National Wiener Day

Young woman grilling mini sausages on a sunny picnic with friends, wearing a cute apron, surrounded by colorful condiments and vintage picnic blanket.. — National wiener day illustration

Welcome to National Wiener Day, the day dedicated to celebrating those delicious little sausages! Get ready for a sizzling adventure filled with mouthwatering delights and interesting facts. Whether you're a sausage lover or just enjoy a good food holiday, you're in for a treat!

When is Wiener Day?

It's national wiener day on the 23rd July.

A Brief History of National Wiener Day

Every year on July 23, we come together to honor one of the most iconic foods in America - the wiener! This tasty treat has a long and storied history, dating all the way back to the late 19th century.

The credit for the invention of the wiener goes to German immigrants who brought their delicious sausages to the United States. The term "wiener" was derived from the German word wienerwurst, meaning Vienna sausage, as the recipe had its roots in Vienna, Austria.

Over time, the wiener became incredibly popular, thanks to its versatility and delicious taste. It quickly found its place in backyard barbecues, ballparks, and street carts, becoming a must-have snack for people of all ages.

The exact origins of National Wiener Day and why it falls on July 23 remain a mystery. Some speculate that it was chosen because it falls right in the heart of summertime, the prime grilling season. Others believe it's simply a whimsical day to indulge in our love for these delectable sausages.

How to Celebrate National Wiener Day

Celebrating National Wiener Day is as easy as firing up the grill and gathering your loved ones for a scrumptious wiener feast. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Host a backyard barbecue and serve an array of wiener-themed dishes, such as chili dogs, corn dogs, and sausage kebabs.
Challenge your friends to a hot dog eating contest and see who can devour the most wieners in a given time. (Remember to eat responsibly!)
Visit your favorite hot dog stand or food truck and try a new wiener creation you've never tasted before.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to indulge in your favorite wiener delicacies and enjoy the day with a side of laughter and good company!

History behind the term 'Wiener'

1785

Origin of the term 'wiener'

The term 'wiener' originates from the German word 'Wiener', which means 'from Vienna'. It is a demonym for someone or something from Vienna, Austria. The term gained popularity due to the city's rich culinary tradition, particularly the invention of the delicious Viennese sausage, or 'Wiener Würstchen'. These sausages became renowned for their unique flavor and preparation method.

1486

A City's Invention

The history of the term 'wiener' begins in the year 1486 in the city of Vienna, Austria. During a siege on the city, Ottoman Turks brought with them a culinary invention known as 'Würstel'. These sausages caught the attention of the Viennese people, who were so captivated by their delightful taste that they started calling them 'Wiener Würstel', meaning 'Vienna Sausages' in German.

1901

The Origin of the Term

The term 'wiener' originates from the German word 'Wienerwurst', meaning Viennese sausage. The sausages gained popularity in Vienna, Austria, during the 19th century. They are traditionally made from a mixture of pork and beef, seasoned with various spices, and then smoked or boiled. The word 'wiener' started being used in English-speaking countries as a shortened form of 'Wienerwurst' to refer specifically to the Viennese sausage.

1805

Napoleon's Influence

In the early 19th century, the term 'Wiener' gained broader recognition thanks to Napoleon Bonaparte. During his military campaigns, Napoleon occupied Vienna and enjoyed the local cuisine, especially the sausages. He even supposedly referred to them as 'little trophies' and introduced them to the French, leading to their popularity outside of Austria.

1906

Introduction of the Wiener in America

In 1906, Austrian immigrant Anton Feuchtwanger introduced the Viennese sausage, known as the 'wiener', to the American public. He sold them in St. Louis, Missouri, at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair. However, due to a lack of plates, Feuchtwanger served the sausages on slices of bread instead. This innovative idea led to the creation of the popular American hot dog on a bun, forever associating 'wiener' with this beloved culinary creation.

1873

Introduction of Wiener sausage in North America

In 1873, Viennese sausages, commonly referred to as 'Wiener sausages', were introduced in North America. They quickly gained popularity among immigrants from Central Europe, particularly in cities with large German-speaking communities. The term 'wiener' began being used to refer to this specific type of sausage, showcasing its association with Vienna and its culinary heritage.

1921

The Invention of the Term 'Hot Dog'

The term 'hot dog' emerged to replace 'wiener' as the popular name for the sausage-on-a-bun delicacy. Legend has it that in 1901, Tad Dorgan, a sports cartoonist for the New York Evening Journal, attended a Giants baseball game at the Polo Grounds. Dorgan observed the vendors selling the sausages on rolls and noticed a resemblance between the sausages and the dachshund dogs nearby. He quickly drew a cartoon depicting a dachshund in a roll, captioning it 'hot dog.' Eventually, the term caught on and became the preferred name for the iconic baseball snack.

1904

Wiener takes a new meaning in American English

By the early 20th century, the term 'wiener' started to take on a new meaning in American English slang. It began to be used as a playful and colloquial abbreviation of 'wienerwurst', 'würstchen', or simply to refer to a hot dog. The term was embraced due to its brevity and association with the popular Wiener sausages.

1867

An Imperial Gathering

The term 'wiener' found its way into an official setting in 1867 during the Austro-Hungarian Empire's celebration of the Exposition Universelle in Paris. Emperor Franz Joseph I brought his imperial chefs to Paris and served 'Wiener Würstel', delighting the attendees. This further solidified the association of the term with Vienna and its sausages.

1926

The Wienermobile

In 1926, the Oscar Mayer company introduced the Wienermobile, an iconic promotional vehicle shaped like a giant hot dog. The Wienermobile became a symbol of American culture and has become an enduring advertising campaign for the company. The popularity of the Wienermobile further solidified the association between 'wiener' and the beloved hot dog. The term 'wiener' is now deeply ingrained in American culinary culture and often used as slang for a hot dog.

1871

American Adaptation

The term 'wiener' captured the attention of immigrants who arrived in the United States from German-speaking countries. However, due to linguistic differences, 'Wiener Würstel' got shortened to simply 'wiener'. The term became popularized as a slang term for a hot dog, leading to the classic American dish known as the 'wiener' to this day.

1925

The Wienermobile is introduced

In 1925, the Oscar Mayer Company introduced the iconic Wienermobile, a promotional vehicle shaped like a giant hot dog on wheels. This attention-grabbing marketing tool further solidified the term 'wiener' in American culture as a synonym for hot dog. The Wienermobile became a beloved symbol of the company and a recognizable pop culture icon.

1941

The term 'wiener' enters the dictionary

In 1941, the term 'wiener' officially entered Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, solidifying its place in the English language. It was defined as 'a frankfurter or similar sausage, especially when served in a long roll with condiments'. This recognition by a prominent dictionary further established the term's widespread usage and cultural significance.

1893

World's Columbian Exposition

During the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, Illinois, vendors popularized the term 'wiener' even further. As millions of visitors flocked to the fair, they encountered various food booths selling delicious sausages, notably 'wiener'. The term became synonymous with a type of sausage served in a bun, which eventually became known as the 'hot dog'.

1971

The Wienermobile becomes a recurring icon

In 1971, the Wienermobile made another appearance as a recurring feature in Oscar Mayer's advertising campaigns. This gave the term 'wiener' an enduring association with the brand and reinforced its connection with hot dogs in the minds of consumers. The Wienermobile continues to capture the imagination and delight people of all ages to this day.

Did you know?

Did you know that the world record for the longest hot dog ever made measured a whopping 197 feet and 3 inches? That's longer than the length of a blue whale!