“Texas—It’s Bigger Than France”
In the late 1990s, T-shirts and bumper stickers declared that Texas is "bigger than France." Will Rogers said much the same thing back in 1932. Texas Territories StoreBigger Than France…
Margarita (cocktail)
The "Margarita" (Spanish for "daisy") cocktail is a world-famous tequila-based cocktail, made with Triple Sec (or Cointreau) and lime juice and often served in a salt-rimmed…
“You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas” (Davy Crockett)
When Davy Crockett ran for a seat in Congress from Tennessee (1835), he declared that, if he lost, the people in his district "may go to hell and I will go to Texas." Crockett lost the…
Texas Tacks (thorns)
"Texas tacks" are thorns that can destroy bicycle tires. They're also called "bull heads" or "goat heads." http://nanaellen.com/psalm/gift.htmAlso, the pond was…
Texas U-Turn (Texas Turnaround)
The "Texas U-Turn" (or "Texas turnaround") is a lane that allows cars to make a U-turn. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_U-turnA Texas U-turn, or Texas turnaround, is a lane…
Texas Martini (or Mexican Martini)
A "Texas martini" (also more popularly known as a "Mexican martini") has tequila instead of the usual gin and vermouth. Recipes vary, of course. Austin's Cedar Door is…
Texas Tuxedo
A "Texas tuxedo" might be the top half tux and the bottom half jeans and cowboy boots. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=texas+tuxedotexas tuxedoDenim jacket, denim jeans,…
Texas Stop
A "Texas stop" has also been called a "California stop." It's when a car is supposed to stop, but really merely slows down instead. AmericanIndian.netWHAT IS A…
Texas Stop Sign (Dairy Queen)
In 1999, Dairy Queen advertised itself as a "Texas stop sign." Urban DictionaryTexas stop signn. a Dairy Queen restauranttounge-in-cheek slang common among Texas transplantsby wayfarer…
Flowerpots (baked Alaska)
Helen Corbitt operated the Zodiac Room at Neiman-Marcus, and she created "flowerpots" (baked Alaska, served in an edible "flower pot"). Corbitt was a Texas culinary legend who…
Texas Turkey (armadillo)
"Texas turkey" is a name sometimes used for an armadillo. 22 June 1982, Frederick (MD) News, pg. A9:Known as "Texas turkey," armadillo meat is roasted over Texas campfires and…
Texas Hold ‘Em
Texas hold 'em is a popular card game that was originally just "hold 'em." (Oxford English Dictionary)Hold 'Em, n.Poker.[< HOLD v. + 'EM pron. Cf. slightly later…
Texas Two-Step (dance)
The Texas two-step dance was popularized by the movie Urban Cowboy (1980), but the dance has been around since at least the 1950s. eHowHow to Do the Texas Two-Step The Texas two-step is danced with…
“Houston, we have a problem”
"Houston, we have a problem" was the alleged statement made from Apollo 13 to Houston space command in April 1970. The actual statement differs slightly from that. Apollo 13 successfully…
Maverick
"Maverick" is so popular that basketball's Dallas Mavericks have this word as their nickname. The word "maverick" can be used as a noun or a verb. (Oxford English…
Six-Shooter Coffee
"Six-shooter coffee" was a popular drink at the president's LBJ Ranch in the 1960s, but the term is seldom used today. Legends of America slang pageSix-shooter Coffee -- Strong…
Enchilada
Enchiladas are a popular part of the Tex-Mex cuisine. Enchiladas in Texas are usually rolled, but New Mexico usually serves stacked enchiladas. Wikipedia: EnchiladaAn enchilada is a traditional…
SoFi (South of Fifth Street)
SoFi is "south of Fifth Street" in Miami's South Beach. There is also a SoFi in New York City. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_BeachSouth Beach (also known as SoBe) is a section…
SoBe (South Beach)
SoBe is South Beach in Miami. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_BeachSouth Beach (also known as SoBe) is a section of Miami Beach, Florida that encompasses the lower 23 blocks of the island from…
Grapefruit League (Grapefruit Circuit, Grapefruit Loop)
Baseball has spring training in Florida (among other places). The spring games have been termed the "grapefruit league" or "grapefruit circuit" or "grapefruit loop."…