18/06/2012
When it comes to understanding the nuances of language, especially in a country as rich in history and tradition as France, even the most basic concepts can sometimes present a puzzling array of meanings. Just like a well-engineered vehicle, language has its own intricate mechanics, and a clear understanding of its components is key to smooth operation. One common area of confusion, even for seasoned travellers or those engaging with French culture, revolves around the seemingly simple act of eating: specifically, what do the terms 'souper' and 'dîner' truly mean, and how do they differ?
For a Brit, 'dinner' is typically the main evening meal, and 'supper' might be a lighter, later one. But in French, these terms have undergone a fascinating evolution, leading to distinct meanings depending on the region and the era. Let's strip back the layers and get to the bottom of this linguistic mystery, ensuring you're never left guessing when the topic of French meal times comes up.
What Exactly is 'Souper'? Unpacking its Historical Context
To truly grasp the meaning of 'souper', we need to take a brief trip back in time. Consider an anecdote from Lyon, France, in 1861. A family from Nantua, seeking lodging and sustenance, inquired about meal prices at a small inn. The prices quoted were: 'déjeuner' (lunch at 10 AM) for 1 franc 25 centimes, 'dîner' for 2 francs, and 'souper' for 1 franc. The family then promptly asked for 'souper'.
This snippet from Le Progrès newspaper clearly illustrates that in 1861, 'souper' was a distinct, and notably cheaper, meal compared to 'dîner'. Given it was requested at 10 AM to be served immediately, it implies a light, perhaps more informal, meal that could be prepared and consumed quickly. Historically, 'souper' referred to the last meal of the day, often a lighter one taken in the evening, sometimes after the main 'dîner' or as the main evening meal itself if 'dîner' was taken earlier in the day.
Its etymology, like many French terms, is rooted in Latin. The verb 'souper' comes from 'soupe', referring to the broth or soup that often formed the basis of this evening meal. So, in its original sense, 'souper' was indeed akin to what we might call supper – a lighter, evening repast.
The Great Shift: Dîner, Déjeuner, and Souper Through the Ages
Understanding the difference between 'dîner' and 'souper' requires delving into the surprising evolution of French meal nomenclature. While eating is a universal necessity and pleasure, the words used to describe meals vary significantly, even within the same language family. French is no exception, and the terms used in France today differ quite a bit from those in other French-speaking regions, like Quebec.
Originally, during the era of New France (before the latter half of the 18th century), the three main meals of the day were consistently named across the Saint Lawrence Valley (Quebec) and metropolitan France:
- Déjeuner: The first meal of the day, taken in the morning. This term’s origin is from the Latin 'disjejunare', meaning literally 'to break the fast'.
- Dîner: The midday meal.
- Souper: The evening meal.
However, a significant linguistic shift began in the second half of the 18th century, primarily among the Parisian aristocracy. Changes in their daily routines, such as the timing and duration of hunting expeditions, led them to push back the hour of their midday meal. This seemingly small change had a cascading effect on the names of meals.
The Parisian Ripple Effect
It was in Paris that the names of the meals began to change their meaning. The 'dîner', originally a midday meal, gradually shifted later and later in the day until it came to denote the evening meal. This shift of 'dîner' had a knock-on effect on 'déjeuner', which was then pushed to the midday slot. Consequently, the word 'souper' was progressively abandoned in France, as 'dîner' now served as the term for the evening meal.
To fill the void of a morning meal, a new term emerged: 'petit-déjeuner'. This literally means 'small déjeuner', referring to a meal taken early in the morning, before the 'déjeuner' (which was now taken at midday). This restructuring of meal names, however, did not take root across all of France, nor in other Francophone regions.
Regional Divergence: France vs. Quebec and Others
The linguistic evolution that occurred in Paris did not universally implant itself. In Quebec, for instance, and in other Francophone regions like Belgium, Switzerland, Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda, the older system largely persisted. This explains why dictionaries in France might label 'déjeuner' (meaning the morning meal) as 'old', 'dated', or 'regional', even though it is widely used in these other areas.
