“An infinite number of mathematicians walk into a bar…” (bar joke)
"A guy walks into a bar..." is a typical form of what has been called the "bar joke." A popular math joke has been cited in print since at least 2008: "An infinite number…
Anchor Democrat (anchor baby + Democrat)
An "anchor baby" is the child of parents who are not U.S. citizens. The baby, if born in the United States, nevertheless becomes a U.S. citizen and is an "anchor" for bringing…
“An engineer, a doctor and a priest are playing golf” (joke)
"An engineer, a doctor and a priest are playing golf" is the opening line to a popular joke that has been cited in print since at least 1996. The doctor and the priest offer sympathy and…
NYE (New Year’s Eve)
"NYE" stands for "New Year's Eve." "NYE" has been cited in print since at least 1974, but became popular in the 1990s. New York City holds a famous New…
“Yo mama’s so stupid, she thought Dunkin’ Donuts was a basketball team”
A popular "yo mama" joke is: "Yo mama's so stupid, she thought Dunkin' Donuts was a basketball team." "Ur Mama so stupid she thought dunkin donuts was a…
“Why don’t melons run away to get married?”/“Because they cantaloupe.”
"Cantaloupe" sounds like "can't elope." The pun has been cited in print since at least 1886. 9 September 1886, Wall Street Daily News (New York, NY), pg. 1, col. 2:FRED…
“What do you call a cow with no legs?”/“Ground beef.”
Popular cow riddles are: “What do you call a cow with one leg?"/"Steak.”“What do you call a cow with two legs?"/"Your mom.”“What do you call a cow with two/three…
“What do you call a cow with three legs?”/“Lean beef.”
Popular cow riddles are: “What do you call a cow with no legs?"/"Ground beef.”“What do you call a cow with one leg?"/"Steak.”“What do you call a cow with two…
Portageville: Grand Canyon of the East (Letchworth State Park nickname)
Letchworth State Park, located 35 miles southwest of Rocheter in Livingston and Wyoming counties in New York, has many waterfalls and a deep gorge. In 1928, signs were placed outside Letchworth…
“Some guy hit my fender, and I told him, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’”
New Yorkers have been known to curse. New York-born Woody Allen said in his standup comedy act (about 1964): "I don't know what else to tell you about myself, I was a writer and an actor,…
Keeseville: Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks (Ausable Chasm nickname)
Ausable Chasm, located in Keeseville, New York, was called in 1910 the "Grand Canyon of the east, located in the Adirondacks." It's now billed as the "Grand Canyon of the…
“A one hour workout is only 4% of your day. No excuses”
"A one hour workout is only 4% of your day. No excuses" is a motivation saying that has been printed on posters. "There are no excuses...you just gotta make time!!! a 1 hour workout…
Hat and T-shirt Victory
A "hat and T-shirt" victory is one where the players are given hats and T-shirts for their accomplishment. ESPN columnist and former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi explained…
Explosionism (art of explosions)
Drew Lausman of Lakeland, Florida, had his late brother give him firecracker explosives in 2011. Lausman started creating what he termed "explosionism" paintings. A story about…
“Once a billionaire, always a billionaire”
Do millionaires and billionaires join an exclusive club forever? "once a millionaire, always a millionaire" was cited in print in 1891. "Once a billionaire, always a…
Redwash (redskin + whitewash)
"Redwash" (redskin + whitewash) is similar to such terms as "greenwash" (about the "green" environmental movement) and "pinkwash" (about the "pink"…
“Dread the Fed”
The Federal Reserve (frequently called "the Fed") is the central banking system of the United States. "Should we dread the Fed?" was asked in a 2009 book. Irwin Kellner, the…
“Trend is not destiny”
Entry in progress -- B.P. The Contrary Opinion -- ButtonsTrend is Not DestinyThe quotation has been kicking around in the field of urban studies/environmentalism for decades. It was popularized by…
“Budget: A mathematical confirmation of your suspicions”
"Budget: A mathematical confirmation of your suspicions" is a jocular quotation that was credited to A. A. Lattimer (or "Latimer") in 1949. Nothing else is known about this…
Redwash (communist red + whitewash)
"Redwash" (communist red + whitewash) is similar to such terms as "greenwash" (about the "green" environmental movement) and "pinkwash" (about the…