Where “Cut Lunch” Comes From
A “cut lunch” is a meal of sandwiches. Green’s Dictionary of Slang marks it as Australian and links it to the idea of sandwiches cut from a loaf.
Its earliest dated use in Green’s is from 1952. It has also given the phrase “cut lunch commando”, a regular worker who brings sandwiches from home.
Source:
“I’ll bring a cut lunch tomorrow.”
How Aussies Actually Use It
It’s heard in talk about school excursions, work sites and picnics.
In Real Life
Generations of Australian kids took a “cut lunch” to school: a sandwich cut in half and wrapped in paper or foil, often with an apple and a biscuit. Tradies and farm workers still pack one, and school excursion notes sometimes ask students to bring a “cut lunch”. Today the word sounds a little old-fashioned, but you’ll still see it in school newsletters.
Quick Questions
What’s in a cut lunch?
Usually sandwiches, often with fruit and a snack. The word stresses the sandwiches.
What’s a cut lunch commando?
Someone who brings sandwiches to work from home. The phrase is Australian and a bit teasing.
Say It Like an Aussie
Say it: KUT LUNCH.
In conversation:
- Mum packed a cut lunch for the excursion.
- I’ve got a cut lunch in my bag.
- He took a cut lunch to the building site.
Good to know: “Cut lunch” is an older Australian term. Younger people are more likely to say “packed lunch” or “lunchbox”.
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