by Eric Sese
News Editor
When did time begin? Which orange came first—the fruit or the color? What is the meaning of life? These are some questions that have remained unanswered for generations. But one question that withstands the test of time—are hot dogs sandwiches? This question has circulated the hot dog enthusiast community and communities around the world. There is an answer, and a simple one for that matter. Hot dogs are NOT sandwiches.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a hot dog as “a frankfurter with a typically mild flavor that is heated and usually served in a long split roll.” Nowhere in that definition does it refer to a hot dog as a sandwich. Furthermore, the same dictionary defines a sandwich as “two or more slices of bread having a filling in between.” By drawing simple conclusions through definitions, it is clear that a hot dog is not a sandwich.
Let’s break it down.
If a sandwich is “two or more slices of bread,” where are the two pieces of bread in a hot dog? It can be argued that a hot dog bun can be broken into two pieces, but that is simply not the intention of a hot dog bun. If that were true, then wouldn’t every hot dog just plop out the bottom? The only part of the definition that even closely resembles a hot dog is “having a filling in between.”
If definitions do not provide a resounding argument, then common sense certainly does. Sandwiches have always been two pieces of bread holding together a variety of content in between. Hot dogs are a uniform piece of bread enclosing a long piece of meat. There is clearly a difference here.
It is certainly a widely maintained belief that hot dogs are not sandwiches. Culinary Cuisine teacher Mrs. Brown believes sandwiches are “two pieces of bread” and a hot dog bun is partially connected. The partial connection of a hot dog bun is important to not let it fall out of the bottom. Spanish teacher Mrs. Morris believes the opposite. She believes a hot dog does go between “two pieces of bread” and therefore are sandwiches. Like mentioned previously, It can be argued that a hot dog bun can be broken into two pieces, but that is simply not the intention of a hot dog bun.
When it comes to the entire debate, it seems like the strongest argument concerns the buns. Some people believe it comes down to physical appearance. Jack Hayes (11) believes that “hot dogs are actually tacos” because of the way the bread is oriented. Similar to a hot dog, tacos have a similar build and makeup. Henry Ortiz (10) supports a similar sentiment, stating that hot dogs are not sandwiches “because they are sideways” unlike a sandwich. There are many ways to orient a hot dog for a delicious experience.
Students who support the opposing argument also present convincing cases. Gary Mullins (10) believes that hot dogs are sandwiches because “you can put a lot of stuff on it” similar to toppings on a sandwich. Many people enjoy mustard and ketchup to top off a hot dog.
While people maintain convincing arguments, it comes down to personal opinions. No matter how people view hotdogs, they are a delicious treat which should be enjoyed.