Language · 2
What is the origin of the word 'sandwich'?
Answer
From the Earl of Sandwich
The sandwich is named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792), an English aristocrat and politician. Legend holds that he would eat slices of bread with meat between them while gambling so he wouldn't leave the gaming table, a habit that became fashionable among his social circle. The word 'sandwich' entered common usage in the late 18th century as a tribute to his name, and the practice of serving food between bread became ubiquitous by the Victorian era.
💡 Did you know?
The Earl of Sandwich was such a dedicated gambler that he allegedly ate for 24 hours straight at the table without moving.
Other options people guess
- A food type from Sandwich, England
- From German 'Sand-Wich'
- From Dutch traders
Topics
- etymology
- word origins
- food
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