Weenies

/ˈwini/z noun

Definition

Small sausages, especially frankfurters or hot dogs; plural of 'weenie,' often used playfully or as slang for someone who is weak or timid.

Etymology

From German Wienerwurst (Vienna sausage), with the 'wiener' part entering English as 'weenie.' The slang sense (coward) developed in American English.

Kelly Says

Hot dogs are called 'weenies' because of Viennese sausages, so the word actually preserves Vienna's name—every time a kid yells 'Hot weenies for lunch!' they're accidentally saying 'Vienna sausages' in mangled English.

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