Brits outraged after learning what Americans call pigs in blankets

For many Brits, pigs in blankets are considered a staple element of Christmas dinner - if not, the best part.

However, a number of festive feasters had their dining experience somewhat soured yesterday, after learning how Americans refer to these delicious, juicy bad-boys.

For those in need of a reminder, despite differing ever so slightly depending on the region, in the UK, pigs in blankets describe sausages - usually chipolatas - wrapped in bacon and roasted in the oven.

The former element of the dish describes the 'pig', because, you know, pork. The latter, meanwhile, describes the 'blanket', given its shape.

Across the pond, they can either describe the above, or describe typically small sausages - hot dogs, apparently - wrapped in dough before being baked.

Americans sometimes use dough instead of bacon (Getty Stock Image)

A seasonal favourite, whether in Britain or the States, you'll usually find pigs in blankets on the table alongside a turkey, roast potatoes, an array of veggies, a punnet of stuffing, a jug of gravy and a helping of Cranberry sauce.

As we say, however, it isn't just the style of 'blanket' being used that varies across the Atlantic, but the name for these succulent delights.

Sharing a photo of a silver tray filled to the brim with these tender meaty bites, one American X (formerly Twitter) user shocked her followers by captioning it: "When my dad brings the maple bacon wrapped weenies to the function it’s all over - Christmas Eve activities are over we’re just making on these now."

Yep, you heard it here first folks - Americans refer to pigs in blankets, as 'Bacon wrapped weenies'. Weenies!

And if you thought for a second we were yanking your chain, by the sounds of the comments below, the yanks are deadly serious.

Pigs in blankets are traditionally served at Christmas (Getty Stock Image)

Re-sharing the sausage and bacon snap, another user joked: "I promise you are not ready for what American people call pigs in blankets."

A third confirmed: "For every Brit freaking out, this is what we've called 'pigs in a blanket' for like the last 40 years, which is why these are bacon-wrapped weenies to us. Chill out."

Apparently, in the US, 'weenies' primarily refer to hot dogs, a beloved staple of casual cuisine, often eaten in buns with various toppings. The term can also include, however, cocktail wieners and regional specialities like Rhode Island hot wieners.

As we say, though, after catching wind of the unnerving turn of phrase, one Brit hit out online: "Bacon wrapped weenies - what a sick joke of a country."

Another slammed: "Americans will waste a good name like 'pigs in blankets' on shitty hotdog meat wrapped in pastry and call these magnificent creations 'weenies'."

"'Bacon wrapped weenies' is truly insane," a third agreed.