How Do You Spell TIFFIN?

Pronunciation: [tˈɪfɪn] (IPA)

The word "tiffin" has an interesting spelling. It is pronounced /ˈtɪfɪn/ and refers to a light meal typically eaten at midday in parts of South Asia. This word comes from the British colonial era, specifically from the Hindi word "tiffīn." The spelling reflects the sound of the stress on the first syllable (/ˈtɪf/), followed by the short vowel sound /ɪ/ and the consonant /n/ at the end. It may seem like an odd spelling to English speakers, but it is consistent with the word's Indian origin.

TIFFIN Meaning and Definition

1. Tiffin is a noun that refers to a light meal or snack, usually carried in a container for consumption later in the day. The term originated in British India during the colonial era and is commonly used in South Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

   A traditional tiffin typically consists of a variety of small portions of food items, such as rice, curries, vegetables, and lentils, which are packed into separate compartments within a metal or plastic container known as a tiffin box or dabba. This compartmentalized container allows for the separation and easy transportation of different dishes. Tiffin is commonly consumed during lunchtime, especially by office workers, students, or individuals who are away from home.

   It is worth mentioning that tiffin can also refer to the act of having a light meal at any time of the day, especially during breaks or on the go. It has become synonymous with the concept of packed lunches or takeaway meals in many South Asian cultures. Additionally, some places offer tiffin services, where individuals can subscribe to receive a freshly prepared tiffin box delivered to their workplace or homes.

   Overall, tiffin is a term that encompasses the idea of a portable meal consisting of various items, typically consumed during lunchtime, and widely popular in South Asian countries.

2. A slight repast between breakfast and dinner; lunchcon, - a term generally used among Anglo-Indians.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TIFFIN

• fiffin
• yiffin
• 6iffin
• 5iffin
• tjffin
• tkffin
• toffin
• t9ffin
• t8ffin
• tidfin
• ticfin
• tivfin
• tigfin
• titfin
• tirfin
• tifdin
• tifcin
• tifvin
• tifgin

Etymology of TIFFIN

The word "tiffin" originates from British colonial India and is derived from the obsolete slang term "tiffing" (also spelled "tiffing") which means "to take a little drink". In the mid-19th century, tiffin began to refer to a light meal or snack taken at any time of the day. It was commonly used by British expatriates in India to describe a small meal, often packed and eaten during a journey or at work. Eventually, the term "tiffin" made its way into the English language to describe any light midday meal, particularly one packed in a container or lunchbox.

Similar spelling words for TIFFIN

• tip in,
• Tiffani,
• tiepin,
• tiffany,
• tippin,
• Tiffiny,
• Tifany,
• Tiffanie,
• Tiffaney.

Plural form of TIFFIN is TIFFINS