That end piece has many names

• The Heel – Common in many parts of the U.S., suggesting support and structure
• The End – Simple, factual, no drama
• The Crust – Slightly misleading, but widely understood
• The Knob – Used in parts of the UK, especially for round loaves
• The Nose – Heard in some European households
• The Butt – Crude, unforgettable, and very real in certain regions

Each name says something about how people see it—not just as food, but as a shape, a function, a role.

Loved, Hated, or Quietly Ignored

For some, the end piece is the best part. Toasted with butter, it’s sturdy and flavorful. It doesn’t fall apart under jam or peanut butter. It feels substantial.

For others, it’s a compromise. Something you eat only when the rest of the loaf is gone. Something you save “for later,” even though later rarely comes.

And in many homes, it becomes invisible—left in the bag until it goes stale, a small monument to indecision.

Why We Can’t Agree on It

The argument over what to call the end piece isn’t really about bread. It’s about familiarity. Food names are learned early, spoken casually, and rarely questioned. When someone calls it something different, it feels wrong, even if it makes sense.

That’s why this tiny detail sparks such strong opinions. It’s not about being correct. It’s about belonging.

More Than Just a Slice