Is the Hot Dog a Sandwich? Plus, Where Did It Get Its Name?
Updated: Sep. 06, 2021
The good folks at Merriam-Webster say that the all-American hot dog is a sandwich—but they're just about the only ones.
The hot dog is boldly included (and defined) in an article on the Merriam-Webster website, but M-W acknowledges that this pronouncement may be met with raised eyebrows.
According to the article, “hot dog refers either to the sausage that you buy squeezed in a plastic package with 7 or so of its kind, or to the same sausage heated and served in a long split roll.”
And then the bomb is dropped: “When it’s served in the roll, it’s also a sandwich.”
The word wizards continue: “We know: the idea that a hot dog is a sandwich is heresy to some of you. But given that the definition of sandwich is ‘two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between,’ there is no sensible way around it.”
The Public Disagrees: The Hot Dog Is Not a Sandwich
The Louisville Courier-Journal, however, is not buying this argument. A few years back, the Kentucky newspaper ran a correction apologizing for referring to hot dogs as sandwiches 10 times between 1887 and 1996.
The Fox Sports website also calls the whole hot dog = sandwich equation bologna. Reporter Rocco DeMaro interviewed a number of experts—in this case, Major League Baseball players. “If you ask somebody to go make you a sandwich, they’re not gonna make you a hot dog,” said Oakland A’s player Josh Harrison.
Closer to home, in our collection of hot dog recipes, we use the word “sandwich” only once, but the wieners in question (pigs in a blanket) are wrapped in crescent rolls instead of buns. Even more telling: in our roundup of the best hot dog in every state, we don’t use the s-word at all.
The Daily Meal tries to sit on the fence on the question (while simultaneously muddying the hot dog waters by introducing burgers into the argument). The website gives the dictionary its due, but still implies an anti-sandwich mindset: “Burgers and hot dogs exist in their own section of the menu, separate from the ‘Sandwiches.’ For all intents and purposes, they are completely different food items from sandwiches. But in terms of classifications, these cookout staples are indeed sandwiches, whether you think of them that way or not.”
The definitive quote—and possibly the last word—on the subject appropriately come from another pro baseball player.
“No, it’s not a sandwich. It’s a hot dog,” says Brock Holt of the Texas Rangers.
Why Is It Called a Hot Dog?
There’s been so much buzz around the “is a hot dog a sandwich” debate, but while we’re on the topic, there’s something else we’re wondering about too: why is it called a hot dog, anyway?
There are several theories about how the American classic got its name, and they all begin with the association of hot dogs—or frankfurters, wienerwurst and all manner of long, skinny sausages—to the iconic German dog breed, the dachshund. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council dug into the history of the hot dog: Germans were actually calling their frankfurters “hot dachshunds” long before they came over to the United States. So, the invention of the term “hot dog” is basically a jump from “dachshund” to “dog.”
Nevertheless, the public still disagrees over who first made the jump. In the late 1800s, vendors called “dog wagons” were parked outside the Yale dorms selling the sausages. One of them was even called “The Kennel Club”—a clear tie to the term “hot dog.”
Another potential source of the term “hot dog” happened shortly after in 1901. Legend has it, New York sports cartoonist Tad Dorgan was depicting a moment where a vendor was selling frankfurters at the polo grounds, yelling “Get your dachshund sausages while they’re red hot!” While he was drawing and captioning, Dorgan didn’t know how to spell “dachshund,” and wrote “hot dog” in the caption instead of “hot dachshund.” He even drew little dachshunds inside rolls instead of frankfurters. However, there is no record of this cartoon.
No matter who called it a hot dog first, we don’t blame anyone for wanting to take credit for the American classic! We love them no matter how they got their name. At your next cookout, share why it’s called a hot dog with your friends and make sure to try out these regional hot dog styles for yourself.
Beefy Chili Dogs
For years, people have told me I make the best hot dog chili out there. It’s timeless, it’s family-friendly, and I carry the recipe with me because people ask for it. —Vicki Boyd, Mechanicsville, Virginia Don't feel like making your own? These are the best hot dog joints in every state.
Mexican Hot Dogs
My stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio These are America's best regional hot dog styles.
Corn Dog Twists
Kids will have as much fun making as they will eating these cute twists on hot dogs and buns! Set out bowls of relish, mustard and ketchup for dunkable fun. —Melissa Tatum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Old-Fashioned Coney Hot Dog Sauce
Camping and hot dogs go hand in hand. Roast some up over the fire, then top with this irresistible one-pot sauce. —Loriann Cargill Bustos, Phoenix, Arizona Here are more hot dog toppings you haven't tried yet.
