When it comes to the beloved snacks found in Aussie delis, few items stir up as much nostalgia and debate as the humble cocktail frankfurt.
Known for their convenience and the mystery surrounding their ingredients, these bite-sized treats are a staple at family gatherings and barbecues across the nation.
However, a recent social media stir has revealed that not all Australians agree on what we call these savoury morsels.
The conversation was sparked by an Aussie mum and content creator known as Oh So Busy Mum, who took to Facebook to ask her followers a seemingly innocent question: ‘What do you call these?’
Accompanying her post was a picture of the small sausages, which she referred to as ‘cheerios’—and no, she wasn’t talking about the breakfast cereal.
The term ‘cheerios’ might be commonplace in Queensland, where the mum is from, but this name isn’t universally accepted.
In fact, the official name for the product is ‘cocktail frankfurt’, though this label doesn’t seem to have the same ring for everyone.
The debate quickly heated up as commenters from various states offered their regional names for the snack.
Many Queenslanders rallied behind the term ‘cheerios’, echoing the sentiment of the original poster. ‘Cheerios (also QLD),’ one person affirmed, while another stated, ‘I have lived in QLD all my life and grew up to call them cheerios.’
However, those from New South Wales were quick to correct the terminology, with one commenter sharing, ‘This is an ongoing fight in my house. My partner is from QLD and calls them cheerios, but I’m from NSW and they are frankfurts… we live in NSW so he has to change his way.’
The plot thickened as a third name entered the fray, one that raised more than a few eyebrows: ‘little boys’. This term, used by some in South Australia and historically in Sydney and Victoria, was met with mixed reactions.
While some saw it as a harmless colloquialism, others found it unsettling. ‘Cheerios??? Never ever heard that before!! I’m in SA and call them little boys,’ a commenter revealed.
The use of ‘little boys’ to describe these sausages has left some Australians feeling uncomfortable. One mum stated, ‘I felt it was inappropriate teaching my daughter to call them
‘little boys’, so we call them little red sausages.’ Others, however, defended the term as a harmless part of their vocabulary. ‘Sorry, I have always called them ‘little boys’, and at 66 years of age, I’m not about to change,’ another commenter declared.
Despite the controversy, the term ‘little boys’ might not have as sinister an origin as some might think.
According to one commenter, the name is derived from English cockney slang, intended to mirror ‘saveloy’—the type of sausage from which the frankfurt is developed.
This linguistic tangle is a fascinating glimpse into the regional variations that make Australian English so rich and diverse.
It also reminds us that words can carry different connotations and histories depending on where you are in the country.
So, dear readers, we’re curious to know: What do you call these cocktail frankfurts in your neck of the woods? Have you ever encountered a term for a food item that made you do a double-take? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear about the unique expressions from your region!
Also read: Prepare to chuckle: Here are hilarious street names in Australian states
I’ve heard them called all these names, and I’m from NSW and have travelled Australia. It’s just the same as the Potato Cake/Scallop debate – it all depends on where you were brought up.