The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

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

Green Jade Scallops

"Green Jade" is a vegetarian dish of broccoli, string beans and snow peas. When scallops added, the dish becomes "Green Jade Scallops." The Chinese-American restaurant dish of…

Wonton Egg Drop Soup

"Wonton egg drop soup" adds together wontons (as in wonton soup) and egg drop soup. It's not known who first thought of the combination, but it began appearing on Chinese-American…

Grilled Pizza

Entry in progress -- B.P. Al Forno Restaurant (Providence, RI)Al Forno Restaurant opened on January 2, 1980. Chef-owners Johanne Killeen & George Germon bring simple renditions of food rooted…

“Best friends pho-ever”

"Best friends pho-ever" is a food pun on the saying "best friends forever" that has been printed on many images, especially T-shirts. "bfp means best friends pho-ever…

Three Yellow Chicken (San Huang Ji)

"Three Yellow Chicken" (San Huang Ji or Sanhuangji) is a popular variety of chicken in Shanghai, China, and in Shanghai-style restaurants around the world. The three yellows are yellow…

Kaya Toast

"Kaya toast" is a popular snack in Singapore and Malaysia. At breakfast, kaya toast is often served with soft-boiled eggs and coffee or tea. "Kaya (sweet coconut and egg custard…

Stinky Tofu (chòu dòufu)

The Chinese dish of "chòu dòufu" is popularly known as "stinky tofu" for a very good reason -- it smells bad. The tofu is highly fermented and is seasoned with soy sauce,…

Zoo Lots Avenue (New Lots Avenue, Brooklyn)

New Lots Avenue in Brooklyn has several connections to the New York City Subway. However, the areas and the stations are so dangerous -- especially the elevated station at the intersection of New…

The Beast (2 subway line)

"New York City's No. 2 subway line has been called 'The Beast" for several reasons. In 1979 and 1980, the police and the Guardian Angels gave the No. 2 line its "The…

Good Gosh (G or GG subway line)

New York City's "GG" train (now the "G" train) services Brooklyn and Queens. According to a post by Bill Newkirk on SubChat.com on May 18, 2007, the GG was nicknamed the…