So when I was a child and was taught the language, the evening meal was supper and the midday meal was dinner. There was also a quaint afternoon snacking zone called teatime.
At some point (and probably through american influence) supper was supplanted by dinner and in its old midday place came lunch. I think I heard an argument that "dinner" was always the "main meal", and what changed was the hierarchy of meals. I don't fully buy it, but ok, shift the paradigm, the world seems to have accepted this new fashion, so be it.
And then in a recent year, I am gaming online with a british friend. Between matches I notice my mug is emtpy and say "gonna make me some tea and brb". And then they disappear for an hour, because apparently "quaint afternoon snackzone" is now the same as "main evening meal", while using just the name of a hot beverage enjoyed all over the world!!!
Why the euphemism!? Are we supposed to be ashamed of taking on nutrients? If you speak the true name of the evening meal, is it going to come and eat you instead?
