Barnes Dance
Henry Barnes was the city's traffic commissioner in the 1960s. He was known for the traffic scramble called the "Barnes Dance" to help pedestrians cross the streets safely. His…
Moses’ Law: Don’t eat in park concessions!
John Hess developed "Moses' Law" (after Robert Moses, the Parks Commissioner) in his New York Times column in August 1973. Actually, the food at some places (such as the Tennis…
“Always Open” (nyc.gov)
New York City's government website (nyc.gov) has had the slogan "Always Open" since the late 1990s. http://www.americancityandcounty.com/mag/government_cutting_cords/Always open New…
“Where are the customers’ yachts?”
"Where are the customers' yachts?" is a question asked by someone who saw only brokers' yachts at a yacht club. It's an old Wall Street remark. 29 October 1885, Forest and…
Hanging for murder is played out in New York
"Hanging for murder is played out in New York" is a phrase associated with the Tombs prison in early 1870. 2 April 1970, Punchinello, pp. 3-4:PUNCHINELLO will only add that he would at…
Drummer
In the early 1800s, New York City was called the "Commercial Emporium." A "drummer" is a salesman. The term was popular in the 19th century, but is no longer used. A…
Paint the Town (NYC & Company)
NYC & Company (the city's tourism bureau) annually sponsors winter tourism discounts under the program title "Paint the Town." It appears that "paint the town"…
Ghoul Pool (Obituaries)
The "Ghoul Pool" was a practice of newspaper obituary writers to guess which citizen of the pre-written obits would go first. The "Ghoul Pool" is no longer conducted (one would…
“Life Is Uncertain—Eat Dessert First!” (Buttercup Bake Shop)
"Life is short/uncertain -- eat dessert first!" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many images. "Arthur Murray says he always eats dessert first, 'because life is so…
Upper Ten (Thousand)
The "Upper Ten Thousand" were the elite of New York City society in the 1840s. The term is no longer used. (Oxford English Dictionary)a. upper ten, the upper classes; the aristocracy.…
In New York they ask, how much is he worth?
"In Boston they ask, how much does he know? In New York, how much is he worth? In Philadelphia, who were his parents?" This line has been credited to Mark Twain. January 1895, North…
An ocean on one side and New Jersey on the other.
New York City, according to the famous writer O. Henry, has "an ocean on one side and New Jersey on the other." August 1904, McClure's Magazine, "A Tempered Wind" by O.…
“Richard Is Reliable,” “Ask Your Neighbor About,” “Appliance, Electronics, Computer Giant” (P. C. Ri
P. C. Richard & Son has stores in New York City and Long Island and has been around since 1909. Slogans include "Richard Is Reliable" (1921) and "Ask Your Neighbor About P. C.…
King Kong Roll
King Kong is a popular movie, first made in 1933 and remade in 1976 and 2005. Some years before the 2005 remake, the "King Kong roll" (sushi) was invented. (We do not know where.) Since…
Showplace of the Nation (Radio City Music Hall)
"Showplace of the Nation" is the original slogan of Radio City Music Hall, cited from at least January 1933. Wikipedia: Radio City Music HallRadio City Music Hall is an entertainment…
“Look Better Naked” (David Barton Gym)
"Look Better Naked" is has been the slogan of a New York City gym since 1992. http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7176092/new_york_ny/david_barton_gym_uptown.html David Barton Gym --…
Excelsior
"Excelsior" ("higher") is sometimes taken to be New York City's motto, but it is a state motto. http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/nysfacts/seal2.htmlMotto. On a silver…
EVil (East Village)
EVil or eVil (East Village) is not popular with the real estate crowd, as you can imagine. http://www.ebway.org/2004_04_01_archives.htmlThursday, April 29, 2004 The 2nd Avenue subway wants your…
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…