Pizza is one of the most beloved foods in the world, and it has been a popular dish for centuries. While many people simply refer to it as “pizza,” others use the term “pizza pie.” This name can be a bit confusing, as pizza is not typically associated with traditional pies like apple or cherry. So why do people call pizza “pie,” and where did this term come from?
The name “Pizza Pie” appeared during the late 1800s when Italian immigrants arrived in the United States. Pizza’s circular shape, crust, and triangle shaped portions were very similar to that of pie. So it was initially known as a “Tomato Pie” and after a wile the Italian and American names combined and resulted in “Pizza Pie”.
In an article dated December 6th, 1903, published in the New-York Tribune, the author grouped the novel and unfamiliar dish with pies, as was common practice among many New Yorkers. This represents one of the earliest recorded instances of the dish being mentioned. – “the Italian has invented a kind of pie”.
Who Calls Pizza a Pie?
The term “pizza pie” is primarily used in the United States, and it is especially prevalent in certain regions of the country, such as the Northwest. The use of the term is often associated with a sense of nostalgia and tradition, as many pizzerias that have been around for decades still use the term in their names and menus.
In this picture, you can see data from Google that compares the popularity of the two terms. The data starts from 2004 and ends in 2023. The blue line in the graph represents the popularity of the search term “Pizza”, in the US, wile the flat red line of the term “Pizza Pie”. Quite a big difference.
In the picture, you can also see 2 maps, and the intensity of the color shows how often the term is used. The lighter the color, the less popular the term is compared to other states. The brighter it is, the more popular it is.
Outside of the United States, the term “pizza pie” is not commonly used to describe pizza. In Italy, for example, pizza is simply called “pizza,” and the use of the term “pie” would be considered inaccurate. However, in other countries, such as South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, the term “pizza pie” is sometimes used to describe pizza.
But in the rest of the non-English speaking world, pizza is usually called “pizza”.
Is Calzone a Pie?
Out of all the different pizza types, calzone is probably the one that resembles a pie the most.
Calzone is a popular Italian dish that is similar to pizza but is folded over and baked like a turnover or a pie. A calzone typically consists of pizza dough that is folded in half and stuffed with cheese, sauce, and other ingredients, such as meats, vegetables, and spices. The calzone is then baked in an oven until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Although a calzone is similar to a turnover or a pie, it is not considered a pie in the traditional sense of the word. While a calzone is folded over and baked like a pie, it is not served in a pie dish or cut into slices like a traditional pie. Instead, a calzone is typically served as a whole or cut into quarters or halves.
So, while very similar to traditional pie, the calzone is still considered a pizza.
Is Pizza a Pie?
Pizza and pie are two distinct dishes, but the term “pizza pie” is often used interchangeably with pizza in many parts of the world. A pie typically consists of a baked pastry crust filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Pizzas, on the other hand, have a crispy, thin or thick crust made of dough and are topped with cheese, sauce, and toppings like meats, vegetables, and fruits.
While pizza is not technically a pie, the term “pizza pie” is often used as a nostalgic reference to traditional pizzas that were made in pie-shaped pans. The term “pie” also reflects the idea of a complete meal contained within a single dish, as with a pie. The use of the term “pizza pie” emphasizes the comfort and satisfaction that pizza brings as a complete meal.
What Does Pie Mean When Referring to Pizza?
In the context of pizza, the term “pie” refers to the shape of the pizza itself. Traditional pizzas were often made in pie-shaped pans and cut into triangular slices, similar to a pie. The use of the term “pizza pie” emphasizes the comfort and satisfaction that pizza brings as a complete meal.
The term “pie” also reflects the idea of a complete meal contained within a single dish, as with a pie. The use of the term “pizza pie” emphasizes the comfort and satisfaction that pizza brings as a complete meal. The use of the word “pie” is also a nod to the Italian roots of pizza and the tradition of using the term “pie” to describe savory dishes.
Does Pizza Mean Pie in Italian?
No, the term “pizza” does not mean “pie” in Italian. “Pizza” is a specific dish that originated in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century. It is a flatbread that is topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients, and then baked in a wood-fired oven.
While the Italian word for pie is “torta” or “crostata,” the use of the term “pie” to describe pizza in the United States likely came from the Italian-American community. The term “pie” was commonly used by Italian immigrants to describe their savory dishes, including pizza.
So Where Did Pizza Get Its Name?
The word “pizza” is derived from the Italian word “pizzicare,” which means “to pluck.” The term likely refers to the method of stretching and plucking the pizza dough before adding toppings and baking it in a wood-fired oven. The word “pizza” was first used in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century to describe a flatbread that was topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients.
The origin of the word “pizza” is a subject of much debate and speculation. Some sources claim that the word comes from the Latin word “pinsa,” meaning “flatbread.” Others argue that the word has its roots in the Greek word “pitta,” which also means “flatbread.” Still, others believe that the word “pizza” comes from the Old High German word “bizzo,” which means “bite.”
