Why do New Yorkers call sandwiches heroes?

Head over to New York City, and you'll see a similar sandwich referred to as a “hero.” The term likely comes from New York Herald Tribune columnist Clementine Paddleworth (yes, that was her name), who in 1936 described a sandwich so large “you had to be a hero to eat it.” More so than a sub, a hero can refer to both ...

What is a hero sandwich in New York?

Hero (plural usually heros, not heroes) remains the prevailing New York City term for most sandwiches on an oblong roll with a generally Italian flavor, in addition to the original described above. Pizzeria menus often include eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana, and meatball heros, each served with sauce.

What is the difference between a hoagie and a hero?

Like the endless, silly pork roll/Taylor ham debate, sub/hoagie divides the state into camps convinced their use of the term is the proper and only one. It's "subs" in North Jersey, "hoagies" in South Jersey, "heroes'' if you're originally from New York City, "grinders'' if you're from New England.

Is a hero a sandwich?

Barry Popik, on OED contributor and general food word expert, traces the word back to a 1937 Lexicon of Trade Jargon published by the WPA, which describes "hero" as "armored car guards jargon" for a big sandwich.

Who invented the hero sandwich?

And while the nomenclature might vary by region, the history of the hero is pretty straight and narrow, much like, well, the sandwich itself. Common wisdom holds that the hero can be traced back to early 20th-century Maine and an Italian immigrant who started peddling basic sandwiches on freshly baked rolls.

The Real New Yorker’s Sandwich

Why are subs called heroes?

Head over to New York City, and you'll see a similar sandwich referred to as a “hero.” The term likely comes from New York Herald Tribune columnist Clementine Paddleworth (yes, that was her name), who in 1936 described a sandwich so large “you had to be a hero to eat it.” More so than a sub, a hero can refer to both ...

Where do they call subs heroes?

In New England, we go back and forth between grinders, subs, and a few other creative variations. In Pennsylvania they've got hoagies; in New York they've got heroes; in Louisiana, po' boys; and pretty much everywhere else, subs.

What does hero sandwich mean?

Definition of hero sandwich

US. : a sandwich that is made by splitting a long roll and filling it with meat, cheese, etc.

Who calls a sandwich a grinder?

Grinder - If a New Englander doesn't call this sandwich a sub, they call it a grinder. Popular in Western Massachusetts, Vermont and parts of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Toasted sandwiches in Pennsylvania and Delaware are also called grinders.

Is a hero a gyro?

In military and scientific circles, Gyro is short for gyroscope (J-eye-rohscope). Hero is a noun. It means someone who displays courage and self-sacrifice to comes to the rescue of others.

What is a Spuckie in Boston?

Noun. spuckie (plural spuckies) (US, Boston) A submarine sandwich.

What is a Zep?

(zɛp ) noun. cookery, US. a long sandwich consisting of a crusty roll cut lengthwise filled with meats, cheeses, onion, lettuce and condiments.

What is a Cosmo sandwich?

OK, a Cosmo is a hoagie/sub (interchangeable in that part of PA) but as you said, toasted, or more over, broiled. Build is this, Sub roll, usually from Lycoming Bakery, Mayo, meat, then cheese.

What is the difference between a sub and a grinder?

'Grinder' is a New England term, used to differentiate sandwiches with hot fillings (i.e. meatballs or sausage) from those with cold fillings, which are typically referred to as subs.

What is the difference between a hoagie and a sub?

With a sub, the bread is a softer roll cut all the way through and the top is separated from the bottom of the roll. With a hoagie, a harder roll is preferred and the roll is split and the contents (generally the same) are stuffed into the roll and folded closed at the completion.

How do you make an Italian hero sandwich?

Slice the hero rolls in half, and place on a sheet pan, toast in preheated oven for 5 minutes. Layer the salami across the bottom of the roll, followed by the mortadella, prosciutto, provolone and tomato slices. Add the pepperoncini peppers, and the lettuce across the top.

What do they call a sub sandwich in California?

Depending on the regional variety, the sandwich is called differently throughout the United States. In the Midwest and California, it's grinder, in New York and Northern New Jersey, it's hero, in Delaware, it's sub, and in Baltimore, South Jersey, and Philadelphia, it's called a hoagie.

What is the difference between a po boy and a sub?

Unlike the chewy, Italian loaf the most subs are served on, the Po' Boy is served on a French baguette with a thin, crisp crust and a soft, light interior.

What is a bomber sub?

Our subs come on white bread with choice of Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, Larry's famous Italian dressing, spicy mustard and Hellmann's mayo with a pickle spear on request.

What is the plural of hero sandwich?

The plural form of hero sandwich is hero sandwiches.

What is hero bread made of?

The downside of Hero bread, according to an expert

"The primary ingredient that would be a concern in Subway's Hero Bread is the modified wheat starch," she told us. "This form of starch is sourced from either wheat, potatoes, corn, or tapioca and provides almost no nutritional value but a significant amount of fiber."

Is a hot dog a sub?

Council rules once and for all. Yes, the classic American meal-on-the-go is wrapped in bread, smeared with condiments and eaten as a patriotic alternative to, say, a hamburger. But a hot dog is not a sandwich, according to an official press release from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.

What is hoagie slang for?

Definition of hoagie

US. : a large sandwich on a long split roll with any of a variety of fillings : a submarine sandwich (see submarine entry 2 sense 2) A traveler from New Orleans, accustomed to ordering a poor boy for lunch, still must order a grinder in Upstate New York to get a sandwich on a long hard roll.

Why is a hoagie called a hoagie?

In the mid-'50s, they began bringing long-roll sandwiches stuffed with various meats and cheeses for lunch. These sandwiches became so popular that they were known colloquially as "Hog Island sandwiches," which was then shortened to "hoggies" and then eventually to "hoagies."

Why is a sandwich called a wedge?

Her pronunciation of “sandwich” evolved into the shortened “wedge.” Others say the term originated because deli owners cut the overstuffed sandwich diagonally and create two halves with wedge-shaped ends. Whatever wedge's origin, people from the area have to adapt and adopt the vernacular wherever they go.