buterbrod has not experienced any decline and remains a common staple food. It is usually distinguished from sandwiches. In the Russian language, the term сэндвич (sandwich) has not been Russified to the same degree and has not been in use as long as buterbrod; usually, sandwich is only used for two slices of bread with some ingredient in between, especially sandwiches made in fastfood chains and restaurants. Urban legends Butterbrot is said to always fall to the floor (and especially on carpet) with the buttered side downwards; an example of Murphy's law. A common explanation is that the top side is usually heavier than the bottom side, particularly if the bread has additional toppings such as a spread. Another is tied to the common height of tables. The subject has been researched by various sources, including the German children's series Die Sendung mit der Maus, and the scientific German TV series Quarks & Co. It is often joked about what would happen if butterbrot is tied to the back of a cat, in the same manner that hypothetical buttered toast attached to the back of a cat is sometimes joked about, with it being debated whether the cat would still honour the popular axiom that a cat "always lands on its feet", or if the butterbrot would be "stronger", making the cat fall on its back — alternatively, it is sometimes humorously suggested that the cat would simply levitate, as it would be unable to satisfy both criteria for landing. See also List of butter dishes List of sandwiches Open sandwich References External links German Food Guide: Das Butterbrot, The German Sandwich Sourdough breads Sandwiches German cuisine German sandwiches Foods featuring butter