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!