The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.

“I drink and I know things”

"I drink and I know things" is a saying that has been printed on many images. The line is from HBO's fantasy television series Game of Thrones, the episode "Home" that…

“I beat anorexia”

"I beat anorexia" -- that is, the speaker is not thin -- is a jocular saying that has been printed on many images. "I beat anorexia" -- a literal use -- was a segment on…

“Where has Oregon?” (pun)

"Where has Oregon?" is a pun on the state's name. "Where has Ore-gon?" was printed in The Idaho Avalanche (Silver City, ID) on July 5, 1879. "Where has Oregon?"…

“Sprite is just angry water”

"Sprite is just angry water" is a saying for those who think the fizz in the drink expresses anger. "Sprite is nothing but angry water lol" was posted on Twitter by I.AM.SUN on…