wiener
C1Informal; Slang; Culinary
Definition
Meaning
A type of sausage, typically a cured and smoked frankfurter, or a hot dog.
1. A slang term for the penis (vulgar). 2. A person from Vienna or something connected to Vienna (from 'Wiener', meaning Viennese). 3. (Informal, often derogatory) A weak, ineffectual, or foolish person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The culinary term is standard in North American English. The slang usage is considered vulgar and informal. The term for a person from Vienna (capitalised as 'Wiener') is standard but less common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term is rarely used for the sausage; 'frankfurter' or simply 'hot dog sausage' is preferred. The slang/vulgar meaning is understood but primarily an Americanism. The capitalised 'Wiener' for a Viennese person/item is used in both varieties.
Connotations
In AmE, the culinary sense is neutral/informal; the slang sense is strong/vulgar. In BrE, due to its rarity, the word often carries stronger American/vulgar connotations when heard.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE for the sausage; very low frequency in BrE, where it sounds distinctly American.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[to eat/have] a wiener [for lunch][to call someone] a wiener[to grill/boil] the wienersVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not an idiom, but common phrase] 'wiener roast' = an outdoor gathering where hot dogs are cooked over a fire.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in food manufacturing/retail contexts.
Academic
Rare, except in historical/cultural studies of Vienna or food science.
Everyday
Common in AmE for the food item; common in informal slang.
Technical
Used in food industry specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- They served Wiener Schnitzel at the event.
American English
- He brought a package of wiener dogs to the picnic.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like to eat a wiener at the baseball game.
- For the campout, we need to buy buns and wieners.
- He felt like a total wiener after forgetting his lines on stage.
- The term 'wiener', though of German origin, has developed uniquely American vulgar connotations distinct from its culinary sense.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Vienna (Wien) + '-er' = a Viennese sausage. Remember the spelling: 'I before E' in 'Wien'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LONG, THIN OBJECT IS A WIENER (e.g., 'He's a wiener' implying weakness/insignificance).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'Винер' (a surname, e.g., Norbert Wiener).
- The Russian 'сосиска' is neutral; 'wiener' as slang is vulgar like 'хрен'.
- Direct translation in a food context may confuse BrE speakers.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'weiner'.
- Using the slang meaning in formal/inappropriate contexts.
- Assuming BrE speakers use the culinary term.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'wiener' be considered MOST inappropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in American English, a wiener is the sausage itself, which becomes a 'hot dog' when served in a bun with toppings.
Because it is common, informal slang for the male genitalia, especially in North American English.
In British English, use 'frankfurter'. In American English, 'wiener' is common and informal for the food item.
The word comes from 'Wienerwurst', meaning 'Viennese sausage'. The capitalised 'Wiener' is the demonym for a person from Vienna (Wien).