The word "elevenses" always makes me laugh because it sounds so quaint! I must admit though, it's quite nice to have a little mid-morning break to refresh yourself.

You're not having a biscuit for Elevenses, you're having a biscuit for Tea. But I don't mean tea. I mean, when we say, "What are you having for Tea?" we mean that time between lunch and dinner. I know it's insane. But at Tea time, we will have tea and biscuits that we dunk into tea. These comments were mailed to us after an earlier version of this piece was sent out as a newsletter. We like to publish a selection and reserve the right to edit them for clarity. Feel free to drop us a line with your thoughts. In the beginning, tea was an exclusive beverage. As it was imported from China and India, it was expensive and generally only consumed by the wealthy upper classes. The lower classes mainly drank ale and gin in taverns.

Discussion Comments

I live in the US now and had friends over the other day for toasted teacakes by the fire. American guests peppered me with questions about whether people in England actually do stop for tea. My relations tell me no – not unless you have people over. Bummer! Let’s make it a mission to bring elevenses to workplaces across the country. Everyone deserves the chance to step away from his or her desk for a hot beverage and pastry. I don't know what you're doing, but I can't help you. You said you're not really into tech at all. Why? Pippin: What about elevenses? Luncheon? Afternoon tea? Dinner? Supper? He knows about them, doesn’t he?

The entry also mentions “fours”: “RAYNBIRD Agric. Suffolk vi. 296 The name ‘fourzes’ and ‘elevens’, given to these short periods of rest and refreshment, show when taken.” I'm sorry, I can't stand them. Because they make me feel crappy about my life thinking, "Why don't I look gorgeous in my outfit and my kids look amazing?" I can't do that, I can't keep up with them. They make me feel crap about my life.Owners recognized that for their workers to be productive and safe, they needed energy throughout the day. Tea breaks became the norm. Tea Was Not Always a Popular Drink