The term "High tea" is used differently in the United States than in Great Britain, and historical and cultural reasons exist for this distinction. Tea breaks are uncommon in most parts of the United States as Tea is not a popular beverage. Instead, people use "coffee break" to indicate a morning social gathering for a snack and brief respite, during which they enjoy hot and cold drinks, cakes, donuts, and other sweet treats.
In the US, "high tea" also describes afternoon tea or the "tea party," a highly formal and ritualized gathering where hosts serve Tea, thin sandwiches, and petite cakes of the finest china.
This usage reflects an analogical construction, with the term "high" being linked to social "formality" rather than a "high" table. Upscale American hotels increasingly offer this style of tea service, particularly during the Christmas holidays and other tourist seasons, as well as in many big-city tea houses, where they typically refer to it as "afternoon tea." The tea party remains a sporadic occurrence in the United States, often organized for special occasions such as graduations, baby showers or to honor visiting guests.
In Great Britain:
Historical origins: The "High tea" tradition originated in Britain in the 19th century. It was initially a working-class meal served in the late afternoon or early evening, typically around 5 or 6 PM. Workers would come home after a day's labor and have a substantial meal that included Tea and various dishes like meat, fish, eggs, and bread. High Tea was considered the day's main meal for many working-class families.
Social class distinction: Despite the name "High tea," it was not a formal or high-class affair in British society. It was more associated with the working class, where it provided a hearty meal after a day's work. The term "High" likely referred to taller tables in some households instead of the lower tables used for afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea: Britain's more formal and elaborate tea tradition is called "Afternoon tea" or "Low tea." This tradition originated among the upper class in the early 19th century. It consisted of a light meal, typically between 3 and 5 PM. The afternoon tea featured a variety of sandwiches, scones, cakes, and pastries elegantly presented on a tiered stand. Afternoon tea became associated with socializing, elegance, and leisure, and hosts often served it in drawing rooms or sitting areas with comfortable seating.
In the United States:
Limited tea culture: Compared to Great Britain, Tea did not become as widespread a beverage choice in the United States. Coffee became more famous for breakfast and other times of the day, and a "coffee break" evolved as a social gathering for a snack and downtime in the morning or afternoon.
Confusion of terms: Due to the limited tea culture, "High tea" has been used in the US to describe different traditions. It is sometimes called "Afternoon tea" or a more formal tea gathering, similar to the British tradition. However, as you mentioned, this usage is an analogical construction, with "high" associated with social formality rather than referring to the main table.
Afternoon tea in the US: Increasingly, high-end hotels and teahouses in the US have begun to serve what is more accurately "Afternoon tea." This formal and ritualized gathering involves serving Tea along with delicate sandwiches, scones, and various sweets, similar to the British tradition of afternoon tea.
The main differences in "High tea" usage between the US and Great Britain stem from historical tea-drinking traditions and cultural distinctions. In Great Britain, "High tea" historically referred to a working-class meal, while "Afternoon tea" was associated with the upper class. In the US, "High tea" has been used as an umbrella term, sometimes incorrectly, to describe formal and afternoon tea gatherings. The limited popularity of Tea in the US, in comparison to coffee, contributed to the emergence of different social practices.