However, regardless of its origins, what is clear is that pizza has become an iconic part of Italian cuisine, and its popularity has spread throughout the world. It is now one of the most popular foods globally, with countless variations and toppings.
The earliest recorded mention of pizza dates back to the 10th century in the city of Gaeta, Italy. The dish was made by covering a flatbread with tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs. The modern-day pizza that we know and love, with its cheese and tomato toppings, originated in the city of Naples in the 18th century.
It is believed that the first true pizza was the Margherita pizza, named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who visited Naples in 1889. The story goes that the queen wanted to try the local dish, so a pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito created a pizza in her honor. The pizza was topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil, which represented the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green. The pizza was a hit, and it is now a classic Italian dish that is enjoyed all over the world.
Other Pizza Names Around the World
While the term “pizza” is widely used to describe this beloved dish, there are many different names for pizza around the world. In Italy, pizza is simply called “pizza,” but in other countries, it may be called something different. In France, for example, pizza is sometimes called “tarte flambée,” while in Greece, it is called “pita.”
In Japan, pizza is often topped with unconventional ingredients, such as mayonnaise, squid, and corn. In India, pizza is often made with curry or paneer cheese, while in Brazil, it is common to find pizza topped with sweet ingredients like bananas and chocolate.
History and the Use of the Words
The history of the term “pizza pie” dates back to the early 20th century when Italian immigrants arrived in the United States and introduced pizza to the American palate. The term “pie” was commonly used by Italians to describe their savory dishes, including pizza.
In an article dated December 6th, 1903, published in the New-York Tribune, the author grouped the novel and unfamiliar dish with pies, as was common practice among many New Yorkers. This represents one of the earliest recorded instances of the dish being mentioned. – “the Italian has invented a kind of pie”.
Over time, as pizza gained popularity in the US, the term “pizza pie” became a widely used colloquialism to describe this beloved food. The use of the term “pizza pie” emphasizes the comfort and satisfaction that pizza brings as a complete meal.
Where Did Pizza Come From?
The modern pizza is believed to have been created in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. At that time, Naples was a bustling port city with a large working-class population. The local bakers began to experiment with flatbreads that could be quickly and easily made and sold to the city’s workers. They started to add tomato sauce and cheese to the bread, creating a simple but delicious dish that soon became known as pizza. It was particularly popular among the poor, who could not afford more expensive foods.
While the origins of modern pizza are clearly Italian, there were similar flatbreads with toppings in other cultures throughout history. For example, the ancient Greeks and Egyptians both ate flatbreads with toppings, and the Persians also had a similar dish known as “lahmacun.”
But there is also a good chance that this famous Italian dish, might not be Italian at all, it could actually be Chinese. But this is another topic that I already covered, so if you want to find out the true origins of pizza, you can check out this article: Did Pizza Originate in China or Italy?
Final Thoughts
While the term “pizza pie” may seem confusing to some, it is a beloved colloquialism that emphasizes the comfort and satisfaction that pizza brings as a complete meal. The term has become an iconic part of American culture and has been referenced in many different forms of pop culture.
Whether you prefer to call it “pizza” or “pizza pie,” there is no denying that this beloved dish has become a staple of American cuisine. From its humble beginnings as a simple flatbread in Naples, Italy, to its widespread popularity in the United States and around the world, pizza has become a beloved comfort food that brings people together and brings a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction to every bite.
Related Questions
Why is pizza called pizza? The origin of the word “pizza” can be traced back to the Latin word “pinsa,” which means “flatbread.” This flatbread was a popular dish in ancient Rome, and it was usually topped with various ingredients, such as cheese, olives, and herbs. Over time, the dish spread throughout Italy, and different regions developed their own variations of the flatbread. In Naples, for example, the flatbread was topped with tomato sauce and cheese, creating the pizza that we know and love today. The word “pizza” eventually replaced the older Latin term “pinsa” and became the name for this popular Italian dish.
Is pizza a sandwich or a pie? There is much debate over whether pizza can be considered a sandwich or a pie. Some people argue that pizza is a type of open-faced sandwich, as it consists of bread with various toppings. However, others argue that pizza is more akin to a pie, as it has a crust, filling, and is typically circular in shape. The truth is that pizza is a unique and distinct dish that does not fit neatly into either category. While it may have similarities to sandwiches or pies, it is ultimately its own thing and can be enjoyed as such
Do Italians refer to pizza as pie? It is uncommon for Italians to refer to pizza as “pie.” In Italy, pizza is simply called “pizza,” and there is no need to add the word “pie” to the end. However, in Italian-American communities in the United States, it is not uncommon to hear the term “pizza pie” used to refer to a whole pizza. This may be because Italian-Americans saw the similarity between the shape of a pizza and a pie, and the word “pie” was a familiar term for them.
Is pizza a pie or slice? Pizza can be either a pie or a slice, depending on the context. A whole pizza is often referred to as a “pizza pie” or simply a “pizza.” When a whole pizza is cut into individual portions, each portion is called a slice. So, pizza can be both a pie and a slice, depending on whether you are referring to the entire pizza or an individual piece of it.