An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases.

Red Tail Hawk Capital (Kaufman nickname)

Entry in progress -- B.P. http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/capitals.htmlOfficial Capital Designations Wikipedia: Kaufman, TexasKaufman is a city in Kaufman County, Texas, United States. The…

“What Texas Makes, Makes Texas”

"What Texas Makes, Makes Texas" is a slogan Texas businesses have used since a 1926 promotional campaign. Texas businesses also used the slogan independently of the campaign for many…

Branson of Texas (Granbury nickname)

Granbury in Hood County has been called the "Branson of Texas." Like the city of Branson in Missouri, Granbury has several family-friendly entertainment venues, such as Granbury Live,…

Saltwater Heaven (Aransas Pass nickname)

"Saltwater Heaven" is the nickname of Aransas Pass on the Gulf Coast. Aransas Pass encourages anglers to fish for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, black drum, or sheepshead in the bay.…

Texas 1015 Onion & Texas SpringSweet Onion

Entry in progress -- B.P. H-E-B Food DictionaryTexas 1015 Onions: Just in time for spring! Sweet and juicy Texas 1015 onions have arrived at H-E-B and are perfect for sandwiches, salads, salsas and…

Texmati (rice)

"Texmati" is a trademarked name for a brand of rice that is an aromatic blend of American long-grain rice and basmati rice. Texmati originated in 1977 in Alvin, Texas. Many cookbook…

Tobacco Onions

"Tobacco onions" were created by celebrity chef Dean Fearing at The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas, in the 1980s. Red and yellow onions are floured, sprinkled with paprika and…

Needle Park

"Needle Park" was originally located near the subway stop at Broadway and West 70th Street (Sherman Square), named in the 1960s by the narcotics addicts who used needles there. A February…

Houstonize (“Don’t Houstonize Austin”)

"Houstonize" is the verb form of the name of the city of Houston, fourth largest in population in the United States. "Houstonize" can refer to getting someone acquainted with…

Beef-Head (a Texan)

A resident of Texas was called a "Beef-Head" by at least 1864. The name is related to Texas's famous cattle industry and was similar to "cowboy." "Beef-Heads"…

Gatbush (Flatbush)

Gatbush is a hip-hop name for Flatbush (particularly East Flatbush), Brooklyn. "Gat" is slang for "gun," as in "Gatling gun." East Flatbush is, perhaps, not the safest…

Texas Lizzies (Christmas cookies)

"Texas Lizzies" are Christmas cookies, although they can be served at any season. The cookies are sometimes called "Lizzies," "Georgia Lizzies" (when made with peach…