Cheddar is a place

Did you know that these 12 everyday foods are named after places?

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From crispy French fries to juicy hamburgers, plenty of everyday eats carry the name of a city, country, or region. Sometimes the connection is real, and other times it’s nothing but a twist of history. Here are 12 tasty examples of foods whose names are rooted in places.

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This is a well-known fact by most, but it is worth repeating: despite the name, French fries likely originated in Belgium, where fried potatoes have been popular since the 1600s.

American soldiers in World War I tasted them there and called them "French" because French was the local language.

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The hamburger’s name comes from Hamburg, Germany, where minced beef patties were popular in the 19th century. German immigrants brought the idea to America, where it was served on bread.

Adding a bun turned it into the burger we know today. Now it’s a global icon, endlessly customizable with toppings, sauces, and even plant-based patties.

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Bologna, the Italian city, gave its name to this popular deli meat. Early versions were seasoned with peppercorns and fat cubes.

In the U.S., "baloney" became a smoother, milder version. It’s a lunchbox classic, often served in sandwiches, and a nostalgic taste for many Americans.

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The first of three cheeses on the list, Swiss cheese refers to a style inspired by Emmental, from Switzerland, known for its distinctive holes. The holes form during fermentation as bacteria release gases.

In America, Swiss cheese is milder than the original, but it still keeps its nutty flavor. It’s a favorite in sandwiches, melts, and even on Reubens.

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This sausage takes its name from Frankfurt, Germany, where pork sausages have been enjoyed since the Middle Ages. German immigrants brought them to the U.S. in the 1800s.

Yes, today, frankfurters are better known as hot dogs, but the original name lives on. Whether grilled, boiled, or topped with chili, they’re a summer barbecue and ballpark essential.

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Cheddar originated in the English village of Cheddar, where it was first made in caves that provided perfect aging conditions.

Over time, cheddar spread worldwide, with varieties ranging from mild to extra sharp. It’s one of the most versatile cheeses, perfect for melting, grating, or snacking.

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Dijon mustard is named after the city of Dijon in France, famous for mustard-making since the 13th century. The recipe uses brown or black mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice.

Its tangy, sharp flavor elevates sandwiches, dressings, and sauces, making it a pantry staple.

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Parmesan comes from Parma, Italy, where Parmigiano-Reggiano has been made for centuries under strict rules. It’s aged for years to develop its rich, savory flavor.

In the U.S., "Parmesan" often refers to a similar style, but true Parmigiano-Reggiano is a protected name.

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Buffalo wings were invented in Buffalo, New York, in 1964 at the Anchor Bar. They were first served as a late-night snack with hot sauce and butter.

Now, they’re a game-day must-have, coated in sauces from mild to blazing. They’re served with celery and blue cheese or ranch for dipping.

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Belgium might have lost the fries, but it retains the sprouts. Brussels sprouts get their name from Belgium’s capital, where they’ve been cultivated since the 16th century. They grow in clusters on a tall stalk.

Once unpopular, they’ve had a comeback thanks to roasting and creative seasoning. Now they’re a trendy side dish in many restaurants.

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The Philly cheesesteak was born in Philadelphia in the 1930s, combining thinly sliced beef with melted cheese on a hoagie roll.

Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American cheese are the classics. It’s a hearty, flavorful sandwich that’s become a symbol of the city itself.

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Despite the name, London broil is an American creation, not a British import. The name likely came from marketing in the early 20th century to make the dish sound sophisticated.

It refers to marinating and broiling a cut of beef, often flank steak, before slicing it thin. Today, it’s a staple in steakhouses and home kitchens alike.

Hollywood lingo

You’ve definitely used these movie lines, even if you never saw the movie

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Some movie lines stick with us forever, even if we’ve long forgotten where they came from. You’ve probably quoted these gems yourself without remembering their origin. That’s the power of a great one-liner: it slips into everyday conversation and becomes bigger than the movie itself. Let’s revisit 10 classic quotes that have taken on a life of their own.

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Clint Eastwood’s tough-guy delivery turned this line into solid gold. While some could argue that Sudden Impact isn’t exactly a household title anymore, this gritty threat is immortal. The scene? A diner holdup. The vibe? Pure bluffing. It defined the 1980s antihero and gave every dad in America a new way to sound cool while mowing the lawn.

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Even if you’ve never watched A Few Good Men, odds are you’ve heard someone yell this in mock seriousness. Jack Nicholson barks it during a courtroom meltdown, and suddenly… Boom! It’s part of the cultural dictionary. It’s been parodied so much that the line’s almost more famous than the actor who said it. Almost.

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This zinger from When Harry Met Sally comes from a side character with perfect timing. After Meg Ryan’s unforgettable diner scene, the deadpan delivery of this line cracked up audiences and stuck. It’s cheeky, punchy, and still used whenever someone’s enviously eyeing another plate of food.

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Al Pacino, a giant pile of narcotics, and a grenade launcher: Welcome to Scarface. The movie’s over-the-top finale delivered one of the most quotable moments in film history. You don’t need to know the plot to appreciate the drama of this line. It’s been spoofed, sampled, and shouted across generations.

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Let’s break the rule, shall we? This line from Fight Club became an instant catchphrase for secrecy with a wink. Brad Pitt’s delivery was ice-cold cool, and now the quote is used for everything from book clubs to fantasy football. Irony intended, of course.

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Thanks to Apollo 13 (and Tom Hanks), this calmly stated crisis line became shorthand for "Uh-oh." Never mind that the real astronauts said it slightly differently; Hollywood made it catchy. Today, people say it when their coffee machine breaks. The stakes might not be space-level, but it still fits.

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This line from Sunset Boulevard is pure drama. Silent film star Norma Desmond whispers it as she spirals into fantasy, thinking news cameras are her big return to stardom. It’s haunting, over-the-top, and unforgettable. Even if you’ve never seen the movie, the line feels instantly iconic.

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Dustin Hoffman hollered this classic line in Midnight Cowboy, reportedly after a real New York cab nearly hit him. It wasn’t in the script, but it became the film’s most quoted moment. Gritty, snappy, and pure NYC attitude. Today, it’s a badge of honor for anyone dodging traffic in Manhattan.

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Russell Crowe roared this challenge in Gladiator after winning a brutal fight. It was aimed at a bloodthirsty Roman crowd, but somehow it ended up in sports commentary and YouTube reaction videos. It’s the kind of quote that works whether you just won a cornhole tournament or a pie-eating contest.

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Cuba Gooding Jr. made this Jerry Maguire line explode with energy, yelling it over the phone while Tom Cruise begged for a client to stick around. It’s loud, bold, and hits hard. Since then, it’s become the universal way to say "Let’s talk cash." It doesn’t matter if it’s football or garage sales.