An etymological dictionary

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

Madhattan (mad + Manhattan)

"Madhattan" (fmad + Manhattan) illustrates the craziness of New York City. James Aswell (1906-1955) used "Madhattan" often in his "New York" newspaper columns in 1932…

SHOT 97 (HOT 97)

HOT 97 (WQHT radio station, 97.1 FM) calls itself "The Official #1 Station for Hip Hop and R&B." In 2005 and 2006, incidents of gunfire at the station have caused some to nickname the…

Sikh Day Parade

The Sikh Day Parade began in the 1980s. It's quickly becoming a popular New York City ethnic parade. More Sikh immigrants have perhaps located in Queens than any other borough.…