Jackson Reed
The word breakfast has an interesting etymology. In English, it means to break the fast, with fast referring to the period of time when one doesn't eat, which is usually at night. The word breakfast in different languages also reflects this meaning—in Turkish, German and Spanish, it means breaking your fast with an early slice before coffee. In Latin, it is dis- + ieiuno which translates to stop fasting. The word dinner also has its roots in the 11th-century Old French word disner, which meant to eat breakfast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Etymology of the word "breakfast" | Derived from "breaking the fast" or "break the fast" |
| Origin of the word | English, Turkish, and German |
| Latin origin | "dis-" + "ieiuno" which means "stop fasting" |
| French influence | "Diner" or "dîner" refers to the evening meal |
| Other languages | Spanish and German use "breakfast" as a verb |
| Alternative etymology | The Dutch word "brack" meaning a hole in a dyke and "fastan" from Gothic, meaning to hold on to something |
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What You'll Learn
The word 'breakfast' means to break the fast
The word "breakfast" means to "break the fast". The meal gets its name from the idea of breaking the fast that begins after one's last meal of the previous day and ends when one eats in the morning. In this context, "fast" refers to the period of time during which a person does not eat. While we often associate fasting with extended periods, such as in the case of Gandhi's hunger strikes, the word "fast" can also refer to the typical overnight period when most people do not eat while they sleep.
The word "breakfast" entered the English language during the Middle Ages, when monastic life largely shaped when people ate. Nothing could be eaten before morning Mass, and meat could only be consumed on certain days of the year. The Romans, who had a significant influence on European culture, also typically consumed only one meal per day, usually around noon. They believed that eating more than one meal was gluttonous and unhealthy. However, Roman soldiers did consume a breakfast of pulmentus, a porridge similar to Italian polenta, made from roasted spelt wheat or barley.
In modern times, the notion of breakfast varies across cultures. In Turkey, the word for breakfast is "kahvaltı", while "oruc acmak" refers to the act of breaking a fast. In Turkish culture, fasting typically occurs between sunrise and sundown, which is the opposite of the nighttime fasting period implied by the word "breakfast".
The word "dinner" also has interesting origins. It is derived from the 11th-century Old French word "disner", which meant "to eat breakfast". As the word was adopted into English, it came to refer to the main meal of the day, which, over time, shifted from noon to the evening.
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Romans didn't eat breakfast
The word "breakfast" comes from the idea of "breaking" one's "fast" from the night before. In Latin, this can be translated as "dis- + iēiūnō" or "stop fasting".
Now, while breakfast may be considered "the most important meal of the day" today, this wasn't always the case. In fact, for large parts of history, breakfast as we know it didn't exist. The Romans, for instance, usually consumed only one meal a day around noon. Food historian Caroline Yeldham states that they didn't really eat breakfast. This is further supported by the fact that, during the European Middle Ages, only the working classes, children, the elderly, and the sick ate breakfast. The upper classes, including monarchs, did not speak of or partake in eating in the morning. Eating breakfast was associated with being poor and of low status.
However, there is some conflicting information regarding the breakfast habits of ancient Romans. It is believed that Roman soldiers and farmers likely ate some kind of breakfast, even if it was just a "smallish" meal. Rich ancient Romans, known as Patricians, are thought to have eaten a breakfast consisting of eggs, cheese, honey, milk, and fruit, in addition to flat, round loaves of bread seasoned with salt. This meal was called "ientaculum". Furthermore, Roman soldiers are said to have eaten a porridge-like breakfast called "pulmentus", similar to the Italian polenta, which was made from roasted spelt wheat or barley, pounded and cooked in a cauldron of water.
Overall, while there is some debate about the specifics, it is clear that the Romans did not have the same concept of breakfast as we do today, with large, indulgent meals. Instead, they probably had a light breakfast similar to those consumed in modern Mediterranean cultures.
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Breakfast in ancient Egypt
Bread was a staple food in ancient Egypt and was made from barley or emmer wheat, the two staple crops of Egypt. Grain was ground by hand with stone querns to produce flour. Bread was baked in an ancient oven made of red mud from the Nile, at a very high temperature, which is still a prerequisite for making the perfect aish baladi, or baladi flatbread. This type of bread is still served alongside most breakfast meals in Egypt today. Breads and porridges were the base of the Egyptian diet, and they came in all shapes: flat, conical, spherical, and even molded into the shapes of objects or animals. Various ingredients could be added to the dough for sweetening or aroma, such as lupine seeds and coriander.
Beer was also a primary source of nutrition and was consumed daily. It was made by fermenting bread and crushed barley in a container of water. Once the fermentation was complete, it was strained and jarred. Beer was categorized by colour, denoting its alcohol content. It was also used as currency and medicine.
Other foods commonly eaten in ancient Egypt included fruits such as figs, dates, grapes, melons, and berries, which were served as snacks and desserts. Fish was also popular, especially salted fish and caviar, which the Egyptians likely invented by packing grey mullet roe in salt. Jarred, salted fish was popular in the ancient world. Meat and other foods were preserved by slow-cooking them in fat to produce confit, which was then packed into sealed jars.
