Sub sandwiches are a staple of Italian American cuisine. They’ve been widespread across the country – and other parts of the world – for many years now. There’s a lot that people can agree on when it comes to these sandwiches. They’re delicious, easy to eat, and can be customized with any number of ingredients! However, there does seem to be one thing about sub sandwiches that is always a point of contention: their name! There have been plenty of variations of the name over the years; we give you a guide to the most popular ones below!

Grinder

This nickname for a sub sandwich is among the most interesting because it’s not tied to one specific area of the country. While the nickname first got its claim to fame in the New England area, it’s since been adopted by those in Philadelphia as well! There’s a big difference between the way these areas use the term, however. New Englanders use the term to refer to all sub sandwiches, while those in Philadelphia use grinder to refer to cold sub sandwiches.

Hoagie

You didn’t think we were going to leave off Philadelphia’s other nickname for sub sandwiches, did you? If you couldn’t put two and two together, the hoagie is Philadelphia’s nickname for hot sub sandwiches. The origins of this nickname are hotly contested; some say that it was named after a legendary singer who lived in the area, while others suggest that it came from the name of a shipyard dating back to World War 1! Regardless, if you’re a native of Philly, you probably aren’t a stranger to this term.

Hero

If you haven’t heard of this term before, that’s because it isn’t as widespread as the others! Hero actually originated from New York City in the early 1900s, but the exact origins are still in question. This isn’t a term that applies to all sub sandwiches either; residents of New York use it to describe sub sandwiches with mostly Italian-based ingredients.

Sub Sandwiches at Bricco Salumeria

Regardless of your preferred term for sub sandwiches, you’ll find some of the best in Boston at Bricco Salumeria! We carry a variety of sub sandwiches and platters to help you cater to social gatherings. Our sub sandwiches use the freshest Italian ingredients to ensure that they taste their best. If you want to see why Bricco Salumeria is one of the best sandwich spots in the North End, order online today to get started!