Meaning and usage of the word lunchtime in English

The word "lunchtime" has a fascinating history. In medieval England, the term "nuncheon" referred to a small snack eaten between breakfast and dinner. This mid-morning or mid-afternoon break was a common practice among the working class. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the term "luncheon" emerged as a variant of "nuncheon." By the 19th century, "luncheon" became a popular term for a mid-day meal, especially among the upper class. This was partly due to the influence of Charles Dickens, who featured the term in his 1837 novel "Pickwick Papers." In the 20th century, the term "lunchtime" emerged as a more casual alternative to "luncheon." Today, people around the world use "lunchtime" to refer to the daily break between morning and afternoon.