Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is a channel that is available on some cable systems in the United States. The CBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of “Canadian Bullshit…
Many people don't read the small print of terms and conditions, simply accepting them and hoping for the best. A version of the Serenity Prayer was on Twitter by Shari VanderWerf on June 24,…
"A strong butt is the key to a happy life" is a catchphrase of Dr. Jordan Metzl of New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery. Metzl said in 2009 that "a strong butt is a…
Jews often disagree with other Jews. "Two Jews three opinions" -- that is, if you ask two Jews about something, you';ll get three opinions -- is a popular saying. "Some one has…
"I look forward to paying off al of my debt, and finally getting back to just being broke" is a jocular line that began as an e-card and first appeared on Twitter on August 12, 2011. The…
"My new credit card has this awesome theft protection where it just says 'declined' whenever you use it" is a jocular line that was cited on Twitter on May 13, 2012. "My…
New Yorkers have jokes about New Jersey. One popular joke is: "A young couple were making out passionately in a car when the girl said, 'Oh, oh, kiss me where it smells so bad!" So…
A classic joke is told about a cheap beer -- it's like having sex (or making love) in a canoe because it's "fucking close to water." The joke has been told since at least 1952…
"Autocorrect can be your worst enema" is a jocular line that has been printed on many gift items, such as T-shirts and coffee mugs. "Sometimes autocorrect can be your worst…
Missing persons' pictures have been on milk cartons since the disappearance of Etan Patz in Manhattan in 1979. "Must suck when a vegan's kid goes missing and his picture is put on a…
"My book club only reads wine labels" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many gift items, such as tote bags, T-shirts and posters. Sally Beerworth, author of the book Updating…
"Don't/Never name the chickens" is a barnyard adage that has also been used in the military. "We decided not to name our chickens...it makes it so hard to eat them later"…
The Complete Murphy's Law (1990) by Arthur Bloch included these rules: "GOLDENSTERN'S RULES: 1. Always hire a rich attorney.2. Never buy from a rich salesperson." It's not…
The Cable News Network (CNN), a 24-hour cable news channel, was founded by Ted Turner and first broadcast on June 1, 1980. The unflattering CNN nickname of "Certainly Not News" has been…
The American military defends democracy, but the military itself is not a democracy. "We're here to preserve democracy, Mr. Hunter, not to practice it" is from the novel Crimson Tide…
A "double-edged sword" is sharp on both sides and can cut both ways; the term is used to mean an asset that could also turn into a liability. A "double-edged banana" is soft on…
"Depresso: When you’ve run out of coffee" is a jocular line that was cited on Twitter on November 25, 2012. "Depresso" is a portmanteau of "depression" and…
"College is a fountain of knowledge where students gather to drink" is a jocular line that has been cited in print since at least 1951. The saying is of uncertain authorship.…
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is a channel that is available on some cable systems in the United States. The CBC has been given the backronym (back acronym) of “Canadian…
The Cable News Network (CNN), a 24-hour cable news channel, was founded by Ted Turner and first broadcast on June 1, 1980. The unflattering CNN nickname of "Crap Not News" has been cited…