Semiotics is the analysis of anything that can stand for something else, or in other words, the study of the social production of meaning from sign systems. It is important to note that a sign is the combination of its signifier and signified. The signifier is the physical form of the sign as we perceive it through our senses; also known as an image. The signified is the meaning that we associate with the specific sign.

The concept of food is an example of an application of semiotics. This is because whether food is prepared in a five-star restaurant or if it is dog food, it is still food. It requires the signifier and signified to discern and attribute meaning to the concept and symbol of food.