Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
An old joke is when someone (the milk man, the door man, et al.) sends out a "Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays" card. After a week, another card is send, demanding a tip -- "Merry…
"Thar's gold in them thar hills" (or "There's gold in them thar hills") is a clichéd saying, supposedly originating in American gold mining of the 19th century. There…
"Cottage fries" are potatoes that sliced and often wedged. The origin of the "cottage" name is not known, but the fries are also called "home fries" and "house…
Pretzel rods look like cigars and don't have the familiar "twist" pretzel shape. The term "pretzel rods" has been cited in print since at least 1958. The Bachman Company…
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: John ConnallyJohn Bowden Connally (February 27, 1917 – June 15, 1993), was an influential American politician, serving as the 39th Governor of Texas,…
Solar stocks have been known for their volatility. The term "solarcoaster" (solar stocks + roller coaster) has been used to describe the solar stocks' up-and-down ride. A blog called…
"Screwflation" (screw + inflation) was coined by financial writer Doug Kass on October 19, 2010. Kass explained how the middle class is "screwed by inflation": Screwflation,…
"Uncle Fedster" is a blend of "Uncle Sam" and "Fedster" (meaning someone in the federal government, not someone in the Federal Reserve System). The name "Uncle…
A "Fedster" (or "fedster") is someone who works for or supports the Federal Reserve System (nicknamed "the Fed"). The term "Fedster" is often used…
"You can't coach speed" and "You can't coach height" are popular sayings in football and basketball, respectively. A football coach can't make his running back…
Twin Donut has about 20 stores in the New York City area. The donut holes at Twin Donuts are called "Twinkies." "Twinkies" is also the name of the "Golden Sponge Cake with…
NBA scouts always look for basketball skills that "translate" from the college level to the pros. A college player might block shots against shorter players, but might struggle against…
Rite Aid pharmacy stores began in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1862 as Thrif D Discount Center. Rite Aid's chief national competitors include Walgreens (which purchased the New York City-founded…
"Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you" has been attributed to Greek leader Pericles (495 BC-429 BC), but only…
Entry in progress -- B.P. "Comedy is tragedy plus time." Wikipedia: Gilbert GottfriedGilbert Gottfried (born February 28, 1955) is an American actor, voice actor and stand-up comedian,…
Entry in progress -- B.P. 21 July 1958, Bakersfield (CA) Californian, pg. 21, col. 1:Allen (Comedian Steve Allen -- ed.) also has another formula for laughs: "Tragedy plus time plus the will…
"The difference between men and boys is the cost/price of their toys" is a saying that is frequently used on Father's Day and on birthdays. The saying dates to at least July 13,…
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Tommaso SalviniTommaso Salvini (January 1, 1829 in Milan – December 31, 1915 in Florence) was an Italian actor. His father and mother were both actors, and…
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Edmund KeanEdmund Kean (17 March 1789 – 15 May 1833) was an English actor, regarded in his time as the greatest ever.(...)He died at Richmond, Surrey where he…
An old saying is that an entertainer is so good or so popular that he or she can "read the telephone book/directory" and the audience will still be satisfied. The saying appeared in print…