DINNER PAIL Meaning and
Definition
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A dinner pail, also known as a lunch pail or lunchbox, refers to a small container used to transport meals, particularly those intended to be consumed during the midday meal. This portable food storage device is typically made of metal or plastic and consists of a box or compartment designed to hold various food items securely. The dinner pail is equipped with a handle for easy carrying and often has a sturdy latch or closure mechanism to ensure that the contents remain intact during transportation.
Originally, dinner pails were commonly used by workers, particularly those in industrial or labor-intensive jobs, to bring their lunch from home to their workplace. As various industries began to flourish during the 19th and 20th centuries, the practice of carrying a dinner pail became widespread, reflecting the need for a convenient and portable way to transport meals to job sites.
Over time, dinner pails have evolved in design and functionality, with various styles, sizes, and materials now available. Some modern iterations feature insulation to keep food hot or cold and include compartments or dividers for organizing different types of food. Dinner pails have also become popular among school children, as they allow for the convenient transport of homemade lunches.
In summary, a dinner pail is a portable container used for carrying meals, primarily lunch, from home to a workplace or school. Its design and features have evolved over time, catering to the needs and preferences of individuals who seek a practical and organized way to transport their food.
Common Misspellings for DINNER PAIL
- sinner pail
- xinner pail
- cinner pail
- finner pail
- rinner pail
- einner pail
- dunner pail
- djnner pail
- dknner pail
- donner pail
- d9nner pail
- d8nner pail
- dibner pail
- dimner pail
- dijner pail
- dihner pail
- dinber pail
- dinmer pail
- dinjer pail
Etymology of DINNER PAIL
The word "dinner pail" has its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. It refers to a small, portable container that was typically used by laborers to carry their midday meal to work. Its etymology is a combination of two words:
1. "Dinner": The term "dinner" originally referred to the main meal of the day, which was typically consumed in the middle of the day for most working-class individuals. Over time, as meal traditions changed, the term "dinner" came to signify the evening meal for many people, while the midday meal was often called "lunch". However, "dinner pail" specifically refers to the container used for the midday meal.
2. "Pail": The word "pail" simply refers to a bucket-like container with a handle, often made of metal or other sturdy materials.
Idioms with the word DINNER PAIL
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hand in your dinner pail
The idiom "hand in your dinner pail" means to quit or leave a job or position. It refers to the act of turning in or giving up one's lunch box or pail, which contains food for the workday, symbolizing the termination of employment.
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hand in (one's) dinner pail
The idiom "hand in (one's) dinner pail" is an informal expression that means to retire or give up, especially from work or a particular task. It implies the idea of quitting or surrendering with a sense of finality or resignation. The phrase "hand in (one's) dinner pail" originates from the image of a worker finishing their day's labor and symbolically leaving their lunch or dinner pail behind as they no longer need it.
Similar spelling words for DINNER PAIL
