Brief historyThe origins of this dish are unknown, but recipes for the dish date back at least to the 1700s. It dates in print to 1935. There is probably no Joe after whom it is named — but its rather messy appearance and tendency to drip off plate or roll makes "sloppy" an adequate description, and "Joe" is a name that would suggest, to an American, a person of proletarian character and unassailable genuineness, similar to how having a cup of 'joe' referred to coffee. There are many individual and regional variations on the dish.[3] Similarities to other sandwichesIn the Midwest (particularly in the state of Iowa where Rosanne Barr popularized the name Canteen style sandwich) a variant known as the loosemeat sandwich exists. In other parts of the Midwest, these are known as looseburgers or as Maid-Rites. This version of the sandwich is made with only seasoned ground beef, and does not include a tomato-based sauce. According to The Encyclopedia of American Food & Drink, it was created in 1934 at Ye Olde Tavern Inn by Abraham and Bertha Kaled.[4] U.S. variations on the termIn parts of northern New Jersey, Sloppy Joe refers to a completely different type of sandwich.[5] There are a handful of variations depending on the deli, but it will always include one or more types of deli meat (i.e. turkey, ham, corned beef, roast beef, or sliced cow tongue), coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye bread. Sloppy Joes are also referred to as:
PulloverThe term Sloppy Joe is also used in Australia (and other countries) to describe a loose fitting pullover, often made from fleecy lined cotton.[6] International variations on the termReferences
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