So, while many French people today 'petit-déjeuner' in the morning, they then 'déjeuner' at midday. For them, 'déjeuner' signifies the second meal of the day – lunch. This shift in the meaning of 'déjeuner' in France is not recent; it began as early as the start of the 19th century. Over time, the French have eaten 'déjeuner' progressively later, from midday in 1850 to around 1 PM after 1950. Thus, if you're looking for French people between noon and 2 PM, chances are they are 'déjeuner'-ing!
Dîner vs. Souper: A Clearer Picture
To summarise the current usage and historical context, let's compare the terms in different French-speaking contexts:
| Meal Name | Modern French Usage (France) | Quebecois/Historical Usage (incl. Belgium, Switzerland) |
|---|---|---|
| Petit-déjeuner | Breakfast (early morning) | Not typically used for morning meal, though understood |
| Déjeuner | Lunch (midday) | Breakfast (early morning) |
| Dîner | Dinner/Evening Meal | Lunch (midday) |
| Souper | Rarely used, historical or highly regional | Dinner/Supper (evening meal) |
As you can see, the term 'dîner' has completely swapped its time slot between France and Quebec. In France, 'dîner' is the main evening meal, while in Quebec, it remains the midday meal. Conversely, 'souper', largely obsolete in modern French for a common meal, is the standard term for the evening meal in Quebec.
Practical Implications: Avoiding Linguistic MisFires
For a British person, understanding these distinctions is more than just an academic exercise. If you're travelling to France and hear someone mention 'dîner', they're talking about the evening meal, not lunch. If you're in Quebec, however, 'dîner' will almost certainly refer to lunch, and 'souper' will be the evening meal. This knowledge can prevent simple misunderstandings, whether you're ordering food, making plans, or simply trying to follow a conversation.
The evolution of these terms also highlights the dynamic nature of language. Words are not static; they adapt and change with cultural habits and societal shifts. Just as automotive technology evolves, so too does our language, requiring regular updates to our understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'souper' still used in France today?
In modern standard French, 'souper' is rarely used to refer to a common meal. It might occasionally appear in very specific regional dialects, historical contexts (as seen in the 1861 newspaper snippet), or to refer to a very late, often light, supper after a main dinner. For the vast majority of French people, the evening meal is 'dîner'.
What is the difference between 'petit-déjeuner' and 'déjeuner' in France?
In France, 'petit-déjeuner' is the first meal of the day, taken in the morning – what English speakers call breakfast. 'Déjeuner' is the second meal of the day, taken at midday – what English speakers call lunch.
Why do some French-speaking regions use different terms for meals?
The divergence in meal terminology largely stems from a historical shift that occurred in aristocratic Parisian society in the 18th century. While these changes propagated through much of metropolitan France, they did not universally spread to other Francophone regions, such as Quebec, Belgium, and Switzerland, which largely retained the older naming conventions. This demonstrates how linguistic evolution can be quite localised.
If I'm in France, what word should I use for 'dinner'?
If you're in France and want to refer to the main evening meal, you should use 'dîner'. If you're referring to a light meal before bed, you might use 'souper', but it's less common and might sound a bit old-fashioned or regional.
Does 'déjeuner' always mean lunch in France?
Yes, in contemporary standard French spoken in France, 'déjeuner' refers to the midday meal, or lunch. This is consistent across most of France. However, as noted, in Quebec and some other Francophone regions, 'déjeuner' still means breakfast.
In conclusion, the fascinating journey of 'souper' and 'dîner' through the French language serves as a perfect example of how cultural practices can reshape linguistic meanings. While the initial definitions might seem straightforward, the historical shifts and regional variations underscore the importance of context. Much like diagnosing a vehicle, understanding the full history and specific conditions of a term is vital for accurate interpretation. So, the next time you hear these terms, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of French meal times with the precision of a master mechanic!
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