LingthusiasmJul 18, 2025

Is a burrito a sandwich? Is ravioli? What about an ice cream sandwich...?

So wait, does any word mean anything anymore? Have we just broken language?? It's okay, linguistics has a solution!

In this episode we solve the problem with definitions!

https://soundcloud.com/lingthusiasm/106-is-a-hotdog-a-sandwich-the-problem-with-definitions

106: Is a hotdog a sandwich? The problem with definitions

We asked you if a burrito was a sandwich, and you said 'no'. We asked you if ravioli was a sandwich and you said 'heck no'. We asked you if an ice cream sandwich was a sandwich and things...started to

SoundCloud
Show threadLingthusiasm

You can read the transcript for 'Is a hotdog a sandwich? The problem with definitions' here:

https://lingthusiasm.com/post/789370350172602368/transcript-episode-106-is-x-a-sandwich-bonus

Jul 18, 2025 at 3:03amWeb
Show threadchris_douglasJul 19, 2025
@lingthusiasm I really enjoyed this episode, reminded me of this: https://cuberule.com/
The Cube Rule

Identify your food based on the location of structural starch. Is a hot dog a sandwich? No, it's clearly a taco.

Show threadTim ChaseJul 21, 2025

@lingthusiasm I find this Tumblr post one of the most elucidating on the topic of sandwiches:

"Look, this is my litmus test: I pretend I am the original Earl of Sandwich. I have asked for non-bread foods to be brought to me inside bread, *that I might more easily consume them one-handed while gambling*. This [weird bagel-not-a-sandwich thing] does not enable my wretched regency habits. This is not what I asked for. I do not deign to grace it with the name of my house."