Preteeat

Preteeat is a term that emerged online to describe the act of eating a meal before a larger, more significant meal, typically a holiday feast or a special occasion dinner. It is not a formal culinary term but rather a colloquialism used in informal contexts, particularly on social media platforms and in online discussions about food.

The purpose of preteeat is often to mitigate extreme hunger before a planned event where food will be plentiful. Some individuals find that eating a small, light meal beforehand helps them to better pace themselves and avoid overeating when presented with a large quantity of food. Others might engage in preteeat to ensure they have some sustenance if the main meal is delayed or if they have specific dietary restrictions that limit their options at the primary gathering.

The concept can sometimes be viewed humorously, as it implies a strategic approach to consuming food in multiple stages. The term itself is a portmanteau, combining "pre" (meaning before) and "teeat" (a playful or informal way of saying "eat"). While some embrace the idea as a practical strategy, others may find it to be an unnecessary or even counterproductive habit, preferring to arrive at the main meal with a completely empty stomach. Its usage remains primarily within internet culture and has not been adopted into mainstream culinary vocabulary.