Pronunciation: [sˈuːpə] (IPA) 
The spelling of "souper" can be confusing as it may be mistaken for "supper". However, the correct spelling is "souper" pronounced as /suːpər/. It is derived from the word "soup", and phonetically spelled with the long "oo" sound followed by the "p" sound, and ending with the neutral vowel "ər". "Souper" refers to a person who attends a soup kitchen or a charitable organization that provides hot soup to the needy.
The term "souper" refers to an individual who participates in soup kitchens or soup lines, typically during times of economic downturn or in situations where access to food is limited. The word traces its origins back to the mid-19th century, when soup kitchens became prevalent in response to widespread poverty and food scarcity.
In contemporary usage, a "souper" is often synonymous with a recipient of charitable food aid, reflecting the ongoing presence of hunger and food insecurity in various societies. However, the term can also carry negative connotations, potentially implying dependency or a lack of self-sufficiency. This usage is seen predominantly in informal contexts or in discourse surrounding social welfare systems.
Furthermore, "souper" may additionally refer to an individual who regularly attends communal soup gatherings or events that revolve around soup sharing. These gatherings can be social, cultural, or religious in nature, emphasizing the communal act of sharing food and fostering a sense of solidarity within a specific group or community.
In summary, a "souper" generally signifies someone who either relies on soup kitchens for sustenance due to economic circumstances or participates in communal soup-sharing events. The term carries both neutral and potentially pejorative connotations, depending on the context in which it is used.
The word souper is derived from the noun soup with the addition of the suffix -er in English. Soup originated from the Old French word soupe, which was a broth or a combination of ingredients cooked together. The term was later borrowed into Middle English as soup and has remained relatively unchanged in its spelling and pronunciation. Souper is a noun denoting someone who eats soup, and it is formed by adding the agentive suffix -er to soup.
