“A Texan is a Mexican who couldn’t swim to Oklahoma” (dirty joke definition)
A dirty joke definition of a "Texan" is "a Mexican ("wetback") who couldn't swim to Oklahoma." The "joke" was popular in Oklahoma, but not in Texas.…
SXSW
The SXSW ("South by Southwest") is really three festivals in one -- interactive, film and music. The Austin-based festival began in 1987. SXSW HistoryHistory of SXSWSouth by Southwest…
“Keep Abilene Boring”
"Keep Abilene Boring"is yet another imitation of the popular slogan "Keep Austin Weird." T-shirts with this slogan were made in 2006. The seemingly endless imitation Texas city…
Baja Oklahoma
"Baja Oklahoma" (lower Oklahoma) is an Oklahoma nickname for the state of Texas. The term is similar to Baja California. "Baja Oklahoma" is a gentle insult and is not normally…
“No more free lunch!” (Fiorello La Guardia)
Mayor Fiorello La Guardia allegedly said "No more free lunch!" -- in Italian, no less ("E finita la cuccagna!") -- at his 1934 inauguration. It was a declaration against…
Free Lunch
The concept of the "free lunch" began in America in the 1840s, probably in New York City. The idea is that people would pay for their drinks. Free lunches were popular in many other…
“Perseverance and sweet oil”
"Perseverance and sweet oil" seems like a Texas way of doing things, but this phrase dates from at least the mid-19th century. Google BooksHistory of the Express Businessby Alexander…
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi became a popular dish in New York City in the 1950s. It usually consists of shrimp baked in garlic sauce. New York TimesShrimp Scampi, a Classic Open to Interpretation By MELISSA…
Allergy Capital of the World (Austin nickname)
"Allergy Capital of the World" is an unofficial nickname that the city of Austin is not proud of. The term dates from at least the early 1980s and describes the cedar, ragweed, and other…
Harvard of the South (Rice University nickname)
Rice University is sometimes called the "Harvard of the South" or the "Harvard of the Southwest." Rice is one of the best universities in the country and doesn't really…
Harvard on the Highway (San Jacinto College nickname)
"Harvard on the Highway" is an unflattering and unofficial nickname for several community colleges. In the 1980s, when basketball players such as Walter Berry enrolled there, it was a…
Harvard on the Neches (Lamar University nickname)
Lamar University in Beaumont is on the Neches River. An unofficial Lamar nickname is "Harvard on the Neches." Wikipedia: Lamar UniversityLamar University is a four-year university located…
Harvard on the Border (UTEP nickname)
"Harvard on the Border" is a nickname of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). The nickname was on bumper stickers in the 1970s and is believed to have been coined by UTEP professor…
Texas Fizz (cocktail)
Texas Fizz is a cocktail that's served occasionally. It usually consists of gin and orange juice and lemon juice, with a few other ingredients. The origin of the drink is not known, but it…
“Keep Dallas Plastic”
"Keep Dallas Plastic" is yet another imitation of the popular slogan "Keep Austin Weird." A less popular Dallas version is "Keep Dallas Pretentious." The seemingly…
Un-Texas (Austin nickname)
Austin is sometimes called "the un-Texas." It's a little different than the rest of Texas. Other Austin nicknames include "Keep Austin Weird" and "The People's…
“Feed a pigeon, breed a rat”
Some people feed pigeons in New York City, and rats eat the same food. "Feed a pigeon, breed a rat" was a poster made by New York City's Health Department. New York TimesF. Y. I.Feed…
Blueberry in the Tomato Soup (Austin political nickname)
Austin has been called the "Blueberry in the Tomato Soup" of Texas. In other words, Texas is a red state (Republican), but Austin votes blue (Democrat). Ther term has been around since at…
People’s Republic of Austin (Austin nickname)
Austin is more liberal than the rest of Texas. Austin isn't Communist China, but it's nevertheless acquired the infrequent nickname of "The People's Republic of Austin."…
Moscow-on-the-Brazos (Austin nickname)
Austin is known to be more liberal than the rest of the state of Texas. "Moscow-on-the-Brazos" is a seldom used nickname for the town, borrowed from "Moscow on the Hudson…