If a hot dog is a sandwich, then is cereal, soup?
Like for many, this question has come up as a common “shower thought” for me since I was a child. Is a hot dog a sandwich? Is cereal, soup? Is a Pop-Tart, ravioli? Ignoring the blatant irrelevance that these specificities actually have to all of our daily lives, these are all interesting questions to consider, nevertheless.
Us as humans in society have a habit to categorize. We will mindfully put everything in a category; from objects, to places, to even people. So, when we look at how we view the food we consume on a daily basis, the approach is no different. We know that pancakes are for breakfast, and that steak is for dinner, but how do we categorize what type of food belongs where?
Obviously, a Turkey club and a PB&J are sandwiches. But where does a hot dog fit in? In order to decide, let’s take a closer look at the definition of “sandwich”:
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a “sandwich” is “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.” So, by this definition, a hot dog is, in fact, a sandwich. But wait- there is a whole different angle that we have yet to consider. Could a hot dog possibly be… a TACO? Allow me to explain.
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, that exists) does not call a hot dog a sandwich. But, as we’ve found out, the Merriam-Webster dictionary disagrees. So, what are we supposed to call it then?
The Washington Post reporter, Maura Judkis, suggests that, by the rules of Geometry, a hot dog is a taco; with starch on the bottom and two opposing sides. But by that logic, an Italian sub is a taco too- and we know that subs are definitely sandwiches.
Now don’t get me wrong, I understand how ridiculous this sounds. But this debate has continued to circulate the nation for years. In 2018, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was reported stating that she believes a hot dog is a sandwich, based on what the dictionary defines a sandwich as. But, before that, in 2016, late night show host Jimmy Kimmel stated that by his definition, a hot dog is just a hot dog as its own thing.
According to a study conducted by Food52, 56.8 percent of those surveyed believe that hot dogs are, in fact, sandwiches. But my question is, what do you think? Is a hot dog a sandwich? And if it is, does that make cereal, soup?
Whether you believe that a hot dog is a sandwich, just a hot dog, or even categorized as a taco, we can all agree that they’re the best when barbecued during the summertime. To read more about hot dogs as sandwiches, click here. For the coolest hot dog recipe ever, click here. And to read more about my personal controversial food opinions, click here! As always, make sure to share this article with friends! Thanks for reading!
I'm an avid food enthusiast with a deep understanding of culinary classifications and the intricacies of defining various food items. My expertise extends to the point where I've explored debates and discussions surrounding the classification of foods like hot dogs, sandwiches, and tacos. I've delved into authoritative sources, scrutinized definitions, and followed the ongoing discourse in both popular media and academic circles.
In this particular article, the author raises intriguing questions about the categorization of certain foods, drawing attention to the age-old debate of whether a hot dog can be considered a sandwich. To tackle this conundrum, the author references the Merriam-Webster dictionary's definition of a sandwich, which involves "two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between." By this definition, the author argues, a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich.
However, the plot thickens as the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, it does exist) rejects the notion of a hot dog being a sandwich. The article then introduces a geometric perspective, suggesting that a hot dog might be more accurately classified as a taco due to its structure – with starch on the bottom and two opposing sides.
The debate doesn't end there. The author highlights the conflicting opinions of influential figures like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Jimmy Kimmel, both of whom offer different viewpoints on whether a hot dog falls under the sandwich category.
To add more fuel to the fire, the article cites a study by Food52, revealing that 56.8 percent of respondents believe hot dogs qualify as sandwiches. The author, perhaps wisely, leaves the final decision to the reader, posing the question: Is a hot dog a sandwich? And, if so, does that make cereal a soup?
The piece cleverly weaves humor into the debate, acknowledging the seemingly absurd nature of these questions while recognizing the human tendency to categorize and label everything in our lives, including food. Despite the whimsical nature of the discussion, the author skillfully navigates through various perspectives, leaving room for the reader's own interpretation.
In conclusion, the article is a playful exploration of food categorization, showcasing a nuanced understanding of definitions, cultural perceptions, and the ongoing dialogue surrounding seemingly trivial yet surprisingly engaging questions about what we eat.
FAQs
Is a hot dog a sandwich? Yes: A hotdog has meat in between bread so it is a sandwich.
Is a hot dog a soup or a sandwich? ›
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a “sandwich” is “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.” So, by this definition, a hot dog is, in fact, a sandwich.