Chili Dog Baked Potatoes
These chili dogs are nestled in baked potatoes for a delicious and satisfying meal. They're perfect for a barbecue, but they're just as tasty any time of year! —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Sweet Hoosier Dog Sauce
In our area of Indiana, we love sweet coney sauce on our hot dogs! Our town still has an old drive-in that is famous for its sauce. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Chili Dog Pizza
My girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
I decided to give a Chicago-style dog a healthy twist for my family. Our kids love it. You can use other fresh toppings to please just about anyone. —Gregg May, Columbus, Ohio
Indiana-Style Corn Dogs
One of the best parts of the many fairs and festivals in Indiana is the corn dogs! My family loves corn dogs, so I fix them fairly often at home. —Sally Denney, Warsaw, Indiana
Barbecued Party Starters
These sweet and tangy bites will tide over everyone until dinner. At the buffet, set out some fun toothpicks to make for easy nibbling. —Anastasia Weiss, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Corn Dog Casserole
Reminiscent of traditional corn dogs, this fun main dish really hits the spot on fall days. It's perfect for the football parties my husband and I often host. It tastes especially good right from the oven. -Marcy Suzanne Olipane, Belleville, Illinois
Cincinnati Chili Dogs
My in-laws are from Ohio, so we have Cincinnati chili at many of our family gatherings. I spiced up this family classic with cinnamon and cocoa powder and then ladled it over hot dogs. It's perfect for game day, tailgates and potlucks. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Bandito Chili Dogs
These deluxe chili dogs are a surefire hit at family functions and tailgates. Adults and children alike love the cheesy chili sauce, and the toppings are fun! —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs
We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Dogs in a Sweater
For a new twist on an old favorite, try these skewered hot dogs wrapped with breadstick dough and baked. They're fun to dip in ketchup, mustard or ranch dressing. The dressed-up dog recipe comes kid-tested from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hot Dog Sliders with Mango-Pineapple Salsa
For parties, we shrink down lots of foods, including these quick hot dogs, to slider size. Pile on the easy but irresistible fruit salsa for a burst of fresh flavor. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Pigs in a Poncho
For pigs in a blanket Mexican style, we add refried beans and green chilies. Spice it up even more with pepper jack, jalapenos and guacamole. —Jennifer Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Cheddar Corn Dog Muffins
I wanted to riff on hot dogs, so I made corn dog muffins. I added jalapenos to this kid-friendly recipe and won my husband over, too. —Becky Tarala, Palm Coast, Florida
Party Franks
These tiny, tangy appetizers have broad appeal. I prepare them often for holiday gatherings, weddings and family reunions. They're convenient to serve at parties since the sauce can be made ahead and then reheated with the franks before serving. —Lucille Howell, Portland, Oregon
BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs
For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Hungarian Hot Dogs
Each American city dishes up hot dogs with its own combination of toppings. Toledo is no exception. We came up with a version of Tony Packo’s Hungarian hot dog, which is a citywide favorite in Toledo, Ohio. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hot Dog Sliders
An American favorite, hot dogs, turn into a fun treat that's great for a laid-back party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Sloppy Joe Dogs
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all. ‐Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Hot Dog Roll-Ups
Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah
Chili Coney Dogs
From the youngest kids to the oldest adults, everyone in our family loves these hot dogs. Inspired by the classic Coney dog, they’re so easy to throw together in the morning or even the night before. —Michele Harris, Vicksburg, Michigan
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Here's a juicy, delicious and savory meal in a bun! I make these bacon-wrapped hot dogs for picnics, barbecues and tailgate parties, and they always get compliments. To transport, wrap the hot dogs in foil and then in paper. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Hot Dog Pie
A co-worker who loves hot dogs shared this recipe with me. Baked in a purchased pastry shell, the pie is easy to assemble and is on the table in just 30 minutes. —Amy Bullis, Henryville, Pennsylvania
Pigs in a Blanket
These baked hot dog sandwiches appeal to kids of all ages. Even my husband, Allan, admits to enjoying every bite! We like to dip them in ketchup and mustard. —Linda Young, Longmont, Colorado
Chipotle Chili Dogs
Long live childhood favorites! I created this recipe for the 125th anniversary of a small town in Minnesota. The medium spice level means that people of all ages love the flavors. —Barb Templin, Norwood, Minnesota
Jersey-Style Hot Dogs
I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Rhode Island Hot Wieners
Many Rhode Islanders spell wiener with an “ei” and serve theirs “all the way” with meat sauce, mustard, onion and a sprinkle of celery salt. —Karen Barros, Bristol, Rhode Island
