1. Is a hot dog a sandwich?
This is the internet’s favorite food debate, and it’s not going anywhere, according to Carrie Bell of Reader’s Digest. On one side, people argue that because a hot dog is meat inside a bun, it fits the dictionary definition of a sandwich. Others insist that it’s a unique food category entirely and shouldn’t be lumped in with cold cuts and club sandwiches. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council even weighed in, saying it’s not a sandwich—yet the debate rages on.
It’s not just a semantic argument—it taps into how Americans categorize their food and how much they value food traditions. Try bringing this up at a BBQ, and you’ll witness alliances form and friendships tested. It’s not really about the hot dog; it’s about identity, stubbornness, and the joy of low-stakes disagreement. And honestly, it’s way more fun than arguing about politics.
2. Does pineapple belong on pizza?
This one ignites pizza purists like nothing else. Pineapple lovers argue it provides a sweet contrast to the salty cheese and savory tomato sauce. Detractors claim fruit has no business being on a pizza, especially not one with ham. The origins of Hawaiian pizza, invented in Canada in 1962, only fuel the absurdity.
Despite being wildly popular, especially in parts of the U.S. and Australia, pineapple pizza is somehow controversial every single year. It’s like the cilantro of toppings—polarizing and deeply personal. Food is culture, and this debate shows how seriously Americans take their pie. Whether you love it or hate it, chances are you’ve argued about it more than once, according to Melissa Gaman of The Kitchn.
3. Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
This regional debate is a Midwest vs. everyone else classic, Amy Sowder of Greatist shares. In Chicago, putting ketchup on a hot dog is seen as an unforgivable sin—right up there with putting ice in red wine. But outside of that hot dog holy land, plenty of Americans slather on the ketchup without shame. The National Hot Dog Council (yes, again) recommends mustard, relish, onions—but not ketchup.
Still, people defend their condiment choices like they’re constitutional rights. It’s not about taste anymore—it’s about pride, tradition, and the hill you choose to die on. Try telling a kid not to use ketchup, and you’ll see the emotional stakes. This is culinary tribalism at its weirdest and most wonderful.
4. Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie?
Bruce Willis himself said it’s not, Brenna Cooper of LADbible reports, but that hasn’t stopped anyone. Fans point out that the film takes place on Christmas Eve, features holiday music, and includes strong seasonal themes. Opponents say just because something happens at Christmas doesn’t make it a Christmas movie. They argue it’s an action movie first and foremost—yippee-ki-yay and all.
Every December, social media turns into a battleground over this film. It’s become a holiday tradition in itself to argue whether or not “Die Hard” belongs in the Christmas canon. The fact that people keep re-watching it in December is basically proof it qualifies. But until there’s a national ruling, this argument will echo forever in holiday group chats.
5. Is cereal a soup?
Another entry in the “why are we even talking about this?” genre, but it never dies, according to Michelle Hainer of Reader’s Digest. The argument hinges on whether “cold liquid with chunks in it” counts as soup. Cereal has milk, it’s eaten with a spoon, and it’s in a bowl—sounds suspiciously soupy to some. But others insist soup must be savory and cooked, which cereal most definitely is not.
The real reason this argument persists is because it’s playful, but weirdly philosophical. It asks: how do we define food categories, and why do we care? If you’re someone who loves categories, this will keep you up at night. If you’re not, you probably roll your eyes while quietly Googling the definition of soup.
6. Should toilet paper hang over or under?
This domestic showdown has torn households apart since the dawn of the modern bathroom. The “over” side claims it’s more hygienic and user-friendly—and is actually the way it was patented in 1891. “Under” supporters argue it looks tidier and prevents pets or kids from unrolling the whole roll. People are shockingly passionate about which way the paper flows.
This argument speaks to how people interpret order, logic, and habit. It’s a battle between tradition and preference—and neither side will back down. Even hotels and Airbnbs quietly take a stance with their setups. It’s one of those small things that says way more about us than we like to admit.
7. Do you need to tip on takeout?
In the U.S., tipping culture is its own minefield, and takeout is one of the murkiest spots. Some say no—you’re not being served at a table, so tipping isn’t necessary. Others argue that workers still pack your food, deal with high turnover, and rely on tips to survive. COVID-19 shifted norms a bit, with more people tipping for everything—but it’s still inconsistent.
