Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
A math riddle is: Q: Why did the amoeba flunk the math test? A: Because it multiplied by dividing. The joke has been cited in print since at least 2006. Google Books777 Great Clean JokesBy Jennifer…
"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere" is an inspirational saying that has been printed on many images. “If you find a path with no…
"Red, white and brew" -- "red, white and blue" are the colors of the American flag -- is a saying that has been printed on many images. "Look not upon the hootch when it is…
"I'd tell you an economics joke, but there's not enough demand" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many images. Economics is about supply and demand. "So nobody…
"I prefer my kale with a silent 'k'" -- that is, "ale" -- is a jocular saying that has been printed on many images. American television sports journalist Rich Esien…
"Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?" is an airport saying that has been printed on many images. The saying is usually credited to…
"Dyke" (meaning "lesbian") comes from the word "bulldyke." "In American homosexual argot, female inverts, or lesbian lovers, are known euphemistically as…
"Thanks a melon" (thanks a million & melon) is a saying that has been printed on many images. "Thanks a melon" was posted on the newsgroup rubberstamps on July 1, 1998.…
"If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands?" is a jocular saying about mothers that has been printed on many images. "DELAY: If evolution really works, Ed…
Buffalo, New York, is sometimes called the "City of Light" because of its role in hosting the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. The Buffalo nickname borrows from the famous nickname of the…
"Ranch dressing is a blessing is a food saying that has been printed on many images. "Ranch dressing is a blessing from God lol" was posted on Twitter by p h y l i c i a on September…
"Red, white and barbecue/barbeque/Bar-B-Q/BBQ" -- "red, white and blue" are the colors of the American flag -- is a saying that has been printed on many images. "Red, White…
Fifth Avenue in Manhattan is the home to many expensive shops. "If you can't find it on Fifth Avenue, it probably isn't worth finding" is a saying about the famous street. The…
"What do we want?"/"[insert cause]"/"When do we want it?"/"Now!" is a popular protest chant. "What do we want?"/"Time travel!"/"When…
The Macy's department store in Herald Square in New York City is one of the largest stores in the world. "You can kiss my ass in Macy's window" is a New York City insult meaning…
Broadway actors (and many in regional theatre) are expected to perform eight shows a week. Stars are pushed to perform even when not fully healthy. American film actor Tom Hanks helped out at the…
Long Island University changed the nickname of its sports teams in 2019 from "Blackbirds" to "Sharks." The "Sharks" nickname beat out "Eagles" and…
"Like painting the George Washington Bridge" is an idiomatic expression meaning something that is never-ending. When you finally finish painting and get to the other side, it's time…
New York City television station Channel 5 (WNEW-TV) showed a "Big Apple Movie" on Sundays from 6-8 p.m. The "Big Apple Movie" was usually a classic; its subject matter…
New York City television's Channel 5 (WNEW until 1986, when it became WNYW) featured one minute "Big Apple Minute" segments about New York City metropolitan area attractions,…