The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

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

“Only a surfer knows the feeling”

"Only a surfer knows the feeling" is a popular saying in surfing. Billabong (a clothing retailer based in Australia) trademarked the slogan with a first use in commerce from August 1984.…

Superbowlian (Super Bowlian)

The Super Bowl is the National Football League's championship game. "Superbowlian" (or "Super Bowlian") -- the adjective -- reflects things about or like the Super Bowl;…

Patio Pounder (wine)

A "patio pounder" is an inexpensive-to-moderately priced wine that one can drink a lot of on a patio in the summer with some friends. "Patio pounders" can also be sold in the…

New Mediocre

The "new normal" referred to economic conditions following the 2007-08 recession and became a buzzword in 2010. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde gave a…

“The early bird makes the coffee”

"The early bird catches the worm” is a proverb dating from at least the 17th century; it means that whoever does something first has the best chance of success. "The early bird makes…