Dumb Dora
"Dumb Dora" is defined by the Historical Dictionary of American Slang as "a stupid or silly woman." Paul Fong and Jack Lait made it the title of their newspaper cartoon. The…
Secret Subway (PATH)
During the subway strike of 2005, many took the "secret subway" from midtown to downtown -- the PATH trains. http://www.threematchbreeze.com/daily/010204.htmEarly next morn, picked up my…
Condominium/Condo/Condomini
The "condominium" form of Ownership ("condo" for short) originated in ancient Rome, not New York City. However, NYC real estate has certainly popularized this form of ownership.…
Main Stem (Broadway)
Broadway has also been known as the "Main Stem." The term (used mostly in the 1920s and 1930s) is now historical. A "Main Stemmer" (or "mainstemmer") was another term…
Mazda Lane (Broadway)
"Mazda Lane" is a 1920s-1930s nickname for Broadway. "Mazda" was the name of light bulbs, and Broadway is "the Great White Way." "Mazda Lane," like the…
Little Guyana (Richmond Hill, Queens)
Guyana is a small country in South America. Most of its immigrants to the United States have settled in New York City. Richmond Hill, Queens has been called "Little Guyana" since at least…
New York’s/America’s/People’s Playground (Coney Island)
Coney Island has long been New York City's popular beach and playground destination every summer. The slogan "America's Playground" (or "America's Favorite…
Little City Hall (community board)
The community boards have been called "little city halls." The 311 line has somewhat reduced their importance, but they still have influence on local issues.…
“NYC” (2002)
"NYC" is from Interpol's Turn On The Bright Lights (2002). It's not a big hit, but it does mention New York.…
“New York” (2000)
"New York" is on U2's All That You Can Leave Behind (2000). The song isn't one of their biggest hits. http://www.macphisto.net/u2lyrics/New_York.htmlU2 Lyrics - New York(...)New…
“I Happen To Like New York” (1930)
"I Happen To Like New York" was written by Cole Porter for his show The New Yorkers. Cole Porter is one of the greatest lyricists of all time, but this song usually does not rank among…
“53rd and 3rd” (1976)
"53rd and 3rd" is from the album Ramones (1976) by The Ramones (of course). Times certainly have changed from when that song was written. At 53rd Street and Third Avenue you'll now…
“I Love New York” (2005)
"I Love New York" is on Madonna's Confessions on the Dance Floor (2005). Perhaps you can dance to it, but the lyrics will win her no awards.…
“Broadway (So Many People)” (2005)
"Broadway (So Many People)" is from The Great Destroyer by Low. The December 15, 2005 New York Post's "Best Songs to Download from 2005" ranked this song #1, stating:…
“Marching Bands of Manhattan” (2005)
"Marching Bands of Manhattan" is from the Plans (2005) by Death Cab For Cutie. The December 15, 2005 New York Post ranked it #5 in its "Best Songs to Download from 2005,"…
“No Judgements” (Crunch)
Crunch (a fitness club that began in the East Village) has the slogan "No Judgements." This is the English spelling and should be "No Judgments," but who are we to judge?…
“Where Stars Are Born And Legends Are Made” (Apollo Theater)
"Where Stars Are Born And Legends Are Made" is the new slogan of Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater. http://www.apollotheater.com/about.shtmYesterday…A place where thousands of…
Stooge
"Stooge" was a theatrical term for "student." Comedian Victor Moore has explained in several articles that it began in 1912 at Hammerstein's Victoria Theatre, the…
When I make a mistake, it’s a beaut!
Mayor Fiorello La Guardia was reminded that a judge he'd disagreed with had been appointed by him. "When I make a mistake, it's a beaut!" he declared. The line became famous and…
“Bowery Gals” (1853)
The song "Bowery Gals" is usually called "Buffalo Gals." The song has had many different names. The following lyrics are "can't/won't you come out tonight and…