Tiffin
/ˈtɪfɪn/noun
A light meal or snack, especially one eaten during the day.
Did you know?Tiffin became a major Anglo-Indian term in British India and was later absorbed into Indian English, where it remains a normal word for a packed meal or snack.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
tiff
“A small drink or light refreshment; the precise origin is uncertain.”
Mid-18th Century
English
tiffing
“Eating or drinking lightly between regular meals.”
Late 18th Century
Anglo-Indian English
tiffin
“A light meal, especially a midday meal in British India.”
19th Century
Indian English
tiffin
“A snack or meal, commonly carried or served during the day.”
Modern English
English
tiffin
“A light meal or packed lunch, particularly in South Asian usage.”