The Difference Between Dinner And Supper
August 26, 2023
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If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between dinner and supper, you’re not alone. The truth is, the words “dinner” and “supper” have been used to mean different meals depending on who you ask and what generation they come from.
Back in the day, which could mean a long, long time ago, people used the word “dinner” to refer to the main meal of the day, and this meal was often eaten around midday. This might sound strange, especially if you’re used to having dinner in the evening. Imagine having your biggest meal when the sun is shining the brightest! But that’s how it was for many folks. After a hard morning’s work, they would sit down to a hearty dinner.
Now, the word “supper” enters the scene. This term was used to describe a lighter evening meal. After a day of labor, people would have their dinner and then, as the sun went down, they might have a smaller meal, which they called supper. It makes sense, right? You work up an appetite during the day, have a big meal to refuel, and then end the day with a lighter supper.
But as time went on, things changed. As societies evolved and daily routines shifted, so did the meanings of these words. With the advent of electricity and changes in work patterns, people started to have their bigger meal in the evening after work. This shift led to “dinner” becoming synonymous with the evening meal, and “supper” began to fade away from daily use for many.
Now, depending on your generation and where you come from, you might still hear people using these words differently. For older generations, the word “supper” might conjure up memories of a cozy, quiet meal before bedtime. But for younger generations, “dinner” is more likely to be the word they use for the evening meal.
It’s interesting to see how language can change over time, isn’t it? Words that once held clear meanings can shift and adapt as society and culture change. So, if someone ever says “What’s for supper?” at dinnertime, you’ll know that they might be harkening back to a time when supper was a common word for the evening meal. And if someone asks about dinner, well, they’re simply keeping up with the evolving language of today.
Whether you call it dinner or supper, what matters most is gathering around the table to share a good meal with family and friends. The words we use might change, but the joy of coming together to eat and connect remains a constant across generations. So, whatever you choose to call it, enjoy your meal!