What do you call it: A sub, hoagie, hero or grinder? (2024)

Since our Best Of Mass Grinders contest started two weeks ago, we've been getting emails and tweets to tell us whatthe sandwiches we're looking to find are really called.

You know, those sandwiches made up with long rolls, cut lengthwise then packed with a variety ofmeats, cheeses, vegetables, sauces and more. The sandwiches are cut widthwise for sharing or saving one half for later.

What do you call them?

Submarine or Sub - If you're from Connecticut, chances arethat's what you call thissandwich.The name comesas a nod to the state's U. S. Navy submarine base in World War II. The reach extends across Southern New England and eastern Massachusetts.

Hoagie - Philadelphians callthese sandwiches aftera shipyard called Hog Island or the word Italian Americans used to call the scraps deli owners used to give to the poor. Either way, it's the official sandwich of the City of Brotherly Love and it has a cousin called the "zep," which is short for zeppelin.

Hero - New Yorkershave a more honorific name for their long rolled menu items. It's the second most popular sandwich in the city, behind the reuben. Order up a diagonal-cut "wedge" in the Connecticut counties just north of the City.

Grinder - If aNew Englander doesn't call this sandwich a sub, they call it a grinder. Popular in Western Massachusetts, Vermont and parts of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Toasted sandwichesinPennsylvania and Delaware are also called grinders.

What do you call this sandwich? Sound off in the comments and don't forget to votefor yourHometown Favorite grinder shops today until noon. Top 10 round starts Tuesday!