An etymological dictionary

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

Mexican Eggs Benedict

"Mexican Eggs Benedict" is a popular dish at Trudy's (Austin, TX) and Dos Caminos (New York, NY). "Eggs Benedict" is a classic dish of poached eggs placed on a slice of ham…

Telecom Corridor (Richardson nickname)

The "Telecom Corridor" is a registered trademark (since 1988) of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. The city of Richardson (near Dallas) is home to many technology companies, including…

Whiskey Ding

A "whiskey ding" is a scratch on an automobile; the driver (who had been drinking whiskey) cannot recall the dents. The origin of the term "whiskey ding" is unknown. The term is…

Seafood Platter

Entry in progress. Penniless lexicographer taking a break. -- B.P. Christie's Seafood & Steaks (Houston, TX)Mr. Theodore Christie was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1885. He arrived to this…

Shore Dinner

Entry in progress. Penniless lexicographer taking a break -- B.P. Wise GeekWhat is a Shore Dinner?A shore dinner is a meal of mixed seafood or freshwater fish, depending on the region. The name is…

Riviera on the Range (Austin nickname)

Michael Corcoran of the Austin (TX) American-Statesman has called the city of Austin "Riviera on the Range" since 1998. Corcoran covers the film industry in Austin and he was comparing…

“Make Austin Normal”

"Make Austin Normal" was promoted by Andrew Allemann in 2004 to counter Austin's popular slogan of "Keep Austin Weird." The "Make Austin Normal" phrase was…

“Keep Wimberley Weirder”

"Keep Wimberley Weirder" is a gentle borrowing (trademarked in 2005) from the popular slogan "Keep Austin Weird." Wimberley is located near Austin and this "weirder"…

Moscow on the Colorado (Austin nickname)

The city of Austin is located on the Colorado River and is home to the University of Texas. The city (and university) has been attributed to have such liberal and anti-American leanings that some…

Texas Gulag (Gulag State of Texas)

"Gulag" was the name for the penal labor camps that existed in the Soviet Union; the term was popularized by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's 1973 book, The Gulag Archipelago. Some political…