Tummemates

Tummemates is a term that has emerged in informal online communities, particularly within gaming and social media contexts. It is a portmanteau word, combining "tummy" and "mates," suggesting a close, perhaps even intimate, relationship centered around food or shared meals. The concept of tummemates often refers to individuals who enjoy eating together frequently, share similar food preferences, or bond over culinary experiences.

This term is not a formal sociological or psychological classification, but rather a casual descriptor of a type of friendship or companionship. It can encompass a wide range of relationships, from casual acquaintances who enjoy grabbing lunch together to deeply bonded friends who consider sharing food a significant part of their connection. The "mate" aspect implies camaraderie and a friendly bond, while "tummy" directly references the act of eating and the enjoyment derived from it.

The rise of tummemates can be linked to the increasing importance of shared experiences in online cultures and the social nature of food. In online gaming, for instance, players might form tummemates by ordering food together during long gaming sessions or discussing their meals. Similarly, on social media platforms, individuals might identify others with whom they frequently share food photos or discuss recipes as their tummemates. The term highlights the role of food as a social lubricant and a means of building and maintaining relationships in both online and offline settings.