Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic resulted in toilet paper shortages -- and jokes. This was posted on Reddit -- Dadjokes on March 18, 2020: "I ran out of toilet paper, so have begun using old…
"#NewYorkTough" was posted on Twitter by Antwan Baggs on February 28, 2011. During the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made this tweet on March 22, 2020:…
A pandemic of jokes might be called a "pundemic" (pun + pandemic). "America's decades-long 'pundemic' originated, West explains, in a fertile matrix" was printed…
Why is it called a tablespoon? "A tablespoon is to eat a table with" was printed in the book A Hole Is to Dig: A First Book of First Definitions (1952) by Ruth Krauss. "Why is it…
The 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak caused "social distancing," where people distanced themselves about six feet away from each other. "When this is over please continue to stay at…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is, according to Wikipedia, the leading national public health institute of the United States. Some people, however, believe that the CDC is…
"Covidiot" (COVID-19 + idiot) became a popular portmanteau word during the 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic. The word describes someone who doesn't prepare (such as by not buying extra…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is, according to Wikipedia, the leading national public health institute of the United States. Many people believe that the "D" in CDC…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is, according to Wikipedia, the leading national public health institute of the United States. Many people believe that the "D" in CDC…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is, according to Wikipedia, the leading national public health institute of the United States. Many people believe that the "D" in CDC…
The 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak resulted in quarantines. "I wonder what pajama pants I’m gone wear to the couch tomorrow!!!!" was posted on Twitter by jessika glaude on March 16,…
New York City's original Pennsylvania Station (1910-1963) was torn down, and Grand Central Terminal was the next landmark to be threatened. "'No More Bites Out of the Big Apple: Save…
The 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak caused some food shortages. This joke was posted on Reddit -- Jokes on May 21, 2020: "The kids asked what was for dinner and I told them 'Scraps'.…
Does every disaster movie start with a scientist being ignored? "Paul Prendergast is the crazy scientist at the start of every disaster movie who's trying to warn the mayor who's all…
The 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak caused many people to wear masks and gloves. "Guys, don't get fooled! I was told a mask and gloves were enough to go to the store, but when I got there…
Does every disaster movie start with a scientist being ignored? "Paul Prendergast is the crazy scientist at the start of every disaster movie who's trying to warn the mayor who's all…
"Surround yourself with positive people" is self-help advice that has been printed on many images. However, the 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak caused social distancing and quarantines.…
The 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak created fear in many people whenever someone coughed. A saying was posted on Twitter by Dani Beck on March 4, 2020: "Coughing in public is the new speaking…
Does every disaster movie start with a scientist being ignored? "Paul Prendergast is the crazy scientist at the start of every disaster movie who's trying to warn the mayor who's all…
"Buenos noches" (good night) shouldn't be confused with "nachos" (a food), but there are jokes. "How do you say midnight snack in Spanish? Buenos NACHOS" was…