snack
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
A small amount of food eaten between meals.
Can refer to any light, quick meal; informally, used to describe an attractive person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies informality and quick consumption; often associated with convenience or light foods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar, but British English may use 'snack' more broadly for light meals, while American English often emphasizes between-meal eating with packaged foods.
Connotations
In both varieties, it has a casual connotation; in American English, it is frequently linked to processed or quick snacks.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
snack on [something]snack between mealsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “snack attack”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to light food provided during meetings or breaks.
Academic
Rarely used in formal writing; more common in casual or nutritional contexts.
Everyday
Widely used to describe small eats or quick bites between meals.
Technical
In nutrition, denotes small food intake outside main meals, often analyzed for dietary impact.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I often snack on biscuits in the afternoon.
- She snacks between meals to keep her energy up.
American English
- I usually snack on chips while watching TV.
- He snacks on fruit for a healthy option.
adjective
British English
- This is a snacky kind of food, perfect for picnics.
- We had a snacky lunch with crisps and sandwiches.
American English
- It's a snacky treat that you can eat on the go.
- She prefers snacky foods like popcorn and nuts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a snack at 4 o'clock.
- She eats a snack every day after school.
- After school, I usually grab a quick snack.
- Healthy snacks are important for maintaining energy levels.
- Despite being on a diet, he couldn't resist having a snack.
- The conference provided snacks during the break to keep attendees refreshed.
- The trend towards gourmet snacks reflects changing consumer habits in the food industry.
- Snacking mindfully can prevent overeating during main meals and promote better digestion.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'snack' as something you 'snatch' quickly to eat.
Conceptual Metaphor
Life is a series of snacks, representing small, enjoyable moments.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'закуска' which often means appetizer; 'snack' is more general for between-meal food.
- Avoid direct translation as 'перекус' without considering context, as usage may differ slightly.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'snack' only as a countable noun; it can be uncountable (e.g., 'I ate snack').
- Incorrect verb usage: 'to snack' requires a preposition like 'on' (e.g., 'snack on apples').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'snack'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'snack' can also be used as a verb, meaning to eat a snack, as in 'to snack on fruit'.
A snack is smaller and less formal than a meal, typically eaten quickly between main meals, whereas a meal is larger and more structured.
It is generally informal but can be used in neutral contexts like business settings when referring to provided light food, e.g., 'snacks at a meeting'.
Yes, 'snack attack' is an informal idiom describing a sudden craving for a snack.
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