Bologna Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bologna

[bəˈləʊnjə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

A large smoked sausage made of various meats, especially beef and pork, seasoned with garlic and pepper.

Synonyms

baloney, salami, sausage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bologna

This term is most commonly used in American English to refer to a type of finely ground pork sausage that is often sliced and used in sandwiches.

  • I made a bologna sandwich for lunch
baloney

This term is often used informally to describe something that is nonsense or ridiculous. It has a negative connotation.

  • His explanation for being late was pure baloney
sausage

This is a general term for meat that is ground and seasoned, often encased in a skin. It can be fresh or cured and comes in many varieties.

  • For breakfast, we had scrambled eggs and sausage
salami

This word refers to a type of cured sausage, typically made from beef or pork and seasoned with spices. It is often served as part of a charcuterie board or in sandwiches.

  • We added slices of salami to our cheese platter

Examples of usage

  • The sandwich was filled with slices of bologna.
  • She fried the bologna in a pan.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Nonsense or foolishness; a foolish or deceptive talk.

Synonyms

balderdash, foolishness, nonsense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bologna

Bologna is generally used to describe exaggerated stories or lies. It has a neutral or mildly dismissive connotation.

  • Don't believe him; that's just a bunch of bologna.
  • His excuses are pure bologna.
nonsense

Nonsense is used to describe speech or writing that does not make sense or is absurd. It is direct and often harshly dismissive.

  • That's just nonsense, and you know it.
  • I have no time for this nonsense.
foolishness

Foolishness describes actions or words that lack good sense or judgment. It often carries a critical connotation.

  • Stop this foolishness and get back to work.
  • His foolishness got him into trouble once again.
balderdash

Balderdash is used to describe absurd or senseless talk or writing. It has a more old-fashioned or whimsical tone.

  • What kind of balderdash are you talking about?
  • That report is full of balderdash.

Examples of usage

  • Don't believe everything he says, it's just bologna.
  • His explanation sounded like a bunch of bologna.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Origins

  • Named after the Italian city of Bologna, this sausage has been made since the 18th century and is often called mortadella in Italy.
  • Traditionally made with finely ground pork and spices, it became popular in the United States in the early 20th century as a deli meat.

Cultural Influence

  • This sausage has appeared in numerous pop culture references, including songs and TV shows, often symbolizing childhood lunches and comfort food.
  • In America, it's commonly associated with lunchbox meals, especially during school days, making it a nostalgic food for many.

Nutritional Facts

  • Typically, it's a processed meat high in sodium, with some varieties also including fillers, which is why moderation is key for a healthy diet.
  • Certain brands now offer bologna made from turkey or chicken, providing lower-fat alternatives to traditional pork options.

Regional Variations

  • In different parts of the world, this sausage goes by various names and may include distinct regional spices and methods of preparation.
  • In the Southern U.S., fried bologna sandwiches are a beloved dish, showing the versatility of this meat.

Language and Linguistics

  • The pronunciation of the word varies significantly, with some Americans saying 'buh-loh-nee' while in Italy it sounds like 'mor-tah-deh-lah'.
  • The humorous connection between 'bologna' and 'baloney' reflects how language evolves through culture and usage.

Origin of 'bologna'

The term 'bologna' originated from the Italian city of Bologna, known for its culinary traditions. The sausage known as 'bologna' in English-speaking countries is inspired by the Italian mortadella sausage. Over time, the term 'bologna' has also been used informally to refer to nonsense or foolishness.