The only explanation of UK meal names you need
American TikToker in the UK, @niosol, often shares videos about things she’s noticed about living in England, like this take on watching scheduled TV.
@niosol83 Reply to @ninja_raptor #americanintheuk #britishtelevision #broadcasttelevision ♬ original sound – ✨niosol✨
Two words – Happy Valley. Just saying.
In one post, she talked about the inconsistency of the names people have for their meals.
@niosol83 I might have gotten some of these wrong because your girl is ✨confused✨ #americanintheuk #americaninengland ♬ Wii Shop Channel – McTweet
It came to the attention of popular TikToker, author and expert on keeping things both clean and thrifty, Ann Russell. Her explanation was a thing of beauty.
@annrussell03 #stitch with @✨niosol✨ ♬ Wii Shop Channel – McTweet
‘Breakfast is always breakfast – in the morning, unless it’s at a wedding, in which case it’s after the couple have got married.
Lunch is usually at lunchtime, anywhere between 12 o’clock and about half past three.
Then you have afternoon tea, which is usually about 4, but it could be a bit earlier or a bit later.
And then you have dinner, which could also be called high tea or just plain tea – and sometimes, it’s called supper.
And then you have supper, which sometimes is a meal that’s after dinner, but sometimes it’s a meal you have that’s also called dinner and also called tea.
It’s quite easy.’
It’s like ‘Who’s on first base?’
Here’s what TikTok users thought.
And in the north they call lunch, dinner and dinner…they call that tea.
MrZiricote
When I was living in the UK it took me 6 months to figure out “tea” meant dinner. It’s just a hot drink here. Lol.
Kelsey
I don’t understand… So it’s like 5 meals a day or 3?
Brittany
I’ve been wondering about this! Thank you for explaining that!
Erin
Sounds good to me.
Gigi
😂 “it’s quite simple”
A Collins
Just call every meal dinner, problem solved.
SoFakingTikTok
Someone named Jake Dorr asked –
🤨 What about second breakfast?
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This Q&A neatly sums up the differing driving experiences in the UK and US
Source Ann Russell Image Screengrab