This debate is really about the blurred line between service and convenience. People want to do the right thing, but they’re also dealing with inflation and tipping fatigue. Meanwhile, restaurants often guilt-trip customers with default tip screens. So Americans continue to argue, awkwardly, while waiting for their name to be called at the counter.
8. Is it “soda” or “pop”?
Or “Coke,” if you’re in parts of the South? This classic regionalism is a language map unto itself. People from the Midwest often say “pop,” the coasts lean toward “soda,” and some Southern states use “Coke” as a catch-all term. None of them are wrong—but everyone thinks their version is more correct.
This argument usually isn’t mean-spirited, but it’s relentless. Linguistic pride runs deep in the U.S., and people love pointing out the “wrong” way others talk. It’s a harmless clash that speaks to the diversity of American dialects. And it’s never just about soda—it’s about where you’re from.
9. Should you refrigerate ketchup?
The bottle says “refrigerate after opening,” but not everyone listens. Some people swear room-temperature ketchup is fine, especially in diners where it’s left out all day. Others insist it has to be refrigerated or it’ll go bad—or at least taste weird. Food safety experts generally lean toward refrigeration, but the shelf-stable ingredients muddy the waters.
This is really a fight about trust and comfort more than food safety. People trust their families’ traditions more than the label. It’s also one of those quiet domestic battles that feels petty until you realize how long it’s been going on. No one wants to be the person who eats spoiled ketchup—but no one wants to be “wrong,” either.
10. Is it okay to wear socks with sandals?
Style sin or comfy win? This fashion faux pas is hotly debated, even as it gains mainstream acceptance. Once considered the ultimate dad move, socks with sandals are now worn by celebrities and fashion influencers. But many still say it looks lazy or clunky.
The argument is less about aesthetics and more about generational divides. Younger folks often embrace irony in fashion, while older folks may just like warm feet. Either way, everyone has a strong opinion—despite it being such a minor wardrobe choice. Welcome to America, where fashion wars rage in the footwear aisle.
11. Should pizza be cut into triangles or squares?
Also known as the “party cut vs. pie cut” debate, this one gets surprisingly heated. Triangles are classic and feel more traditional—especially for New York-style slices. But squares (aka tavern cut) are beloved in the Midwest for being easier to share at gatherings. Of course, this sometimes means someone gets a sad, crustless center square.
People take this personally because pizza is serious business in the U.S. It’s not just a food—it’s an event. The cut affects texture, grip, and even how fast you eat it. The wrong cut can ruin the vibe, apparently.
12. Should you put beans in chili?
Texans will shout “no” before you even finish the question. Traditional Texas chili is beanless, and putting beans in it is considered blasphemy. But in many other parts of the country, beans are a staple part of the dish. The International Chili Society allows beans in certain categories—so it’s not a clear-cut rule.
This debate is rooted in regional pride and culinary history. Chili is more than food—it’s folklore, especially in places where cook-offs are serious business. It’s not really about beans; it’s about authenticity and who gets to define it. And trust us, no one’s backing down.
13. Is water wet?
This one exploded on social media a few years ago and shows no signs of dying out. Some argue water makes things wet but isn’t wet itself. Others say being made of water inherently means being wet. It sounds like a dumb question, but it leads to surprisingly deep conversations about states of matter and perception.
The appeal of this debate is that it’s philosophical without being pretentious. It’s a perfect example of internet culture fueling real-life arguments. No one wins, but everyone has an opinion. And somehow, this gets brought up in classrooms, friend groups, and late-night texts constantly.
14. Is the best brownie an edge piece or a center piece?
Some people go out of their way to get a corner piece with those chewy, crispy edges. Others insist the gooey, fudgy center is where the magic is. There are even special pans designed to give every brownie an edge piece. That’s how serious this has become.
This debate is basically dessert politics. It’s about texture preference, childhood memories, and whether you’re the kind of person who shares. People will absolutely argue over who gets which piece—and may even judge you for your choice. And no, cutting down the middle is not a solution.
15. Should you clap when a plane lands?
To some, it’s just polite—a way to thank the pilot and crew. To others, it’s cringe-worthy and unnecessary, like applauding gravity for doing its job. This divide is especially strong between American travelers and those from countries where clapping is unheard of. Flight attendants have said they don’t mind it, but even they find it a little odd.
This is less about aviation and more about social norms. Americans often use applause to mark shared experiences, even when it’s awkward. But for others, it feels like breaking the unspoken “don’t make noise” rule of air travel. So the clapping debate—like the jet lag—never really ends.
