Why is a sausage in dough called a hot dog? - briefly
The term "hot dog" originates from a humorous cartoon published in the New York World newspaper in 1901. The cartoon depicted vendors selling hot sausages in rolls at the Polo Grounds, and a cartoonist named T.A. Dorgan overheard a vendor shouting "Get your dachshund sausages while they're red hot!" He jokingly drew a dachshund dog in a long roll, labeling it a "hot dog". Since then, the name has stuck, becoming a popular and enduring term for this food item.
Why is a sausage in dough called a hot dog? - in detail
The term "hot dog" is a colloquial name for a type of sausage served in a split roll, often accompanied by various condiments. The origins of this peculiar name are rooted in American history and involve a mix of culinary innovation and marketing ingenuity. The story begins in the late 19th century, during a time when food vendors at baseball games and other public events sought to sell quick, portable meals to hungry patrons.
One of the earliest documented instances of the term "hot dog" is attributed to a cartoonist named Tad Dorgan. In 1901, during a baseball game at the Polo Grounds in New York City, Dorgan observed vendors selling hot sausages in rolls to spectators. The sausages were being sold by German immigrants, who referred to them as "dachshund sausages" or "little-dog sausages," a nod to the shape of the sausage resembling that of a dachshund dog. Dorgan, who was not familiar with the German language, overheard a vendor shouting "Get your dachshund sausages while they're red hot!" However, instead of writing down the unfamiliar term, Dorgan drew a cartoon depicting a dachshund in a long roll, with the caption "Get your hot dogs here!" The cartoon was published, and the term "hot dog" quickly caught on with the public.
The popularity of the term was further boosted by a food vendor named Harry Stevens, who sold hot sausages in rolls at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Stevens, recognizing the potential of the catchy name, began marketing his sausages as "hot dogs," and the name became widely accepted. The convenience and taste of the hot dog made it a staple at sporting events, fairs, and other gatherings, cementing its place in American culinary culture.
Over time, the hot dog has evolved to include a variety of regional styles and toppings, reflecting the diverse tastes and traditions of different parts of the United States. Despite its humble origins, the hot dog has become an iconic symbol of American food culture, enjoyed by millions of people each year. The term "hot dog" has also expanded to refer to the sausage itself, regardless of whether it is served in a roll or not, further solidifying its place in the lexicon of American cuisine.