An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 40,000 entries.

Sports Capital of Texas (Round Rock slogan)

The city of Round Rock began a 2004 campaign, declaring the city to be the "Sports Capital of Texas." Round Rock has many parks and sports assets such as the Dell Diamond and Old Settlers…

Tamale Boat

A "tamale boat" is a tamale with chili, onions, and (sometimes) cheese. If served in a hot dog bun, it's called a "mother-in-law sandwich." Although tamales are popular in…

Irish Nachos

"Irish nachos" are nachos with potatoes (something Ireland is famous for) used instead of tortilla chips. The same variety of toppings can be used, such as cheese, beans, onions, lettuce,…

Juan Smith (El Paso’s “John Q. Public”)

E. M. ("Ed") Pooley, editor of the El Paso (TX) Herald-Post from 1937-1963, was sympathetic to the "average Joes" in El Paso. Instead of John Q. Public or John Smith, Pooley…

BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat)

BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat) is a practice at some barbecues. The BBQ establishment lends the use of its smokers, but participants must bring their own meat (steaks, hamburgers, chicken, ribs, et…

Facebook Hotel (Pod Hotel)

The Pod Hotel (converted in 2007 from the former Pickwick Arms, at 230 East 51st Street in Manhattan) has small rooms ("pods"), but has a good location and high-tech amenities. There is…

Tall-Building Lawyer (TBL)

A "tall-building lawyer" is a lawyer who works in a tall building (or, in other words, a "city lawyer"). A "tall-building lawyer" (TBL) is a corporate lawyer and is…

Red Tail Hawk Capital (Kaufman nickname)

Entry in progress -- B.P. http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ref/abouttx/capitals.htmlOfficial Capital Designations Wikipedia: Kaufman, TexasKaufman is a city in Kaufman County, Texas, United States. The…

“What Texas Makes, Makes Texas”

"What Texas Makes, Makes Texas" is a slogan Texas businesses have used since a 1926 promotional campaign. Texas businesses also used the slogan independently of the campaign for many…

Branson of Texas (Granbury nickname)

Granbury in Hood County has been called the "Branson of Texas." Like the city of Branson in Missouri, Granbury has several family-friendly entertainment venues, such as Granbury Live,…

Saltwater Heaven (Aransas Pass nickname)

"Saltwater Heaven" is the nickname of Aransas Pass on the Gulf Coast. Aransas Pass encourages anglers to fish for speckled trout, redfish, flounder, black drum, or sheepshead in the bay.…