Sandwiches consist of a few ingredients layered between two slices of bread. Simple enough, right? As clear, easy, and tasty as this concept seems, there are many types of sandwich. It gets even more confusing when you consider that there are different names for similar kinds throughout the U.S. If you’re curious about the culinary complexities of grinders and sandwiches, check out the following guide. 

5 Alternative Names for Grinders & Sandwiches

1. Submarine or Sub 

This term is the most popular nationwide way to refer to a certain kind of deli sandwich – a long loaf of bread stuffed with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Since the shape of the bread loaf is similar to that of the oblong watercraft, many people believe that this term was born in naval yards during World War II. However, the first known usage was actually in an advertisement for a sandwich shop in Wilmington, DE, a few years before the war, so its precise origins are still mysterious. 

2. Po’ Boy

Po’ boy is short for “poor boy” — a sandwich on French bread that provides a satisfying, yet affordable meal. While there’s no concrete origin for this term, some trace it back to a sandwich shop in 1920s New Orleans that served up free po’ boys for workers who were on strike.

3. Grinder

Grinders and sandwiches are common on New England deli menus. The word “grinder” came into existence by way of Italian-American dockworkers who commonly munched on the sandwich during lunch. It’s thought that its name comes from the way your teeth have to grind to get through the thick slices of bread and all the fillings between. Some sticklers argue that grinders are reserved for hot sandwiches and subs refer only to cold, but the terms are often used interchangeably. 

4. Hero

In New York City, the hero describes both hot and cold sandwiches. It’s believed that the term came from a local denizen who told the New York Herald Tribune in 1936 that you had to be a “hero” to eat a sandwich so large. 

5. Hoagie

Popularly used in Philadelphia, hoagies refer to hearty sub sandwiches, typically filled with an assortment of Italian deli meats. As with many other terms on this list, the origin of the word is murky. One theory suggests it came from a sandwich shop owner who said only hogs could eat the whole sandwich. It may have been originally called a “hoggie,” before it was transformed by local accents. 

When you’re looking for a regional taste of New England, try the grinders and sandwiches offered by Hope Pizza Restaurant in Stamford, CT. Cooking up high-quality meals for nearly four decades, this storied establishment is known for its wide selection of cold cuts, fine cheeses, and other superb fillings. Whet your appetite by checking out their menu online. Call (203) 325-0660 to place an order for corporate lunch delivery.