No real difference. That kind of sandwich made on a long roll of bread has many different names in the US. A submarine sandwich or hero, is also known as a grinder, hoagie, poor boy, or Italian sandwich. The sandwich originated in the Italian American community and its most common name is sub or submarine sandwich, so named because its shape resembles that of a submarine.

Linda, This may be a bit difficult to understand. The other answers you were given by the others is not correct. This is NOT really a 'regional difference' The difference may be confusing sometimes. SANDWICH---- SUBMARINE... SANDWICH - A 'Sandwich' is a food item that contains varying amounts of parts of food within usually 2 pieces of bread or a roll. These various additions to the 'bread' part of the sandwich may be: meat, vegitables, even fruits. The shape of the 'standard' sandwich is square. SUBMARINE: The 'Submarine' is a large, metal/cast iron sea going vessel used by numerous navys/militaries throughout the world. These ocean vessels are usually used as a defense against other countries that may attack that particular country or their countries water continental waters. NOW if you take a 'Sandwich' which is usally in square shape, and you squish/squeeze the sandwich you can make the 'sandwich' take the shape of the 'Submarine' which would make the sandwich and submarine look/appear similar. Which leads to many peoples confusion about the difference. I will elaborate further on this in later forthcoming segments---- Thank you for your attendance to this posting! Jeff ----www.jeffriviera.us

Hi... What do you mean???

good question.

They are the same thing. It's mainly a regional difference. Different names are used by people in different parts of the US; not sure about other English speaking countries. This type of sandwich, which is on a long roll is also sometimes called a Hero or a Grinder.