# Mexican breakfast

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/mexican-breakfast
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A breakfast consisting of a cigarette and a glass of water.

## Examples

- He skipped food and had a Mexican breakfast instead.
- After a long night, he settled for a Mexican breakfast before heading to work.
- The weary traveler opted for a Mexican breakfast, ignoring his hunger as he stared blankly at the morning news.

## Origin

The term is said to have originated as a slur regarding the poverty of Mexicans, based on the unproven claim that a cigarette and a glass of water were the only items they could afford for the morning meal. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.