Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
A hamburger with cheese on it is not longer a hamburger -- it's a cheeseburger. However, you can load a hamburger up with ketchup, mustard, onions, lettuce, pickles and more, and it's…
"New York is an exciting town. It’s where things happen...from the United Nations to the opening nights on Broadway," a newspaper published in 1969. American television host and…
"Summer is the season when a man thinks he can cook better on an outdoor grill than his wife can on an indoor stove" is a jocular saying that has been cited in print since at least 1995.…
"On the keyboard of life, always keep one finger on the escape key" is a one-line saying that has been printed on many images. "On the Keyboard of Life, Always Keep One Finger on the…
A park bench, as several riddles point out, can support a family. Offensive riddles have been cited in print in 2006 and 2008: Q: What is the difference between a Mexican and a park bench?A: A park…
"Teamwork: Simply stated, it is less me and more we" is a teamwork saying that has been printed on many images. The following teamwork saying has been cited in print since at least 1992:…
A park bench, as several riddles point out, can support a family. Offensive riddles have been cited in print in 2006 and 2008: Q: What is the difference between a Mexican and a park bench?A: A park…
"All/Good things come to those who wait" is a proverb that dates to the 1500s. "All things come to those who wait, but when they come they're out of date" is a version of…
"You can't have a million dollar dream with a minimum wage work ethic" is a saying that has been printed on many images. "You can't have a million dollar dream with a…
"Don't stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed" is a saying that has been printed on many images. The saying has been credited to New York-born actor and comedian George Burns…
"Quornwall" is a jocular portmanteau word that combines "Quorn" (a meat substitute popular in the UK) and "Cornwall" (a county in the UK). "I also spelt…
A beaver riddle is: Q: Why do beavers spend a fortune on the internet?A: They never want to log off. The joke has been cited in print since at least 2004. Google BooksSuper Goofy JokesBy Jacqueline…
Politicians frequently "dance" around the issues. On newspaper in 1914 described the "Wilson Mexican policy dance" -- "One step forward, three backward, hesitate and…
"When the past calls, let it go to voicemail. It has nothing new to say" is a saying that has been printed on many images. The saying was posted on Twitter by TheSingleWoman (author Mandy…
Students studying English are often told not to end a sentence with a preposition. The joke about a jailed English teacher having a marriage offer to "end a sentence with a proposition"…
"Many fine/great things can be done in a day if you don’t always make that day tomorrow" is an anti-proscrastination saying that has been printed on many images. "Lots of things…
"Do your homework or you'll end up (working) at McDonald's!" is a parent's threat to a child. If the child doesn't do well in school, then he or she will wind up…
"I saw a clown doing sit-ups. Funny how things work out. (via @russell_kane)" was posted on Twitter on March 2, 2012. The joke is from English comedian Ruseel Kane. Wikipedia: Russell…
A sherbet riddle is: Q: Why was the racehorse named Strawberry Ice?A: He was a sherbet (sure bet). The joke was posted on Twitter on November 2, 2009. Wiktionary: sherbet Nounsherbet (countable and…
A bumble bee riddle is: Q: Which insect didn't play well in goal?A: The fumble bee. The joke has been cited in print since at least 2001. CPFC BBS furry mascots and football jokes.…