Cheddar is a place

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

Image: Fabrice Thys

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.

Image: amirali mirhashemian

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.

Image: Erik Mclean

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.

Image: Desi Min

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.

What did you say?

Did you know that these innocent words used to have much darker meanings?

Image: Michelle Tresemer

Language is a living entity. We toss around words and phrases without thinking, but many of them once carried far darker meanings than the ones we give them today. Terms we use to describe work, relationships, or even advertising often began in contexts of violence, danger, or death. Take a look at 11 of these terms that had grim meanings but are now casual expressions or playful labels.

Image: Glenn Carstens-Peters

It might not be a decidedly happy word these days, either, but, in the past, a blacklist wasn’t just about being excluded from a group or denied access. To be blacklisted could mean losing your livelihood, reputation, or even your safety.

Today, the term is far less dire. We use it for email filters, blocked phone numbers, or companies refusing service. It’s still negative, but nowhere near the life-altering stigma it once carried.

Image: Oksana Zub

We are used to hearing this word in its current meaning, but originally, a bombshell was exactly that: a heavy metal shell filled with explosives, designed to wreak havoc on battlefields.

Nowadays, "bombshell" is more likely to describe surprising news or a stunningly attractive person. The word has gone from deadly force to a headline grabber or glamorous compliment.

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On old warships, heavy cannons could come loose during rough seas and smash through the deck or kill sailors in their path. A "loose cannon" was a serious threat to everyone on board.

Today, we use the phrase for someone unpredictable or uncontrollable. The danger is usually metaphorical: maybe an outspoken coworker or unpredictable friend, rather than a weapon rolling across the floor.

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The word "Guerrilla" is used to describe small, irregular bands of fighters using ambushes and sabotage to disrupt larger armies. These tactics were dangerous, often deadly, and intended to surprise and overwhelm.

In modern speech, guerrilla marketing borrows the surprise factor but not the violence. It means unconventional advertising meant to catch people’s attention in creative ways.

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For decades, "most wanted" meant dangerous fugitives hunted by the law, often with rewards posted and warnings to the public. Being on that list was almost synonymous with a death sentence.

Now, the phrase has been softened and reused in lighter contexts. Advertisers and magazines call products or celebrities "most wanted," turning a once deadly label into a playful badge of popularity.

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The image of a "smoking gun" once meant undeniable proof of a killing, the weapon still hot from being fired. It was direct, damning evidence of guilt in life-and-death situations.

Today, we use the phrase for any conclusive piece of evidence, whether in science, business, or gossip.

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Originally, a hired gun was exactly what it sounds like: an armed mercenary or contract killer paid to do someone else’s dirty work. The role carried obvious danger and deadly intent.

Nowadays, the phrase often refers to a professional brought in for their expertise. A "hired gun" might be a consultant, a lawyer, or a musician filling in on tour.

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The word "toxic" can be used in relation to poisons, chemicals, and substances that could sicken or kill. It can be a literal warning label for things that spell physical danger.

Thankfully, in everyday use, "toxic" has somewhat lighter meanings. People talk about toxic workplaces, friendships, or attitudes. The sting remains, but the damage is more emotional than physical.

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This term comes originally from ancient rituals where a goat was symbolically burdened with the sins of a community, then killed to carry those faults away.

Now, a scapegoat is just someone unfairly blamed for problems. Thankfully, the ritual is long gone, but the idea of shifting blame onto one person lingers.

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In its original sense, a fanatic was someone with extreme, often violent religious zeal, viewed as dangerous and unbalanced. The word carried strong warnings of destructive devotion.

These days, "fanatic" is usually watered down to mean an eager enthusiast.

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The word "kamikaze" was tied to World War II pilots on suicide missions, a term meaning "divine wind." It was directly linked to deliberate, deadly sacrifice in combat.

In modern use, the sting has lessened. Calling someone "kamikaze" might mean they’re reckless or fearless, diving into risks without caution.