However, the story of the word "diner" as we know it in English, referring to the specific type of restaurant, is a little more complicated:
* Early 19th Century: The word "diner" was used in English to refer to a formal dinner, often in a more elegant setting.
* Late 19th Century: The use of "diner" shifted to refer to a simple, quick meal, often taken in a more casual setting.
* Early 20th Century: The word "diner" started being used to describe the type of restaurant that served these simple, quick meals, particularly the small, often car-shaped restaurants that became popular in the United States.
So, while "diner" ultimately comes from the French word "dîner," its evolution and specific meaning in English developed over time, reflecting the changing culinary landscape and dining habits of the time.