In the last post we discussed whether a burger is a sandwich. This topic may seem like a trivial issue, and often it is, but the definition of a sandwich was recently debated in an Indiana courtroom where a judge had to rule whether tacos are sandwiches.

There is a zoning policy in Fort Wayne where a shopping center can’t have fast food outlets but it can have sandwich shops. A taco restaurant wanted to open but was told it wasn’t allowed. Apparently the restaurant owner was adamant about getting that location, so he took it to court. The judge ruled that tacos and burritos are “Mexican-style sandwiches”, so the taco place can open there.

So add that to your debate with friends about the definition of a sandwich. There’s legal evidence to support one side. Although personally I would not consider tacos or burritos to be sandwiches.

So let’s look at the official definition of a sandwich, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

1a) two or more slices of bread or a split roll have a filling in between.
1b) one slice of bread covered with food.
2) something resembling a sandwich.
especially : composite structural material consisting of layers often of high-strength facings bonded to a low strength central core.

That last definition seems problematic. I figure it’s referring to a generic use of the term for non-food items, but it doesn’t seem like a valid definition to say if something looks like a sandwich then it is. Perhaps they should clarify it as non-food usage. But I’m no etymology expert.

Also, back on topic, the first definition seems legit, but it does not include tacos or burritos, unless you are going to argue that a taco shell or tortilla is bread. I’m not prepared to go that far.

The second definition (1b) doesn’t work for me. If you accept that, then pizza is a sandwich. That stretching it too far.

Who knew it was so difficult to decide what a sandwich is? That’s what makes this a potentially fun conversation with your friends.