In 1895, the British journalist Guy Beringer — who is commonly credited with introducing the “brunch” portmanteau in print, in the short-lived periodical Hunter’s Weekly — praised the meal because “it renders early rising not only unnecessary, but ridiculous.” The argument was not for sloth but for debauchery: Bypass breakfast for brunch, and you can stay up as late as you like the night before, consequence- and conscience-free, dancing on the table and embracing ruin.