Beware of the Wiener Wagon: The Dubious History of Street-Sold Sausages
What nickname for sausage wagons implied "dog meat"?
a) Bratwurst Wagon
b) Banger Wagon
c) Wiener Wagon
d) Frankfurter Wagon
Final answer:
The nickname for sausage wagons that implied 'dog meat' is c) Wiener Wagon.
Explanation:
The nickname for sausage wagons that implied "dog meat" is c) Wiener Wagon. This nickname likely stemmed from suspicions or rumors that low-quality sausage vendors might use dog meat in their products, hence the derogatory term.
Wiener and frankfurter sausages were often sold by street vendors in mobile wagons, especially in American cities at the turn of the 20th century. The term 'wiener' originates from Vienna, Austria, where the sausage recipe is believed to have been invented, and 'frankfurter' from Frankfurt, Germany.
The reference to 'dog meat' plays on the dual meaning of the word 'dog' – as an animal and in the slang for a sausage, often called a 'hot dog.' The term encapsulates the cultural history of street food and urban folklore regarding the questionable quality of food sold by street vendors.
The correct option is c) Wiener Wagon.
Sausages have a long history as a popular street food, but not all vendors have had the best reputation. In the case of the Wiener Wagon, the nickname reflects the suspicions and skepticism surrounding the meat quality of sausages sold on the streets.
The term "wiener" itself has origins in Vienna, Austria, where the sausage recipe was believed to have originated. On the other hand, "frankfurter" sausages trace their roots back to Frankfurt, Germany. These sausages were often sold by vendors in mobile wagons, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago.
However, the association of "dog meat" with the Wiener Wagon highlights the darker side of street food folklore. The derogatory nickname implied that some vendors might be cutting corners and potentially using questionable ingredients in their sausages. This notion adds a layer of intrigue and caution to the history of street-sold sausages.
While modern food safety standards have greatly improved since the early 20th century, the legacy of the Wiener Wagon and its dubious reputation serve as a reminder of the importance of food quality and consumer trust in the culinary world.