Wiener
/ˈwiːnər/
The word wiener primarily refers to a type of sausage, especially a hot dog, but can also mean a person from Vienna or serve as slang for the penis, depending on context.
Examples
- He made a joke about his wiener being too big for the bun.
- These wieners are made from organic beef.
- He identified proudly as a wiener despite living abroad.
- The street vendor sells grilled wieners all day.
- They renamed the dog 'Little Wiener' because of his short legs.
Meanings
The word wiener comes from the German adjective wiener, meaning 'from Vienna'. It was originally part of the compound Wiener Wurst, a type of sausage developed in Vienna, Austria. The term was borrowed into English in the late 19th century as both the food and the name spread internationally.
Examples
- I ordered a hot wiener with mustard and onions.
- The street vendor sells grilled wieners all day.
- We wieners at the barbecue last night.
- These wieners are made from organic beef.
- She prefers turkey wieners over pork ones.
Derived directly from the German demonym Wiener, which combines the city name Wien (Vienna) with the agent suffix -er, indicating origin. Entered English as a loanword in the 19th century.
Examples
- The famous composer was a true wiener, born and raised in the city.
- The conference was attended by several prominent wieners.
- He identified proudly as a wiener despite living abroad.
- The art exhibition featured works by local wieners.
- Historical records list many notable wieners of the 18th century.
Emerges in mid-20th century American slang as a humorous euphemism, leveraging the phallic shape of the wiener sausage. It is a classic example of food-based slang for body parts.
Examples
- He made a joke about his wiener being too big for the bun.
- The cartoon character slipped on a banana peel and landed on his wiener.
- Kids giggled at the word wiener during lunch.
- The comedian's wiener jokes got him booed off stage.
- They renamed the dog 'Little Wiener' because of his short legs.