The slang term “sandwich fight” refers to a formal event where people dress up, and can also refer to a large party or a petty argument. Its origins are debated, but it is widely used in British literature and newspapers. “Bun fight” is a similar term that originated in Victorian society. Some institutions hold annual sandwich fights as a fun event. The term can also refer to a petty argument, often used to highlight the absurdity of the situation.
The slang term “sandwich fight” is used to mean a formal event that requires people to dress up, whether or not the event contains food, let alone sandwiches. You may also hear it used in reference to a large party where food is served, and a sandwich fight can also appear in the guise of a petty argument. In any case, the term appears to be of British origin, and appears sometimes in British novels and newspapers, so it can be useful to know what it means.
The roots of this term are a matter of debate. Some people relate him to famed comedic author P. G. Wodehouse, while others believe the term is actually a little too old for Wodehouse, emerging in the later part of the 19th century when Wodehouse was still quite young. In any case, this slang term is widely used by authors seeking to write in Wodehouse’s style, perhaps as a tribute, and even appears in perfectly reputable publications, such as the Times of London.
If you hear the term “bun fight” and think of people whipping pastries, that’s not far from the idea. Originally, the term appears to have arisen in reference to teas and formal dinners given by high-ranking members of Victorian society, and was meant to be tongue-in-cheek, as obviously no food would be thrown at these events. Over time, a sandwich fight, or bunker fight, more generally became any kind of formal event, often involving very stiff and formal behavior.
Some institutions hold annual sandwich fights, serve large quantities of food, and encourage organization members to dress up and have some fun. Many organizations with a sense of humor explicitly identify these annual events as bunker battles, making fun of formal British culture, while others use more dignified terms. In the news, formal events of note are sometimes referred to as bunfights by sassy reporters who wish to shed light on such events and the people who attend them.
You may also hear someone refer to a petty argument as a sandwich fight, referring to a fight between preschoolers over food in the school or kindergarten playground. The slang term is usually used in this sense by outside observers who wish to point out that the subject at hand is a bit absurd and exaggerated.
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