# What the Hell, Jack in the Box? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 1, 2025, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459 "2025-04-01T18:37:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/41 "2025-04-02T16:47:57Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I’m wondering when the standard fast food “meal” changed from sandwich, fries or similar, & drink to something with a sandwich, _two_ sides, and drink. > > What is this second side heresy? And what might the second side even be? Every morning on the way to work I pass a Carl’s Jr. billboard advertising some sort of snack box. I just looked it up, and apparently the [snack stash](https://www.carlsjr.com/menu/featured/snack-stash) gets you your choice of three “sides”: Onion Rings, Waffle Fries, 6- piece Jalapeño Poppers Bites, Small Fries, or Fried Zucchini. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/42 "2025-04-02T17:08:39Z")
I was at one last week and second in line at about 4 p.m. As to entree, that’s how it is used in the US. I would say what was in the commercial is completely unobjectionable in my dialect. I have also never heard of @LSLGuy’s observation of a different type of entree that comes before the main course here in the US. I only know of it as referring to the main course. And, yes, I did have to adjust to its “more logical” meaning overseas. Also, there’s like a half dozen or so Jack-in-the-Boxes opening up here in the Chicago area in the next year or two, so they seem to be doing well if they have money to expand. (Or return to the market–I think they were here in the late 70s/early 80s). ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/43 "2025-04-02T17:42:59Z")
I’m too lazy to look it up right now, and frankly, I’d rather see us argue about it. What, exactly,is the proper word for the main course. And I refuse to accept “main course.” ---
**Author:** ![Banksiaman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banksiaman/32/3334_2.png) [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/44 "2025-04-02T18:06:57Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > This isn’t true in non-North-American English, let alone in French, where the word comes from. In any English-language country outside North America, an entree is a small item served before the main course. You’re complaining because Jack in the Box in their commercials uses a word in a difference sense than you do. Other people can complain because you don’t use use the word in the sense that they do in their dialect. Right, extra tariffs for you! ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/45 "2025-04-02T18:09:12Z")
You know what I’m going to say. I won’t rub it in. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/46 "2025-04-02T22:06:23Z")
> [@Boudicca90](#): > > Jack In The Box is one of my favorite fast food restaurants, and I eat there a lot more than In-N-Out. I like them more because they have a much bigger variety, are open 24 hours, and serve anything regardless of time of day. I find In-N-Out to be good, but not worth the extremely long amount of time I have to wait in line at the drive thru. I liek Jack’s tacos, curly fries and eggrolls. There isnt always such a line at In&out, especially if you just walk in ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/47 "2025-04-02T22:10:50Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Also, there’s like a half dozen or so Jack-in-the-Boxes opening up here in the Chicago area in the next year or two, so they seem to be doing well if they have money to expand. (Or return to the market–I think they were here in the late 70s/early 80s). That’s my recollection, as well; I lived in the western suburbs up until 1975, when we moved to Green Bay. There were Jack in the Boxes in the Chicago area when we left, but by the time I moved back to the Chicago area in 1989, they were mostly, if not entirely, gone. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/48 "2025-04-02T22:25:56Z")
Sandwich? ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/49 "2025-04-02T22:30:07Z")
Which would work if all of their “entrees” were also sandwiches. But, they also have tacos, chicken strips and boneless wings, salads, bowls, breakfast burritos, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [April 2, 2025, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/50 "2025-04-02T23:33:27Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > I liek Jack’s tacos, curly fries and eggrolls. I like the eggrolls, the Sourdough Jack, and the cheesecake. Does anyone go for the mini-churros? ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/51 "2025-04-03T00:07:29Z")
The kiddoes just order a combo meal. Probably by number. No one is going up to a counter in fast food and saying. “I would like to order an entree’ with fries” They say “number 7, add fries and drink.” If its the advertisement that bugs you, that’s on them. They’re paying for the ad work. I dare say there are a number of things that are mischaracterized in this way. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/52 "2025-04-03T00:46:36Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > And more importantly, from a prescriptivist’s point of view, is that the original meaning is a “small item served before the course”, while other meanings are later misuses of the word. I lean kinda sorta prescriptive. When did the meaning change? Not challenging anyone, just wondering how I missed it these last 58 years. > [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > Of course, that isn’t a very clear reference to many people outside \*\*California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho, since those are the only states where In-N-Out restaurants are located. They’re moving their HQ to Nashville so will probably be all over the eastern states. > [@Tibby](#): > > True indeed. In fact, that’s usually the case in my household, which closely resembles Downton Abbey. Though American, we uphold the grand traditions of British aristocracy. When the butler and second footman present the entrees, they do so with great ceremony — prior to the main course, naturally. How are your elevenses? ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/53 "2025-04-03T00:52:44Z")
