The Spanish word 'merienda' (meaning 'afternoon snack or light meal') comes from the Latin word 'merenda', which referred specifically to an afternoon meal given to soldiers. This Latin term itself derived from the verb 'merere' meaning 'to deserve or earn' - suggesting that this afternoon meal was something earned after a hard day's work or military service.

While 'merienda' is a fairly common Spanish word itself, it has evolved into a more general term for any light meal or snack eaten in the afternoon, between lunch and dinner. This practice of having a 'merienda' remains an important part of daily life in many Spanish-speaking cultures.

While English doesn't have any common words directly related to 'merienda', we do have the word 'merit' which comes from the same Latin root 'merere' (to deserve or earn). Just as something of merit is deserved or earned, the original 'merenda' was seen as a meal that was earned through one's work or service.