Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
Entry in progress -- B.P. 31 March 1892, The World (New York, NY), pg. 6, col. 1:QUOTA OF POLITICAL ROW.An East-Side Street Prolific of Office Holders.It must be a very undesirable office when…
"A guy walks into a bar..." is a typical form of what has been called the "bar joke." A number version is: "A number 12 walks into a bar and asks for a beer. 'Sorry I…
The Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn was called "'Little Harlem' of Brooklyn" in the 1938 Brooklyn (NY) Daily Eagle and "Brooklyn's 'Little…
"Skiing is probably the most expensive way to fall down a mountain" is a jocular line that was posted by Andy Mac on Twitter on June 26, 2015. "The first time I went skiing it was an…
A "turkey" is a stage production (later a film and then in extended use) that is unsuccessful -- a "flop" or a "third rate production," as entertainment reporter…
New York's Palace Theatre at 1564 Broadway (at West 47th Street) was the biggest vaudeville venue. Performers (often waiting for auditions and calls) could be found on the sidewalk in front of…
New York's Palace Theatre at 1564 Broadway (at West 47th Street) was the biggest vaudeville venue. Performers (often waiting for auditions and calls) could be found on the sidewalk in front of…
A New York City riddle is: Q: Why can't a man living in New York be buried in Chicago?A: Because he's still living! The riddle was posted on Twitter on February 3, 2012.…
The New York City firm of Annin and Company (or Annin Flagmakers) began at Fulton and William Streets in Manhattan in 1847, Its address was nicknamed "Old Glory Corner" because it made so…
"Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness" is a popular Thanksgiving saying that has been cited in print since…
"Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day" is a popular Thanksgiving saying that has been cited in print since at least 1961. It is usually credited to Robert Casper…
American stand-up comedian Mitch Hedberg (1968-2005) said in his act in 1999, as recorded by Comedy Central: "I hate turkeys. If you stand in the meat section at the grocery store long enough,…
American author, physician and former politician Ron Paul wrote the article "Education System Broken: Let’s Try ‘Ed-Exit’" on November 21, 2016 for the Ron Paul Institute. The…
American author, physician and former politician Ron Paul wrote the article "Education System Broken: Let’s Try ‘Ed-Exit’" on November 21, 2016 for the Ron Paul Institute. The…
American comedian Phyllis Diller is credited with a popular Thanksgiving line: "I spent three weeks trying to stuff the Thanksgiving turkey -- through the beak." Diller included the joke…
American cartoonist and writer Nicole Hollander is credited with the popular Thanksgiving line: "Cooking tip: Wrap turkey leftovers in aluminum foil and throw them out." It's not…
American comedian Jay Leno is credited with a popular Thanksgiving joke: "You can tell you ate too much for Thanksgiving when you have to let your bathrobe out." Leno probably said it on…
"Eat, drink and be merry" is a biblical saying. "Eat, drink and be thankful"is a popular Thanksgiving saying that has been printed on many images. "Eat, drink and be…
A Thanksgiving turkey riddle is: Q: Why did the police arrest the turkey?A: They suspected it of fowl play. The riddle has been cited in print since at least 2000. Google Groups:…
American comedian Rita Rudner said of Thanksgiving: "Most turkeys taste better the day after, my mother's tasted better the day before." It's not known when Rudner first said…