The expression 'eating on the go' would come from the Latin 'in promptu', meaning 'at hand', emphasizing the idea of eating quickly and easily while holding food in one's hand.
This expression comes from the 19th century, a time when eating quickly with one's fingers, without plates or cutlery, was common among rushed workers or busy laborers. The word "thumb" here simply refers to holding a piece of food between the thumb and the other fingers, and thus eating it hastily without sitting down comfortably at a table. Some also explain the expression by referring to street vendors who offered small snacks that could be easily grabbed with the fingers, with no need to sit down. Today, this old figurative expression remains to describe a quick and convenient way to snack on something, whether standing or walking.
"Eating on the go" simply evokes the idea of eating very quickly, often holding the food directly with your fingers. No cutlery or set table, just a bite swallowed quickly on the way or while standing. Usually, it's easy-to-grab things like a sandwich, a piece of pizza, a chocolate croissant, or an apple quickly eaten between two appointments or during a too-short break. No fuss, it's practical, simple, and effective.
In some French regions, people prefer to say "casser la croûte" or "grignoter un bout" rather than "manger sur le pouce". In Belgium or in French-speaking Switzerland, other ways to express the idea also exist, such as "avalé vite-fait". In Quebec, you will often hear about "d'une bouchée sur le pouce", with the same quick and informal meaning. And if you go through the South of France, you are more likely to hear "un bout vite avalé" or "manger à la va-vite". The general idea remains the same, it's quick, without fuss, and usually with fingers.
Today, the expression to eat on the go is still very common in everyday French, especially to refer to a meal eaten quickly due to lack of time or for convenience. With our hectic lives and often tight schedules, this image of a quick meal, at the corner of a table or on the street, resonates with everyone. It is easily used, whether for a hastily bought sandwich or for a reheated dish quickly consumed before a meeting. Some restaurants or snack bars even play on this concept to attract hurried people: sandwiches, ready-made salads, wraps... the concept of a fast meal fits perfectly with the expression. This phrasing is also often found in tourist or gastronomic guides to describe a stress-free gourmet break.
In the medieval period, eating with one's fingers was the norm across all social classes, with the knife mainly used for cutting food, while the fork – adopted much later – was long viewed as extravagant and pretentious.
In Japan, eating quickly outside at lunchtime ("tachigui," literally "eating while standing") is a common practice, especially for enjoying sushi, ramen, or soba at establishments specifically designed for this purpose.
The expression 'to eat on the go' dates back to the 19th century and referred to the act of eating quickly, often while standing, using just one's fingers (hence 'on the go').
In some English-speaking countries, there is a similar expression: 'eat on the run,' which literally translates to 'manger en courant,' also highlighting the idea of a quick meal without lingering.
The expression mainly evokes simple foods that are easy to consume quickly and without utensils: sandwiches, burgers, slices of pizza, wraps, baguettes, or small snacks such as cereal bars, pastries, or fruits.
It is estimated that the expression dates back to the 19th century. Initially, it mainly referred to a way of eating quickly and spontaneously, without any proper setup or comfort.
No, even though the expression evokes a quick and simple meal, it does not necessarily mean poor nutrition. One can eat healthy and balanced foods quickly, such as fruits, salads, or balanced sandwiches.
Although the expression initially refers to eating quickly or while standing, it can still be used today even when sitting down. The main idea remains a quick and informal meal, often without placing the food on a table.
Yes, other languages have similar expressions to convey the idea of eating quickly or on the go. For example, in English, we use "grab a bite," and in Spanish, "comer algo rápido" or "picar algo."
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