Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is the successor to World War II’s Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Many people have noted a Catholic/Jesuit presence in the CIA and have nicknamed it the…
"Hindsight" is sometimes joked as "Heinzsight" (involving Heinz ketchup). "Pouring ketchup in my eyes was a mistake in Heinz sight" was posted on Twitter by IVESGAGS…
New York-born newspaper gossip columnist Walter Winchell (1897-1972) got his start on the Vaudeville News in 1920. He published the Broadway-themed poem "Your Broadway and Mine" on March…
"JANFU" is a World War II term that means "Joint Army-Navy Foul Up." The actual term was probably "Joint Army-Navy Fuck Up." "Now some one has come up with JANFU,…
"SNAFU" is a World War II term that means "Situation Normal -- All Fouled Up." The actual term was probably "Situation Normal -- All Fucked Up." "That…
"FUBAR” is a World War II term that means “Fouled Up Beyond All Recognition.” The actual term was probably “Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition.” "The latest Army superlative,…
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Mae WestMary Jane "Mae" West (August 17, 1893 – November 22, 1980) was an American actress, singer, playwright, screenwriter, comedian, and sex…
"There is (absolutely) no excuse for laziness. But if you find one, let me know" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many images. "There's no excuse for laziness, but…
"Best friends: Ready to die for each other, but will fight to the death over the last slice of pizza" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many images. “'@MrShade_: Best…
"People are like Oreos. The good stuff is on the inside" is a saying that has been printed on many images. A creme filling is on the inside of an Oreo cookie. ":-) RT @Schmoodles:…
There are many ways to "serve" one's country. This was posted on Reddit -- Showerthoughts on July 29, 2019: "US Military chefs are literally serving their country." Reddit…
The number π (pi) is approximately 22/7. A riddle was posted on Twitter by Graeme McKendry (and others) on March 8, 2012: Q: What do you get if you divide 22 sheep with 7 collies? A:…
"I followed a diet but it didn’t follow me back, so I unfollowed it" is a jocular dieting saying that has been printed on many images. "I followed a diet. It didn't follow me…
A joke on the Scrabble word game was posted on Twitter by Jim Crowfoot on November 23, 2015: "I've missed paying my subscription to Scrabble Club and now they have started sending me…
"Flowers grow back even after they are stepped on. So will I" is an inspirational saying that has been printed on many images. "Flowers grow back, even if they are stepped on. so…
“Great abs are made in the kitchen, not in the gym” is a classic saying about diet and exercise. "Where is this kitchen that everyone says makes abs?" is a jocular saying that has…
"Be a cupcake in a world (full) of muffins" (or "You are a beautiful cupcake in a world full of muffins") is a saying that has been printed on many images. A cupcake is similar…
The Big Apple Circus began in 1977, during the 1970s revival of the "Big Apple" name. It is still going. Wikipedia: Big Apple CircusThe Big Apple Circus is a circus based in New York…
"Wine + dinner = winner" is a wine saying that has been printed on many images. "Wine+dinner= Winner!" was posted on Twitter by Monica Brady on August 28, 2010. "And while…
"Be a cupcake in a world (full) of muffins" (or "You are a beautiful cupcake in a world full of muffins") is a saying that has been printed on many images. A cupcake is similar…