“Tiffin” is an Indian word used to describe a light meal or snack, with variations in meaning across different regions. It is a routine part of hospitality in many homes, and is traditionally packaged in stacked metal boxes.
The word “tiffin” is of Indian origin and is used to describe a type of meal. The precise meal under discussion varies by regional dialect, but as a general rule, tiffin is a light meal eaten throughout the day. This word appears in Indian English, spoken throughout India plus a plethora of other languages. “Tiffin” comes from a word meaning “to sip”, perhaps referring to the light nature of the meal as differentiating it from a “sip”.
In South India, people say “tiffin” when they mean a light snack. Being offered tiffin is a routine part of hospitality in many homes, as offerings of food are considered polite. The foods on offer can vary, but tend to be easily prepared and light in nature, with people trying a few things and leaving the rest for the family. Parents typically prepare a tiffin snack for their children as well, a usage that has crept into some other communities around the world, where parents may refer to a school snack as a tiffin.
While traveling to South India, it’s a good idea to be aware that hospitality is taken very seriously. Refusing the tiffin may be considered an insult, as it suggests that you feel the host’s hospitality is unsuitable, so be sure to leave room for a small snack when visiting a family so you can sample the offerings. Eating all of the food on offer can also be rude, as the guest may feel obligated to do more, even if he or she has to use food set aside for dinner to do so.
In other parts of India, tiffin is lunch. Traditionally, tiffin is packaged in stacked metal boxes that fit together to form a “tiffin box.” Workers can bring a tiffin box with them to work, or family members can pack a hot lunch and deliver it in a tiffin box during lunch hours. Some restaurants may advertise “tiffin specials” or assure people that a “tiffin wallah” or “courier” will be standing by to take delivery orders for busy workers.
As with other English words of Indian origin, this word also sometimes appears in British English, reflecting the fact that India is a former British colony. People who have traveled to India or people with a family history of India may use the term, as can people living in Indian neighborhoods. In Britain, ‘tiffin’ is generally used in the sense of a light lunch.
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