Ancient Egyptians also ate cheese, which was introduced during the Neolithic period, and by the Early Dynastic Period, a specialized cheesemaking industry existed. The oldest discovered solid cheese sample was found in the tomb of Ptahmes, mayor of Memphis during the 19th Dynasty. Cheeses such as gibna beda, which dates back over 5,000 years, are still eaten in Egypt today.
Finally, ancient Egyptians also ate legumes, eggs, and poultry, both wild and domestic. They also ate more unusual meats such as mice and hedgehog, the latter of which was cooked by encasing it in clay and baking it.
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Breakfast in the Middle Ages
In a typical household, people might eat instant food that required no cooking in the morning, such as bread or vegetables, or they might opt for leftovers from the previous night's supper. These leftovers were kept warm overnight by the fire, but they might also be saved for the evening meal, especially if food was scarce or there were many mouths to feed.
For those who ate breakfast, it was usually a simple meal of bread, cheese, and small beer—a low-alcohol beer similar to today's light lagers. This differs from the English breakfast of today, which typically includes cold meat, beer, and bread. It is worth noting that customs varied across the Middle Ages, with life in 10th-century Paris differing significantly from 15th-century Florence and Venice, where people ate exceptionally well.
During the Middle Ages, it was common for people to eat two meals a day: a larger meal around 11 am, which might include meat and wine, and a lighter meal at dusk. This pattern of eating was influenced by the availability of food and the absence of modern conveniences like electricity and running water, which made preparing breakfast more challenging.
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Breakfast in modern times
The word "breakfast" comes from the phrase "break one's fast," referring to the first meal of the day after a period of not eating during sleep. While the concept of breakfast has existed for centuries, with ancient Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks all having a version of a morning meal, breakfast as we know it today is a more modern invention.
In modern times, breakfast often reflects cultural and regional traditions, as well as individual preferences and lifestyles. Here are some insights into breakfast in the contemporary world:
- Variety of Options: Today's breakfast options are incredibly diverse, influenced by global cuisines and dietary trends. From traditional dishes like porridge, eggs, and toast to more innovative choices like smoothie bowls, acai bowls, or breakfast burritos, the possibilities are endless. People also have a wide range of beverages to choose from, including coffee, tea, fruit juices, and smoothies.
- On-the-Go Breakfasts: With busy schedules and fast-paced lifestyles, many people opt for quick and convenient breakfast options that can be eaten on the go. Breakfast bars, muffins, sandwiches, and portable yogurts are popular choices for those who want to eat during their commute or at their workplace.
- Health and Nutrition: There is a growing awareness of the importance of a nutritious breakfast. Many people seek balanced meals that provide energy and essential nutrients to start their day. This has led to a rise in popularity for whole grains, high-protein options, superfoods like avocado or chia seeds, and nutrient-rich smoothies or breakfast bowls.
- Breakfast as a Social Occasion: Breakfast is not always a solitary meal. In many cultures, weekend breakfasts or brunches are social events where friends or family gather to share a meal. Brunch, a combination of breakfast and lunch, has become a popular social activity, with restaurants and cafes offering extensive brunch menus featuring both sweet and savoury options, along with creative cocktails or mocktails.
- Cultural Diversity: Breakfasts around the world showcase an array of cultural traditions and flavours. While Western breakfasts may feature eggs, bacon, and toast, other cultures offer unique options. For example, in Asian countries, congee (rice porridge) or dim sum might be enjoyed, while in Latin America, breakfast may include savoury dishes like beans, plantains, and tortillas.
- Marketing and Commercialization: The breakfast industry is a significant market, with companies marketing a wide range of breakfast products, from cereals to breakfast bars and ready-to-eat meals. Advertising and branding play a role in shaping breakfast choices, with some breakfast items becoming iconic cultural symbols, such as certain cereals or breakfast pastries.
In conclusion, while the concept of breaking one's fast in the morning has ancient roots, breakfast in modern times is a dynamic and diverse meal. It adapts to contemporary lifestyles, cultural influences, and nutritional needs, offering a wide range of options to suit individual preferences and occasions.
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Frequently asked questions
The word 'breakfast' means 'to break fast'. A 'fast' is a period of time when one does not eat. As human beings, we fast during our sleep, and we break that fast in the morning with breakfast.
In ancient Egypt, people would eat fūl (made from fava beans), baladi bread, and falafel. In the Middle Ages, only the working class, children, the elderly, and the sick would eat breakfast. The upper classes did not eat any meals in the morning.
According to a source, the word 'breakfast' comes from the word 'brack', which means a hole in a dyke, and the word 'fasten', which means to not eat.
The Romans usually consumed only one meal a day around noon and did not eat breakfast. Roman soldiers, however, would eat a porridge similar to Italian polenta, made from roasted spelt wheat or barley.
In the 1800s, Americans would eat popcorn cereal, which consisted of popcorn with milk and a sweetener. During the Jacksonian-era Clean Living Movement (1830-1860), people started moving towards cold breakfasts as they believed that eating indulgent foods like bacon, eggs, pancakes, and hot coffee for breakfast was too indulgent.
