Depression Apple Sellers (1930s)
It is sometimes claimed that "Big Apple" comes from New York City's street apple stands during the Great Depression in the 1930s. This is incorrect. New York (NY) Morning Telegraph…
Ice Cream Sandwich
Several newspaper citations indicate that the "ice cream sandwich" was invented (or at least popularized) about July 1900 in New York City. One newspaper citation mentions Wall Street and…
Beep (Borough President)
"Beep" means Borough President; there are five, or one for each borough. The term is a take-off on "Veep" (Vice President) and, probably, that popular World War II vehicle, the…
Hooker
This term is often, incorrectly, "credited" to Civil War General Joseph Hooker and the exploits of his men (1860s) in Washington, D.C. Not that Washington doesn't have hookers, but…
“Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?” (riddle/joke)
"Who is buried in Grant's tomb?" is a famous New York City riddle. Ulysses S. Grant (1922-1885), the eighteenth president of the United States, and Julia Grant (1826-1902), his wife,…
Hizzoner (his honor)
"Hizzoner" is simply "his honor," a term used for the mayor of New York City, although the term did not originate in New York. The first "hizzoner" citation in the New…
Sand Hog (Sandhog)
It's either "sand hog" or "sandhog." The men who built our bridges and tunnels have a name. Surpisingly, this doesn't appear in Irving Lewis Allen's City in Slang…
Danish Pastry
"Danish Pastry" got its name, and fame, in New York City. 13 October 1914, Fresno (CA) Morning Republican, pg. 9 ad:Danish PastryOur Danish Pastry is noted for an interesting variety of…
Steak Diane
Steak Diane is a tableside-flambéed dish. The steak is cut thin and often brandy or Madeira is poured over it, as well as a sauce of such ingredients as butter, mushrooms, mustard, shallots,…
Big Apple plaque (1996)
This Big Apple plaque was dedicated by me on May 14, 1996, at the Hotel Ameritania, 230 West 54th Street. It is one of a series of plaques in New York City put up by the Historic Landmarks…
Waldorf Salad
You're the top! You're a Waldorf salad.You're the top! You're a Berlin ballad.You're a baby grand of a lady and a gent.You're an old dutch master, You're Mrs.…
Manhattan Cocktail
The Manhattan cocktail (whiskey and sweet Italian vermouth) is supposedly named after the Manhattan Club, although this is in dispute. Early citations pre-1885 are hard to find, but there are a…
Witness (1998): Washington Post writer Shirley Povich
No one would help me to find living witnesses. No one in New York City and no one in New Orleans. Many people who could have contributed to this story are now dead. The New Orleans stablehands were…
1931: “Around The Big Apple” column
Turf Play, a Chicago periodical, probably provides us with a third John J. Fitz Gerald "Big Apple"-titled column. On November 7, 1931, page 15, is "Around The Big Apple, By Mr.…
1928: “On the Big Apple” column
In 1928, the New York Morning Telegraph ran a daily column of tidbits from the New York racetracks. Gerald Cohen spotted the first column. It is almost certain, given his long use of the term, that…
“Big Apple” date?: January 15, 1920
It is probable (although not certain) that we have almost the exact date for the "Big Apple" utterance by the New Orleans Fair Grounds stable hands. John J. Fitz Gerald wrote that he had…
Second “Big Apple” explanation: December 1, 1926
Above, the header from the 1924 newspaper column of John J. Fitz Gerald. Click to see a portion of the column which includes his use of "Big Apple." Part of a 1926 column is also…
First “Big Apple” explanation: February 18, 1924
Above, the header from the 1924 newspaper column of John J. Fitz Gerald. Click to see a portion of the column which includes his use of "Big Apple." Part of a 1926 column is also…
First “Big Apple” citation: May 3, 1921
Gerald Cohen found the first "Big Apple" in a John J. Fitz Gerald horseracing column. From the New York Morning Telegraph, May 3, 1921, page 9, column 3: J. P. Smith, with Tippity Witchet…
Bronx Cheer
The "Bronx cheer" is associated with the New York Yankees and Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The first two citations below probably don't apply, but possibly indicate that the…