New York Heartbeat
A "New York heartbeat" is like a "New York minute" -- a very short period of time. The term was used frequently in the Broadway columns of Walter Winchell, from perhaps as early…
“Where America Greets the World” (JFK Airport)
"Where America Greets the World" is the new slogan for JFK Airport. The slogan was made for JFK's 50th anniversary in 1998. Wikipedia: John F. Kennedy International AirportJohn F.…
Easy Street
The Historical Dictionary of American Slang defines "easy street" as " a condition of easy and comfort, especially financial success. Also cap." There is no indication if…
Street Arab
"Street Arabs" (or "street arabs") was the name for the street kids in New York City in the 19th century. The terms "Arabs of the Street" and "City Arabs"…
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” (1929)
"Puttin' on the Ritz" was written by the legendary New York songwriter Irving Berlin in 1929. Another New Yorker, Mel Brooks, featured the song in his movie classic Young…
“Changing Lives Since 1812” (New York City Mission Society)
The New York City Mission Society is one of New York's oldest organizations. It began in 1812 as the New York Religious Tract Society. "Changing Lives Since 1812" is its proud…
“Hotel as Theater” (Royalton Hotel)
The Royalton Hotel, at 44 West 44th Street, has the slogan "Hotel as Theater." It's located in the theatre district. http://www.royaltonhotel.comThe groundbreaking Royalton, located…
City of Cities
New York City is sometimes called the "City of Cities." It hasn't been a popular nickname, but it's been used increasingly as of late.
Siren Music Festival (Village Voice)
The annual Siren Music Festival at Coney Island is sponsored by the Village Voice. http://www.villagevoice.com/siren/2005/press_042406.htmlThe Village Voice Announces Date for6th Annual Village…
New York City Tattoo Convention
The annual New York City Tattoo Convention is a new annual convention. http://www.nycvisit.com/calendar/eventIndex.cfm?pagePkey=9May 19, 2006-May 21, 20069th Annual New York City Tattoo…
Fleet Week
"Fleet Week" is when New York City becomes host to our sailors. The Frank Sinatra-Gene Kelly movie musical On the Town (1949) popularized sailors on leave in our wonderful town.…
“Grand Dame of Madison Avenue” (Roosevelt Hotel)
The Roosevelt Hotel opened in 1924 and was named after Theodore (not Franklin) Roosevelt. It's been called "the Grand Dame of Madison Avenue." The Copley Plaza is similarly called…
“A room and bath for two and one-half” (Commodore Hotel, now Grand Hyatt)
The Grand Hyatt at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, next to Grand Central Terminal, used to be the Commodore Hotel. That hotel was named after "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt, the…
“New York’s Spanish Steps” (TKTS. booth)
The Theatre Development Fund's TKTS. booth in Times Square began in 1973, just a small shack selling discount theater tickets for performances on the same day. It quickly became a success.…
Madhattan (mad + Manhattan)
"Madhattan" (fmad + Manhattan) illustrates the craziness of New York City. James Aswell (1906-1955) used "Madhattan" often in his "New York" newspaper columns in 1932…
“A man in a hat got a tan” (Manhattan)
How to spell "Manhattan"? One easy way for people to remember "Manhattan" is this: "A man in a hat got a tan." (It must have been a bad hat!) Variants include "A…
“You have a friend at Chase Manhattan” (Chase Manhattan)
The Chase Manhattan Bank had a popular slogan during the 1960s that is still remembered by many today: "You have a friend at Chase Manhattan." The bank is now known as J. P. Morgan Chase…
“Real Wood Furniture at Incredible Prices” (Gothic Cabinet Craft)
Gothic Cabinet Craft was founded in 1969 and is one of the Northeast's largest manufacturers and retailers of wood furniture. "Real Wood Furniture at Incredible Prices" is the slogan…
“Elegance Without Attitude” (Michelangelo Hotel)
The Michelangelo Hotel is located at 152 West 51 Street, near Times Square and the Broadway theaters. Its slogan is "Elegance Without Attitude."…
“Over Night Or Over Time” (Alex Hotel)
The new Alex Hotel is located at 205 East 45th Street. "Over Night Or Over Time" is its slogan. The hotel's Alex Lounge serves signature "red apple martinis." Only in the…