An etymological dictionary

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

GOP

"G.O.P." (or "GOP") for "Grand Old Party" (the Republican Party) was printed in the Wichita (KS) Weekly Beacon on November 39, 1881. There is some debate about who…

Repeater

A "repeater" is someone who votes more than once. The term was used frequently in the election of 1867. With electronic voting, it is hoped that the term is now historical. The…

Nets (proposed Brooklyn NBA team)

The New Jersey Nets basketball team is proposed to become the Brooklyn Nets in a few years. A new arena is being planned. The same "Nets" team nickname will be used. No new logo has been…

Baby Ruth (candy bar)

There has been some dispute about the naming of the Baby Ruth candy bar, introduced in 1921. The candy company has claimed that it was named after Grover Cleveland's daughter, Ruth, who died…

Haircut Street (Pell Street)

I couldn't find historical citations for "Haircut Street," but if our tourism website says it's so, then it must be. http://www.nycvisit.com/content/index.cfm?pagePkey=1195Pell…