The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

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

Drunch (drink/drunk + brunch/lunch)

Entry in progress -- B,P. Urban Dictionarydrunchn. 1) a late morning or early afternoon meal (usually on Saturday or Sunday) at which hipsters and poseurs alike gather at a local hotspot in which…

“Take this job and shove it”

"Take This Job and Shove It" is a 1977 song by David Allen Coe that was popularly performed by Johnny Paycheck (1938-2003). The saying became a national popular catchphrase and spawned…

“Get your chef together”

"Get your shit together" is a phrase that has been in use since at least 1970. "Get your chef together" ("get your shit together" + chef) is a slogan that appeared in…

Blueway (East River Blueway)

Rntry in progress -- B.P. River to the People: The East River Blueway PlanAbout The East River Blueway PlanThe Office of Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer in collaboration with the Office…

Haloodie (halal + foodie)

"Haloodie" (halal + foodie) is a term that appears to have been coined by Halal Food Festival founder Imran Kausar. "We had a little think about it and decided that you are all halal…

Vampire REO

"Monsters of the Housing Market: Vampire REOs and Zombie Foreclosures" by Daren Blomquist appeared on RealtyTrac on October 2, 2013. An REO ("real estate owned") is a property…

Wrappetizer (wrap + appetizer)

A "wrappetizer" (wrap + appetizer) is a wrap sandwich that serves as an appetizer, but not usually a complete meal. Anchor Food Products (owned by McCain USA) trademarked…

Foodball (food + football)

"Foodball" (food + football) refers to the food served at a tailgate party or at a Super Bowl party -- any combination of food and football. "Super Bowl Means One Thing: It's…

“Nice guys finish lunch”

Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Nice guyThe "nice guys finish last" viewA common aphorism is that "nice guys finish last." The phrase is attributed to baseball manager Leo…

“Golf is like taxes” (golf joke)

"Golf is like taxes. You drive hard to make the green, then end up in the hole" is a jocular saying that has been printed on wall signs. The saying has been cited in print since at least…