability of food and access to new forms of transportation and storage allowed for better regulation of food production, meaning that food storage and distribution became more efficient.
This, in turn, made it possible for people to obtain a sufficient amount of food for multiple meals, as opposed to just one large meal of locally produced ingredients alone.
Today, the concept of three meals a day, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has become the standard meal plan for most people in industrialized countries.
Is A supper the same as a dinner?
No, a supper and a dinner are not the same. Generally speaking, in the U. S. , dinner is the main meal of the day, usually associated with eating in the evening. Supper is considered a lighter meal that is typically consumed later in the evening or closest to bedtime.
Supper is also often considered more of a casual, home-cooked meal that is usually prepared quickly, while dinner may have more variety, require more preparation and be served in a more formal setting.
Other countries may use different definitions for supper and dinner, as culture and tradition can play a role in the exact definition of either meal.
What time was dinner in the 1950s?
The time at which dinner was eaten in the 1950s varied greatly depending on the family and their lifestyle. Dinner could be served anywhere from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Dinner was often the main meal of the day, and it was often the largest meal eaten.
Foods generally served in the 1950s included casseroles, salads, fresh vegetables, meats such as pork, chicken, or beef, and often a dessert like cake or ice cream. In some traditional households, families may have eaten together at the same time each night, but in other more modern homes, families may have ate earlier or later, depending on their individual schedules.
The 1950s was a time of change, in which families were shifting away from the traditional lifestyles of several generations prior. Many families were now finding it easier to buy pre-prepared meals or to eat out, rather than preparing a home cooked meal from scratch.
Because of this, dinner times were often quite varied. However, in general, dinner was still the main meal of the day and was usually served later in the evening.
Do the British say dinner or supper?
In Britain, the meal that is generally eaten in the evening is typically referred to as dinner. This is usually the largest meal of the day, and is usually served in the early to mid evening. Historically, particularly in rural areas, it was a more substantial meal than is typically served today, and also served in the afternoon rather than in the evening.
In modern British households, dinner is usually a hot meal but can also include cold items such as salads or sandwiches.
In some parts of Britain, particularly in northern Scotland, the meal served in the evening is referred to as “tea”. This is a lighter meal than dinner, typically consisting of sandwiches or other cold items, and is usually served in the late afternoon or early evening.
Supper is also a term that is used in certain households in Britain. In these households, supper usually means a light meal or snack that is served late in the evening, usually after the evening television programmes have finished.
It is usually a cold meal and does not replace the traditional evening dinner.
Do British people call dinner?
In Britain, dinner is typically referred to as tea. Although it is not always the case, dinner is generally the largest and last meal of the day and is usually eaten in the evening. The meal is usually cooked in the kitchen and served in the dining room.
British dinner may include starters such as soup, a main course, sides, and a dessert. Depending on the occasion, dinner could also include drinks or entertainment. Tea is also drank during dinner and many families have tea together around 4 or 5pm.
Even though dinner is commonly referred to as tea in Britain, the meal is still referred to as dinner in some circumstances such as at dinner parties or formal dinners.
What is breakfast called in England?
Breakfast in England is often referred to as “the most important meal of the day”. It is traditionally a large meal eaten in the morning, prior to lunch. Common breakfast items in England include the classic full English breakfast, which includes bacon, sausage, eggs (scrambled, poached, or fried), mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, and toast.
Other common breakfast items in England include cereal, porridge, fruit, omelettes, pancakes, kippers (smoked herring), black pudding, crumpets, muesli, and croissants. Generally, tea is a popular beverage served to begin the day.
Why do British people say dinner instead of lunch?
British people often refer to the midday meal as ‘dinner’, while other countries may refer to it as ‘lunch’. This difference in nomenclature is likely a result of the diverse history of the British Isles.
Historically, the midday meal in the British Isles was more formal and large than the average meal in other countries. Dinner was used to refer to the midday meal in a very literal sense—‘dinner’ meant a ‘larger main meal’.
Meanwhile, lunch for British people became associated with a snack or small meal that was eaten between the main meals.
Although societal and food culture has changed over time, the term ‘dinner’ has remained a familiar term for the midday meal. As British immigrants spread around the world, this colloquial use of the word ‘dinner’ in place of ‘lunch’ has remained.
As a result, while some countries may continue to only refer to the midday meal as ‘lunch’, British people will most likely continue to refer to it as ‘dinner’.
Is dinner British English?
No, dinner is not British English specifically. The term “dinner” is widely used as a meal that is usually eaten in the evening, however it is also used in other English speaking parts of the world such as Australia, Canada, the United States and other countries.
The term can also be used differently depending on the day, with some countries referring to the main meal of the day as “dinner” while others use “lunch”. It is also sometimes used to describe an evening meal which is usually more formal or elaborate than an evening snack.
Overall, though, it is widely used as a general term for a meal eaten in the evening.