The English term coffee break is used to refer to the rest time in some social activities (conferences, work meetings or other types of events). The idea of a coffee break is to make a short break during which attendees can have a snack. With regard to snacks, the most common is to have a coffee with pastries, but it can also include drinks such as tea and juices, as well as other types of light foods. It is a break in the activity in order to prolong it later. A coffee break serves as a snack and rest time and, in parallel, as a moment in which attendees can chat in a relaxed and relaxed way, thus disconnecting from the activity they carry out.
If coffee break can be translated as a snack, break or coffee break, we may wonder why this term is used when we speak in Spanish. We understand that there are two possible answers. On the one hand, a justified and reasonable use of the term and, on the other, an improper and inappropriate use.
When does the use of the term coffee break make sense
In some contexts the use of this concept makes a lot of sense. For example, at an international meeting, at a hotel information panel, or when planning an activity program. Likewise, in some hotels meeting rooms are rented and the prices can go with or without coffee break depending on the client's needs. In this type of situation it is logical to use the term coffee break, since it is an international name that is understood by all. Something similar happens in the terminology of airports where words such as check in, check out, arrivals, departures and others are used.
When is the use of the term coffee break inappropriate?
It is undeniable that the use of terms in English is a growing phenomenon. However, in some contexts it is inappropriate to use them, since it implies a degeneration of our language and the gradual creation of a non-existent language, Spanglish. Thus, if two co-workers are going to have a coffee, it would be inappropriate to say that they are going to have a coffee break.
The invasion of English in our language
The invasion of English in everyday life poses a certain danger, because little by little we are speaking English without realizing it and we create a very peculiar way of speaking. It does not make sense to say that "I am going to do a business" or to use a workshop instead of a workshop. We already use a mixture of Spanish and English quite frequently (high standing, having a feeling, wearing panties or talking about a fashion style), so it is convenient to have a criterion about when it is appropriate to speak in English and when not.
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