Hushpuppies; so related that are difficult to separate!

When we say “Hushpuppy” or “Cornbread Ball” we are supposedly speaking about a savoury food, made from seasoned cornmeal dough that is deep-fried or baked in small ball shape. They are frequently served as an appetizer at seafood restaurants in the United States. But, why are they called “hush” and “puppy” if they are, apparently, like any patty or normal food?!

In truth, there’s no story about the origin of this food which is subjected to evidences, but the most commonly ones are three;

The first one is related to poor people. In the southern USA, salamanders were called “water dogs” or “water puppies”, and they were eaten as a normal food in the diet of people who have not much money. Salamanders were deep-fried with cornmeal as these balls are, and prepared in sticks. As a summary for this hypothesis we can say that they were given the name “hushpuppies” because eating such kind of humble food was something that poor people didn’t like to talk about with their neighbours.

The last two assumptions about its origin are based on a similar idea (it’s why I write them together); keep dogs quiet and silent. They are very close to folk etymologies. Let’s see!

On the one hand, there’s a story that tells how Confederate soldiers restrained the barking of their dogs by throwing them these balls with the command “Hush, puppies!” when Unionists approached to their territory.

The other story is so similar and attributed to hunters and fishermen who give this food to their dogs when they were eating, telling them to be quiet or “hush”. In this way, dogs keep so while they were resting or having lunch.

In relation to the previous tales, Hush Puppy Shoes were created by the US shoe company Wolverine World Wide from 1958 onward. The sales manager of the company realized that his friend’s dogs became calmer when they were given “hushpuppies” and, knowing that arching feet was related to the expression “barking dogs” in the USA, he thought it would be a proper label for giving outlet to the shoes, and they got this so original name.

Ironically, the shoes themselves have crepe soles that often squeak loudly on hard floorings.

Odd stories about a food without a precise origin!! So, now we’ll have to think twice when we’re talking about “Hushpuppies”… Not to be mistaken for your shoes!!

Hope you enjoyed!! =)