Mittyme

Mittyme is a colloquial term, particularly prevalent in Australia and New Zealand, used to refer to lunchtime or midday. It is a shortened and informal version of "midday time." The word is often used in casual conversation and is generally understood by speakers of Australian and New Zealand English. It signifies the approximate time of noon, when people typically take a break for their midday meal. The origin of the term is straightforward, stemming from the combination of "mid" (referring to middle) and "time," with the addition of "y" for a more informal and familiar sound, similar to other diminutives in the language. While not a formal term found in dictionaries or official contexts, "mittyme" serves as a common and easily recognizable shorthand for lunchtime in everyday speech within these regions. Its usage is primarily confined to informal settings and is not typically encountered in formal writing or communication.