An etymological dictionary

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

“Florida—The Rules Are Different Here”

"Florida -- The Rules Are Different Here" was a state promotional slogan that began in 1986. It is still used derisively, whenever someone wants to break the rules. 19 October 1986,…

“Where Shopping Is a Pleasure” (Publix)

Publix markets began in Winter Haven, Florida in 1930. The slogan "Where Shopping is a Pleasure" began in 1950. Publix -- HistoryPublix, a privately-held company operating stores in…

Remax Ballunar Liftoff Festival (Houston)

The annual Ballunar Liftoff Festival began in the mid-1990s in Houston and is one of the country's leading balloon events. http://www.ballunarfestival.com/bhistory.aspBallunar History Who…

Feast With Famous Faces

The annual Feast With Famous Faces started in 1992. Top chefs prepare signature dishes for charity. (The 2006 event has not been announced on the website as of this posting.)…

Joy of Sake

"The Joy of Sake" is a new annual festival celebrating Japan's famous drink. Several of New York City's top restaurants participate.…

City of Champions (Duncanville nickname)

Duncanville (a Dallas suburb) has called itself a "City of Champions" because of various school sports victories. Other cities in other states have claimed the same nickname.…

Cowtown (Fort Worth nickname)

"Cowtown" (or "Cow Town") is the nickname of Forth Worth, although the days of cows roaming the city's streets have long since passed. Wikipedia: Fort Worth, TexasFort…

“Texas: Wide Open for Business”

"Texas -- Wide Open for Business" has been the state slogan to attract business since 2003. http://business.texasonline.com/guide/index.jspTexas is Wide Open for Business.Starting a…

“Where the West Begins” (Fort Worth slogan)

"Where the West Begins," the slogan of Fort Worth, was originally a famous 1911 poem by Arthur Chapman that was published in the Denver Republican. Dallas later responded with "Where…

Tornado Alley

Texas is in the "Tornado Alley" that includes several states. The weather term dates from at least 1948. Wikipedia: Tornado AlleyTornado Alley is a colloquial term most often used in…

Hustle Town or Hustletown (Houston nickname)

"Hustle Town" (or "Hustletown") is a nickname for the city of Houston. There was a night club (ca. 2000) called Hustle Town in Houston. The nickname "Hustle Town" is…

Panther City (Fort Worth nickname)

Why on earth would Fort Worth be called the "Panther City"? It all began when Dallas (a rival city) made fun of Fort Worth, about 1875, and stated that a panther was roaming the Fort…