An etymological dictionary

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

Stumpkin (stout + pumpkin)

Heartland Brewery serves a "Stumpkin," or "stout" plus "pumpkin" ale. The only trademark for "stumpkin" appears to be for the name of a doll.…

Pantondo

Bond 45 (the new restaurant at the former Bond's clothing store on West 45th Street near Broadway) offers its trademark "pantondo." It's $22 for cheese bread, I guess.... 23…

“Asthma Alley”

"Asthma Alley" was probably coined by Jerome Kretchmer, an environmental protection administrator, in 1970. Parts of the south Bronx, western Queens, and Harlem have all been called an…

Manhattan Truffle (Tartufo)

"Manhattan Truffle" has appeared on the dessert menus of a few restaurants. It sure looks and sounds like a "tartufo" to me. Why is this dessert called "Manhattan…

Knicks (NBA basketball team)

The New York professional basketball team is called the Knickerbockers, or Knicks. "Knickerbocker" was formally adopted in the summer of 1946, but "Knicks" was quickly applied…