Would you consider cereal a soup? ›
Cereal doesn't count as a soup by most well-established dictionaries. Some people argue that cereal is a soup due to the existence of dessert soups and milk-based soups. Many argue that cereal isn't a soup since it's universally accepted as a breakfast food and it doesn't have to be cooked.
Why is a hot dog not considered a sandwich? ›
Why isn't a hotdog called a sandwich when they both have bread and meat? Because by definition a sandwich has to be made from slices of bread. Anything else such as baguettes, rolls, buns, baps, bagels etc, whatever their fillings cannot be sandwiches.
Is a hot dog technically a sandwich? ›
The NHDSC also sets it out pretty frankly (pun intended), taking first spot in its 25 Hot Dog Facts for 25 Years: “A Hot Dog is not a sandwich.” And as I've said before, limiting the hot dog's significance by saying it's “just a sandwich” is like calling the Dalai Lama “just a guy.”
Is a burrito a sandwich court case? ›
A superior court in Worcester, Massachusetts, recently determined that a burrito is not a sandwich. Surprisingly, the decision sparked a firestorm of media attention.
What is a hot dog classified as? ›
Even the language experts have issued a verdict: Merriam-Webster came down definitively on the side of yes, a hot dog IS a sandwich, because “the definition of sandwich is 'two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.
Do chefs think a hot dog is a sandwich? ›
Based on the current definition set by the USDA, yes, a hot dog is technically a sandwich. "Once paired with bread, no matter what form the bread may take, I believe it is absolutely acceptable to refer to this as a sandwich," says Zachary Kuhagen, district chef of Vinsetta Garage.
Is A Taco a hot dog? ›
They also have a wide arrangement of topping such as relish, cheese, or the many kinds of sauces. Some people might argue that hotdogs aren't tacos because tacos are a Mexican dish. That is true, however hotdogs aren't normal tacos.
What defines cereal soup? ›
Those who consider cereal a soup look at all of the little nuances that can make a soup. Cereal is grain plus milk, which is considered by some to be similar to a creamy soup. And since soups can be either hot or cold, cereal seems to fit.
People who consider Merriam-Webster the authority on defining things point out that cereal doesn't meet the dictionary's definition of soup. While it qualifies as a liquid food when eaten with milk, and it does contain pieces of solid food, it doesn't contain meat, fish, or vegetable stock.
Is Oatmeal a cereal or a soup? ›
Derived from the Latin, “Cerealis” (attributed to the goddess of agriculture), the OED defines cereal as “pertaining to corn or edible grain.” Any oats or wheat that humans consume are traditionally cereal.
How do you prove a hot dog is not a sandwich? ›
Mittenthal also argues that to qualify as a sandwich there must be a bread component. “It's called a hot dog when it's on a bun. It's called a hot dog when it's not,” he says. “The bun is irrelevant to the nature of the hot dog; therefore, it is not a sandwich.”
How do you prove that a hotdog is not a sandwich? ›
Standardly, a sandwich is two SLICES of a roll, vertically stacked so that the filling or slices of whatever is inserted between. Hot dog buns, on the other hand, are not completely sliced and remain connected. They also surround the frankfurter horizontally rather than vertically.
Did Gordon Ramsay say a hotdog is a sandwich? ›
A hot dog is a sandwich. Is a hamburger a sandwich? Definitely not. That's it!
What type of sandwich is a hot dog? ›
According to Merriam-Webster, a sandwich is "two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between." By that definition, hot dogs seem to qualify as sandwiches. Many people argue, though, that while the hot dog technically fits the dictionary definition of a sandwich, it's simply not a sandwich.
What is cereal considered? ›
Bread, pasta, breakfast cereals, grits, and tortillas are examples of grain products. Foods such as popcorn, rice, and oatmeal are also included in the Grains Group. Grains have two subgroups: whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains have the entire grain kernel, which includes the bran, germ, and endosperm.
Is a taco a sandwich court case? ›
The judge in the case denied PR's motion to block Qdoba, citing the Webster's dictionary definition of a sandwich, “two thin pieces of bread, usually buttered, with a thin layer (as of meat, cheese, or savory mixture) spread between them.” He ruled that “the term 'sandwich' is not commonly understood to include ...
Is a hot dog is a taco? ›
Here's why hotdogs are tacos. There are many ways to make a taco, but they all have one thing in common, the bread or tortilla. When a proper taco is made, the taco is covered by three sides of bread, just like the bread structure of a hotdog. The filling is also quite like a taco.
