a brief history of lunch (pt II)

In Pt I, we learned that the word "lunch" has its origin in drinking, TLG's favorite pastime and the subject of strong precatory language.

In Pt II, we learn that this etymological story is not unique. "Tiffin" is the Anglo-Indian world used in much of the Subcontinent to indicate a lunchtime meal. This geographically particularized "lunch" derives from "tiff," a 18th century colloquialism that indicated drinking by small sips.* The spread of English through the British Empire resulted in the development of regional usages which reflected the intersection of several cultures.

Two great things come from this story:

(1) Further proof that the Anglophone tradition reflects a judgment made by many cultures about the appropriateness of the association of lunch and imbibing alcoholic beverages. It is, in fact, so old as to be fundamental to our linguistic conception of noontime activity.




(2) Tiffin-wallahs, the model for small business people everywhere.






*Though unsupported by any "traditional" source, I point you to "tipple" as a closely related verb for further support. Also, because it sounds like "nipple" and is thus good for a giggle.