While there isn't a universally recognized single word that precisely combines "lunch and dinner" into one meal event in the same way "brunch" combines breakfast and lunch, several terms have been suggested for intermediate meals consumed in the late afternoon or early evening, between these two main mealtimes.
Understanding Intermediate Mealtimes
Unlike the widely adopted term "brunch" for a meal merging breakfast and lunch, a similar commonly accepted portmanteau for lunch and dinner does not exist. Instead, discussions often revolve around meals that bridge the gap between a typical lunchtime and dinner. These intermediate meals cater to varied schedules or a lighter eating preference before the evening's main meal.
Proposed Terms for Meals Between Lunch and Dinner
The concept of a meal bridging lunch and dinner has led to the suggestion of several terms, each with a slightly different nuance:
- Linner: This term was once suggested to describe an intermediate meal eaten between lunch and dinner. While not widely adopted, it highlights the attempt to create a combined name for such a meal.
- Dunch: Referred to as a lighter meal that shares more similarities with lunch than with dinner. It implies a less formal or substantial eating occasion.
- Brunch (as an intermediate meal): Interestingly, the term "brunch" is also considered a "small meal between lunch and dinner in the late afternoon or early evening (about 3-5 pm)." According to some contexts, this usage of "brunch" is considered "a more appropriate word for an intermediate meal" than "linner."
When Are These Meals Eaten?
These intermediate meals are typically consumed during the transitional period from afternoon to early evening, bridging the gap between typical lunch and dinner hours.
| Term | Description | Typical Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Linner | A term once suggested for an intermediate meal between lunch and dinner. | Late afternoon/Early evening |
| Dunch | A lighter meal, more similar to lunch than to dinner. | Late afternoon/Early evening |
| Brunch (Intermediate) | A small meal consumed between lunch and dinner, often considered a suitable term for a meal between approximately 3 PM and 5 PM. | Approximately 3-5 PM |
Practical Insights into Meal Names
The evolution of meal names often reflects changing societal habits and dietary patterns. While "brunch" gained widespread acceptance due to shifts in weekend eating routines, terms like "linner" and "dunch" haven't achieved the same level of common usage. This suggests that while there might be a need for meals bridging the gap between lunch and dinner, a single, widely recognized name for such an occasion remains less formalized in everyday language. People often describe these eating occasions by their timing or nature, such as "a late lunch," "an early dinner," or simply "a snack."
In summary, while there is no single, widely adopted word that combines "lunch and dinner" into one meal event, "linner," "dunch," and even "brunch" (when referring to an afternoon meal) have been suggested or used to describe intermediate meals consumed between these two main dining times.
