The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.

“Long live cowboys”

"Long Live Cowboys" is a slogan that Wrangler Jeans has used since 2008. The slogan is also sometimes used by sports teams called "Cowboys" (such as the Dallas Cowboys).…

Sawdust Pie

A recipe for "sawdust pie' was published in the May 1983 issue of Bon Appetit, from Patti's 1880's Settlement of Grand Rivers, KY. The pie contains graham cracker crumbs (the…

Pizzadilla (pizza + quesadilla)

A "pizzadilla" (pizza + quesadilla) usually has circular bread covered with toppings (like pizza), but also had a layer of bread on top. Recipes vary; one website says the cut pizzadilla…

Prison Spread

"Prison spread" is an inexpensive meal that developed in California prisons. Ramen noodles, Cheetos, hot sauce, and other ingredients are put into a garbage bag and mixed together. The…

CanDo (Canal Downtown)

The New York Travel Advisory Bureau distributed maps in 2010 with the neighborhood name of "CanDo" for "Canal Downtown." The area is also called "Lower Manhattan" and…

Cover Jinx

Time magazine was first published in New York City on March 3, 1923. In the 1930s, it was noticed that sports figures who appeared on Time's cover appeared to be jinxed afterward. Time started…