What does tiffin mean?
Tiffin is a noun that refers to a light meal or snack eaten between meals, especially in the afternoon. It is often used in British English to describe a meal eaten between breakfast and lunch, or between lunch and dinner. The term is often associated with children's meals or afternoon tea, and is typically eaten in a relaxed and informal setting. Tiffin can include a variety of foods, such as sandwiches, fruit, and cheese, and is often accompanied by a cup of tea. The word has its roots in the Hindi word 'tiffen', which means 'to eat', and has been adopted into British English as a term for a light meal or snack. Tiffin is a useful word to know for anyone interested in British culture or cuisine, and can be used in a variety of contexts to describe a light meal or snack.
nounA light meal or snack, typically eaten between meals, especially in the afternoon.
- A light meal or snack, typically eaten between meals, especially in the afternoon.
"She enjoyed a cup of tea and a sandwich as her tiffin in the garden."
"She enjoyed a cup of tea and a sandwich as her tiffin in the garden."
"The children were given a tiffin of fruit and cheese during their playtime."
The plural form 'tiffins' is used to refer to multiple light meals or snacks.
"The children had a tiffins of fruit and cheese during their playtime."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tiffin
The word 'tiffin' is derived from the Hindi word 'tiffen', which means 'to eat'. It was adopted into British English in the 19th century as a term for a light meal or snack eaten between meals. The term is often associated with children's meals or afternoon tea, and is typically eaten in a relaxed and informal setting.
How tiffin is actually used
Tiffin is often used in British English to refer to a light meal or snack eaten between meals, especially in the afternoon. It is often associated with children's meals or afternoon tea.