DEAR ABBY: Whatever happened to dinner? Everyone here in my section of Florida eats "supper," never dinner, in the evening. Isn't it correct that if you have lunch at noon, you have dinner at night? Or if you have dinner at noon (as farmers do), then supper is a light meal in the evening?
Even the "Golden Girls" on TV refer to their dinner as "supper," and it's obvious they are not eating their dinner at noon. -- FLORENCE KRUEGER, BAYONET POINT, FLA.
DEAR FLORENCE: Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines "dinner" as "the principal meal of the day." And "supper" is defined as "the evening meal, especially when dinner (the principal meal of the day) is taken at midday." "Supper" is also described as "a light meal served late in the evening."
So, technically, you are correct. But if local or regional custom dictates that the evening meal be called supper -- then the word from here is, Don't argue with the natives, or you might wind up eating your words regardless of the hour.