Wiener (or Weiner; Wienie; Weenie; Wiener Wurst; Wienerwurst; Vienna Sausage)
Vienna, Austria became popular for its sausages, which were called "Vienna sausages" or "wieners" (after "wien," the German for "Vienna"). Some forms include…
Frankfurter (Frankfort Sausage)
The "frankfurter" is associated with Nathan's (of Coney Island) and New York City, but the name comes from the city of Frankfurt (or Frankfort), Germany. The term "Frankfort…
Apple—New York State Symbol (2007)
In 2007, New York's Central Upstate Regional Alliance chose a green apple as its symbol--in part because New York City is known as "the Big Apple." Its slogan is: "New…
Prickly Pear Cactus (official state plant)
The Texas prickly pear cactus was declared the official plant of Texas in 1995. The plant can be seen throughout southern Texas. State Symbols - Texas State Libraryplant PRICKLY PEAR CACTUSHouse…
Texas Hooker (or Panhandle Hook)
A "Panhandle Hook" is a low pressure system the originates in the Texas/Oklahoma panhandle, moves east, but then "hooks" to the upper Midwest. The term has been in use since at…
Panhandle Hook (or Texas Hooker)
A "Panhandle Hook" (sometimes called a "Texas Hooker") is a low pressure system the originates in the Texas/Oklahoma panhandle, moves east, but then "hooks" to the…
Sladeo (Slalom + Rodeo)
"Sladeo" is a San Marcos event that combines slalom racing and rodeo in paddling (kayaking and canoeing). The name "sladeo" has not yet been used outside the San Marcos event.…
Conjunto
"Conjunto" is a "conjunction" of Mexican music with other traditions, such as Anglo-American fiddle music, swing, rhythm & blues, and rock & roll. Conjunto is also…
Norteño
"Norteño" (Spanish for "north" or "northern") means the people and the culture to the north of Mexico, near the Texas border. The musical culture is called…
Tejano
"Texas" comes from "Tejas" (supposedly meaning "friendship"), and "Tejano" is derived from this native word. "Tejano" means a native or inhabitant…
“Keep Texas Wild”
"Keep Texas Wild" is somewhat similar to the slogan "Keep Austin Weird," but it's for a good cause. "Keep Texas Wild" license plates feature a picture of the…
Red Ass
"Red ass" means to show great anger or passion. A Texas A&M Aggie who goes out of the way to show Aggie spirit is another definition of "red ass." Urban DictionaryRed Ass In…
Presidential Corridor
The "Presidential Corridor" is the road (or roads) between the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum (opened in 1971, at the University of Texas at Austin) and the George Bush…
Texian
A "Texian" was a term used in 1835 and years thereafter for what is called a "Texan" today. "Texian" is almost never used today and is of historical interest. (Oxford…
Condotel (condo + hotel)
A "condotel" is a combination (or portmanteau) of the words "condo" and "hotel." Rooms in hotels are sold to buyers, who often rent them out (like a timeshare). It is…
Queso Fries
"Queso Fries" are a specialty of the Texicalli Grille in Austin, Texas. Several other restaurants throughout the country offer "queso fries," and it's not known if the…
“Nacogdoches is full of roaches” (Groucho Marx)
The Marx Brothers began their comedy career with ad-lib remarks while on the vaudeville circuit in 1912. "Nacogdoches is full of roaches" declared Groucho Marx during the routine.…
Texass (“The jackass is the finest flower of Texass”—Groucho Marx)
"Texass" is a derogatory name for Texas. The term is often used by people from Oklahoma, such as at an OU-UT football game. Groucho Marx -- when the Marx family was performing on the…
Mexicali (Mexicalli)
"Mexicali" (much less frequently spelled "Mexicalli") is from the names "Mexico" and "California." There is a town in Baja California (Mexico) called…
Texicali (Texicalli)
"Texicali" (or "Texicalli") is sometimes a blend of "Texas" and "California." The term has not been used too frequently, but it shows up as the name of an…