Okay, prescriptivists. I broke down and actually looked up the definition for entre’e. > **[Dictionary.com | Meanings & Definitions of English Words](https://www.dictionary.com/)** > > The world's leading online dictionary: English definitions, synonyms, word origins, example sentences, word games, and more. A trusted authority for 25+ years! 1. a dish served as the main course of a meal. 2. _Older Use._ a dish served at dinner between the principal courses. > **[Merriam-Webster: America's Most Trusted Dictionary](https://www.merriam-webster.com/)** > > Find definitions for over 300,000 words from the most authoritative English dictionary. Continuously updated with new words and meanings. the main course of a meal in the U.S. American Heritage ([ahdictionary.com](http://ahdictionary.com)) **1.** **a.** The main dish of a meal. **b.** A dish served in formal dining immediately before the main course or between two principal courses. [Collinsdictionary.com](http://Collinsdictionary.com) At restaurants or formal dinners, the entrée is the main course, or sometimes a dish before the main course. I look forward to non-North American users to counter-attack. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/54 "2025-04-03T00:53:27Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#): > > How are your elevenses? Almost as comfortable as my onesies. ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/55 "2025-04-03T01:03:50Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#): > > They’re moving their HQ to Nashville No, they aren’t. I just looked this up and it’s not true that they are moving their headquarters. They have plans to expand into more states, but they haven’t yet decided how to do that. In any case, moving their headquarters doesn’t mean that customers close to the new headquarters will thereby like Jack in the Box more. Do you really think that people say to themselves when choosing a place to get a meal, “Since their headquarters are now closer, I should eat there”? In fact, the only interesting move is that In-N-Out is moving its headquarters to Franklin, Tennessee. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/56 "2025-04-03T01:15:17Z")
> [@Wendell\_Wagner](#): > > No, they aren’t. I just looked this up and it’s not true that they are moving their headquarters. They have plans to expand into more states, but they haven’t yet decided how to do that. In any case, moving their headquarters doesn’t mean that customers close to the new headquarters will thereby like Jack in the Box more. Do you really think that people say to themselves when choosing a place to get a meal, “Since their headquarters are now closer, I should eat there”? > > In fact, the only interesting move is that In-N-Out is moving its headquarters to Franklin, Tennessee. Apologies; I got some of the facts wrong. They are moving their HQ to Baldwin Park, CA. and creating an office for their East Coast Territory. Your post says they aren’t moving HQ, then at the end you say the only interesting move is that they’re moving their HQ to Tennessee. No idea what that bit about customers eating where the HQ are. I didn’t say anything about that; only speculating that they will open stores on the other side of the county. And they most certainly do know what they’re going to do. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/57 "2025-04-03T01:17:08Z")
Late for brunch. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/58 "2025-04-03T01:31:30Z")
My understanding is “entrée” was the name of one course when upper/ noble class make were many, many courses, each with a name and purpose. 18th century or so, IIRC. As time past, course quantity was reduced, but which courses stayed and which left (and how those courses fit within the overall meal) was geographically dependent. British and American English had started to diverge around this same time, leading to the difference. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/59 "2025-04-03T01:36:30Z")
> [@Kent\_Clark](#): > > I look forward to non-North American users to counter-attack. I’m North American, but you can just look in the Cambridge Dictionary: > [@](#): > > [[C]](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/help/codes.html) UK(US appetizer) > > at [formal](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/formal) [meals](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/meal), a [small](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/small) [dish](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dish) [served](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/serve) before the main [dish](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dish): > > We had a [fantastic](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fantastic) [meal](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/meal) [starting](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/starting) with a [salad](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/salad) entrée. > > Our [drinks](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/drink) [arrived](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/arrive) first, and [our](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/our) entrees came [soon](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/soon) after. > > We each had different entrees and different [mains](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/main). ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2025, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459/60 "2025-04-03T01:47:08Z")
Here’s what I got when I clicked on your link. # Meaning of **entrée** in English entrée noun (also entree)uk /ˈɒn.treɪ/ us /ˈɑːn.treɪ/ ### entrée noun (FOOD) Add to word list [[C]](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/help/codes.html) US(also mainly UK main course, UK also main) the main [dish](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dish) of a [meal](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/meal): They always [served](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/serve) a [soup](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/soup) [course](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/course) before the entrée. The [menu](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/menu) [features](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/feature) several [appetizers](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/appetizer), two [dinner](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dinner) entrees and two [desserts](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dessert). [[C]](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/help/codes.html) UK(US appetizer) at [formal](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/formal) [meals](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/meal), a [small](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/small) [dish](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dish) [served](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/serve) before the main [dish](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/dish): We had a [fantastic](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/fantastic) [meal](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/meal) [starting](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/starting) with a [salad](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/salad) entrée. Our [drinks](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/drink) [arrived](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/arrive) first, and [our](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/our) entrees came [soon](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/soon) after. We each had different entrees and different [mains](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/main).dictionary/english/dessert). You didn’t show the first definition. That’s not sporting. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-jack-in-the-box/1016459.md?page=4)