An etymological dictionary

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

Dunking Doughnuts (and “Sinkers”)

"Dunking" doughnuts became popular when New York City's own Eddie Cantor promoted the practice in his 1931 movie Palmy Days. The practice of dunking doughnuts in coffee was popular…

Triburbia

"Triburbia" has become a new nickname for TriBeCa. http://www.newyorkmetro.com/news/articles/wtc/tribeca1.htmTriBeCa has long been home to well-off families who wanted space and good…

Hudson River Crawl

"Hudson River Crawl" was the name that swimmers of the Hudson River would apply to...well, I'll let them used their own words for it.…

Urban Ranger

An Urban Ranger (or Urban Park Ranger) is a member of the Parks Department who will instruct you on the wildlife in New York City's parks. They've been compared to the National Park…

Brooklyn-Queens Day

"Brooklyn-Queens Day" is best known simply as a day off school. It originally celebrated the birth of Brooklyn's Sunday School Union in early 1800s. The day was also known as…

Taste of the Nation Brooklyn

Brooklyn is part of Share Our Strength's annual "Taste of the Nation" fundraising festival. http://www.gothamist.com/June 13: Taste of the Nation BrooklynGet a taste of the finest…

Solo Arts Festival

The Solo Arts Festival (by terraNOVA Collective) is a new annual event of readings, music and more. http://www.terranovacollective.org/SoloArtsFestival.phpJune 8-25Center Stage, NY48 West 21st…

Corporate Challenge

The Corporate Challenge began in 1977; it was sponsored by Manufacturers Hanover, but is now sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. The 3.5-mile race has grown in popularity and now takes place on two days.…