“Time, talent, and treasure”
"Time, talent, and treasure" is a phrase that's often mentioned in churches to promote sacrificial giving. The phrase is also used in philanthropy and in corporations (especially…
“Give, get, or get off” (“Give, get, or get out”)
Trustees of institutions of higher learning and members of the boards of directors of nonprofit corporations are often told to "give or get" -- give money or get money. This has expanded…
“It’s often hard to discern the difference between Texas Tough and Texas Stupid” (Molly Ivins)
The columnist Molly Ivins (1944-2007) was no fan of Texas governor and United States president George W. Bush (whom she nicknamed "Shrub"). Ivins wrote in her column on May 31, 2001 in…
Shade Tree Barbecue
A "shade tree barbecue" is an informal barbecue -- not always under a shady tree, although that is the image. The Texas term (also used in other southern states) is cited since at least…
Beanery
A "beanery" is the 19th-century term for a restaurant that serves inexpensive meals. The meals at a "beanery' usually (but not always) include beans, such as bean soup or pork…
Roastery
"Coffee roasting" is not new, but the term "roastery" is newly popular. What was once called a "coffeehouse" or a "coffee shop" has often been replaced with…
Carrot-and-Stick (Stick-and-Carrot)
The "carrot-and-stick" approach was popularized by the article "The Carrot and the Stick" in The Economist of June 29, 1946. In the 19th century, several written sources…
Bankers’ Row
New York City is a banking capital and several streets were known as "bankers' row" (or "bankers row"). New York (NY) TimesCommercial Property/Midtown Manhattan; Town…
“I was born at night, but not last night”
"I wasn't born yesterday!" is an expression dating from at least the 18th century meaning that a person is not so naive about a matter (financial or otherwise). "I was born at…
“There is more law at the end of a policeman’s nightstick than in a decision of the Supreme Court”
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Alexander S. WilliamsAlexander S. Williams (July 9, 1839 – March 25, 1917) was an American law enforcement officer and police inspector for the New York City…
“Sunshine and Lollipops” (“Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows”)
"Sunshine and lollipops" means an idealized (and usually unrealistic) utopia of wonderful things. The political commentator Glenn Beck has used the term frequently since 2006, often in…
“Will work for food”
"Will work for food' is a saying that might appear on a crudely written cardboard sign, carried by a homeless person. It's the picture of despair. Although the saying seemingly dates…
Banana Republic
The banana-growing nations of Central America were called "banana republics' in the 1900s. Short story writer O. Henry (1862-1910) used the term "banana republic" in several of…
Public Appendix (Public Advocate nickname)
New York City's Public Advocate's office (formerly called the President of the City Council) was created in 1993 as a public watchdog to serve as a check on the mayor's office.…
Bunnette
The Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest is famous for its "gurgitators" (eaters), but it also has "bunnettes." A "bunnette" (from the hot dog…
Peaches and Cream
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Peaches and CreamPeaches and Cream is a dessert made of peaches and cream. It is often served at ice cream stands and float shops. Many types of hard candy,…
Crepesadilla (crepe + quesadilla)
"Crepesadilla" is the name for a food that's part "crepe" and part "quesadilla." Like the quesadilla, the crepesadilla contains cheese and other fillings. Like…
“Tipping is not a city in China”
"Tipping is not a city in China" is a sentence placed on many restaurant tip jars, a friendly reminder to the customers that tips are welcome. The saying dates to at least 1975, when New…
Texlahoma (Tex-La-Homa)
"Texlahoma" can mean the areas of the states of Texas and Oklahoma. The term is often written as "Tex-La-Homa," meaning the areas of the states of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.…
Lincoln Log Sandwich (hot dog with cream cheese)
In May 2007, The Sopranos (an Italian-American television drama set in New Jersey) featured a sandwich called "Lincoln Logs" -- split hot dogs filled with cream cheese. It is not known…