The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

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

Curb Exchange

Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: American Stock ExchangeNYSE Amex Equities, formerly known as the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) is an American stock exchange situated in New York. AMEX was a…

Texas Medicine (mescaline)

"Texas medicine" is a nickname for mescaline (a drug from the cactus plant) that Bob Dylan used in his song, "Stuck Inside of Memphis with the Memphis Blues Again." The song…

Piggy Bank

A "piggy bank" is a vessel where money can be inserted; it was originally shaped like a pig, but can be other animals and objects. "Pig bank" is cited in print from 1895 and…

“Eating spaghetti with a spoon”

Most people eat spaghetti with a fork. "Eating spaghetti with a spoon" has come to have a larger meaning in American English, indicating something done using the wrong tool and with great…

Meatloaf (Meat Loaf)

"Meat loaf" is cited in print since at least 1875-1876; "meatloaf" (one word) became a popular spelling since the 1950s. The meatloaf dish -- ground beef shaped into a loaf --…