Introduction
Hot dogs are an undeniable staple in American culture, enjoyed at baseball games, fairs and backyard barbecues alike. But have you ever wondered about the origin of the term “hot dog”? In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating history, linguistics, culture and science behind the name.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the many factors that contribute to why a hotdog is called a hotdog.
History
The history of hot dogs dates back to the 19th century when German immigrants brought their sausage-making traditions to the United States. The sausages, called “frankfurters” after Frankfurt, quickly became popular in the US, particularly in New York City.
As the story goes, a vendor selling hot dogs at a baseball game in New York in the late 1800s shouted “Get your red-hot dachshund sausages!” to attract customers. A sports cartoonist who was at the game, Tad Dorgan, drew a cartoon of a dachshund nestled in a bun and called it a “hot dog”.
This is widely believed to be the first instance of the term “hot dog” being used to describe a sausage in a bun.
Soon after, hot dogs became a popular snack at ballparks and other outdoor events, and the term “hot dog” became synonymous with the snack we know and love today.
Linguistics
The term “hot dog” has an interesting history when it comes to linguistics. In some countries, such as Germany, the snack is still known as a “frankfurter” or “wiener” after Wien, the German word for Vienna, where the sausage allegedly originated.
In other countries, such as Japan, the hot dog is called a “hotto doggu”, a phonetic translation of the English term.
Some regions of the United States also have their own terms for hot dogs. In Chicago, for example, hot dogs are known as “Chicago-style” and are served with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers and celery salt.
Cultural Significance
Hot dogs have become a beloved snack in American culture, often associated with summertime events like baseball games and Fourth of July barbecues.
At baseball games in particular, hot dogs are a staple snack for fans, with over 20 million hot dogs reportedly consumed during the 2019 Major League Baseball season alone.
But hot dogs aren’t just limited to sporting events. They are often served at fairs and carnivals, and are a popular choice for backyard barbecues and family gatherings.
Hot dogs have become so ingrained in American culture that they have even been the subject of controversy. In 2016, for example, a photo of a hot dog served with ketchup sparked a passionate debate on Twitter about the “correct” way to eat a hot dog.
Marketing
Hot dog companies have long used marketing and branding to create a positive image around the product. The iconic hot dog brands, Nathan’s Famous and Hebrew National, were both founded in the early 1900s and have become synonymous with high-quality hot dogs.
Hot dog companies have also used advertising to promote their products. Oscar Mayer, for example, is known for its iconic “wienermobile”, a vehicle shaped like a hot dog that travels around the country promoting the brand.
The marketing of hot dogs has had a significant impact on American culture, contributing to the snack’s popularity and cultural significance.
Science
On a scientific level, hot dogs are called “hot dogs” due to the way they are cooked. The sausages are made from a mixture of meat and fat that is ground together into a fine paste and then stuffed into casings.
Hot dogs need to be cooked at a high temperature to ensure that they are safe to eat. This is because they are a processed meat product that can contain harmful bacteria if not cooked properly.
Hot dogs are also a high-calorie food that should be consumed in moderation. A typical hot dog contains 150-200 calories and is high in sodium.
Conclusion
Hot dogs have a rich history that spans language, culture, and science. While the exact origin of the term “hot dog” may be shrouded in mystery, the snack has become an undeniable part of American culture.
The marketing of hot dogs has contributed to their popularity, and their availability at ballparks, fairs and family gatherings has made them a beloved snack for many Americans.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the classic “red-hot dachshund sausage” or you prefer your hot dogs “Chicago-style”, there’s no denying the cultural significance of this iconic snack.
So the next time you bite into a hot dog, take a moment to appreciate all the factors that contribute to why a hotdog is called a hotdog.