Wiener Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wiener

[ˈwiːnər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food

A wiener is a type of sausage, typically made from pork and beef and served in a long, thin casing. It is often grilled or boiled and is commonly served in a bun with various condiments.

Synonyms

frankfurter, hot dog, sausage.

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Word Description / Examples
wiener

Another term used interchangeably with 'wiener' or 'hot dog', mostly in the United States. It carries a casual tone and is sometimes considered informal or childlike.

  • The wieners are ready on the grill.
  • He put extra ketchup on his wiener.
hot dog

Popular term in American English for a grilled or steamed sausage served in a sliced roll. Commonly used at casual events like picnics or sports games.

  • I had a delicious hot dog at the baseball game.
  • Hot dogs with ketchup and relish are my favorite.
frankfurter

Used to refer to a specific type of German sausage, often in more formal or culinary contexts. It is named after the German city Frankfurt.

  • The deli has fresh frankfurters today.
  • She prefers frankfurters with sauerkraut.
sausage

General term for a ground meat product, often flavored with spices and encased in a skin. It can refer to many varieties and is used in both casual and formal settings.

  • I bought some Italian sausages for dinner.
  • This breakfast sausage goes well with eggs.

Examples of usage

  • The hot dog stand on the corner sells delicious wieners.
  • She ordered a wiener with mustard and sauerkraut.
  • We had wieners and hamburgers at the barbecue.
  • The baseball game had a vendor selling wieners to the fans.
  • The kids love to eat wieners at the summer camp.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • Wieners are typically made from a mix of meats, including beef, pork, or poultry, and are often seasoned with spices and herbs.
  • They are traditionally served in a soft bun, accompanied by condiments like mustard, ketchup, onions, and relish.
  • In many cultures, wieners are a staple at picnics, barbecues, and sporting events, making them a social food enjoyed by many.

Pop Culture

  • The wiener dog, or Dachshund, is often associated with the food because of its long, thin shape, leading to playful representations in media.
  • The character 'Oscar Meyer' uses a wiener as part of their brand, popularizing the catchphrase and song about 'my bologna has a first name'.
  • In the movie 'The Simpsons', the character Krusty the Clown famously has a wiener-themed amusement park, highlighting its cultural significance.

Health and Nutrition

  • Processed wieners may contain preservatives and additives, leading to discussions about health implications of consuming such products regularly.
  • Alternatives like turkey or chicken wieners offer a lower-fat option for those looking to reduce their meat intake while maintaining flavor.
  • Vegetarian and vegan versions of wieners are gaining popularity, made from plant-based ingredients, catering to diverse dietary preferences.

Fun Facts

  • National Hot Dog Day is celebrated annually in July, highlighting the popularity of wieners in American cuisine.
  • The longest hot dog ever recorded was a staggering 2187.74 meters long and was created in Flensburg, Germany, in 2017.
  • Wieners are sometimes referred to as 'hot dogs,' with an unclear origin, but a popular theory relates to 18th century American cartoonist Thomas Nast.

Origin of 'wiener'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'wiener' originates from 'Wien', the German name for Vienna, Austria, where the sausage is believed to have originated.
  • The word is commonly associated with 'frankfurter', which also derives its name from Frankfurt, Germany, where a similar sausage is made.
  • In the United States, the name became popularized in the early 20th century, linked with street vendors selling sausages from carts.

The term 'wiener' comes from the German word 'Wienerwurst', meaning Viennese sausage. The sausage has its origins in Vienna, Austria, where it was first created in the late 18th century. It became popular in the United States, particularly as a staple food at baseball games and cookouts, where it is commonly known as a hot dog.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,488, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.