Waves in the Ocean: The Rhythm of Brunch

Waves in the Ocean: The Rhythm of Brunch

Waves crash onto the shore, creating what is known as swash—the rush of water that spills onto the beach before retreating back into the sea. This natural ebb and flow mirrors the rhythm of life itself: a constant cycle of movement, change, and renewal.

Interestingly, the word "swash" might sound like a portmanteau, but it isn’t. A portmanteau blends two words into one, combining both sound and meaning—like "seesaw," which merges “see” and “saw.” Another well-known portmanteau? The word brunch.

Back in 1895, British writer Guy Beringer coined the term by blending breakfast and lunch—a simple yet revolutionary idea. Traditionally, both the United States and England have followed a three-meal structure: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yet, despite the long-standing belief that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day," many people are skipping it altogether.

In 2024, the CDC reported that 25% of American adults regularly skipped breakfast, while studies in the UK found that 30-50% of adults did the same. The reasons vary—lack of time, financial constraints, uninspiring food options, or simply trying to save calories. Or perhaps, in many cases, people are just opting for brunch instead.

So, is breakfast still the most important meal of the day? I say yes—but I also say that brunch is just as essential. And since I’m retired, I don’t have to choose. I brunch every day.