Bacon was called sow-bosom by soldiers during the American Civil War. Biscuits were called "sinkers," "weevil fodder," or "death bells" by soldiers during the American Civil War. The term pork cartridge was soldiers' slang for pork sausage, and Sherman's pies were soldiers' slang for hard-tack. [5: 10]

Insects were commonly eaten by Civil War soldiers. It was common to eat hardtack in the dark, so the men could not tell the difference between the "food ration" and the insects that infested the biscuits. [5: 14]

Native Americans in Virginia fattened pigs on peanuts, and smoked the rear legs of pigs (hams) over hickory fires. This led to the development of Smithfield hams. It is said that the best Smithfield hams are made from hogs that are partially peanut-fed. [5: 8]

To live high on the hog means that one is wealthy enough to eat the best meat on the pig, while others must subsist on pig's feet or "trotters". Throughout the 1830s the streets of American cities were covered with hog tracks since pigs were roamed freely and fed on urban garbage. [5: 11]

Foreign visitors to America often referred to frying as the typical American method of preparing food. The frying pan became popular through association with frying pork, which provided fat for cooking other foods. [5: 12]

Colonists thought that the flavor of ham was related to the number of snakes eaten by pigs: more snakes, better the flavor.[5: 9]

The word ned was 19th century English slang for pork. Neddies were U. S. Cavalry soldiers in the western territories whose diet consisted primarily of pork. It was a common practice for soldiers of both sides to steal food and raid farmyards and orchards. Such stealing was called cabbaging. [5: 13]

Hoppin' john is a good luck food. This Southern dish is made of cowpeas and rice, and traditionally is served on New Year's Day. [5: 15]