Dinosaur Wine (oil)
Texas humorist Kinky Friedman ran for Texas Governor in 2006, referring often to "dinosaur wine" (oil). The term has been cited since at least 1985. Double-Tongued Word Wresterdinosaur…
San Jacinto Corn
Most of the corn of Texas can be traced to the corn acquired at the victorious Battle of San Jacinto (1836). The soldiers had wanted to call it Houston corn, but Sam Houston urged them to call it…
Hot Hamburger
"Hot Hamburger" is a specialty of Murphy's Original Steak House West in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Murphy's famous "Hot Hamburger" puts french fries and gravy over the…
Jumbo State (Texas nickname)
Texas was called the "Jumbo State" in the late 1800s because it's a big state, like the famed "Jumbo" elephant was large. NetState.comThe Jumbo State: In 1882, P.T. Barnum…
Banner State (Texas nickname)
Texas was called the "Banner State" in the late 1800s because it voted largely Democratic at that time. "Banner state" means a state that "carries the banner" for any…
“Quicker than you can spit and holler ‘Howdy!’”
"Quicker than you can spit and holler 'Howdy!'" is very fast. It's not known if this phrase originated in Texas. Google BooksThe Old -Time Cowhandby Ramon F. Adams1948,…
“He couldn’t hit a bull in the butt with a banjo”
"He couldn't hit a bull in the butt with a banjo" is said about someone who's drunk, or an athlete who isn't having a good day. It's not certain if this phrase…
“Eyes of Texas” Salad
The "Eyes of Texas" salad was created by Linda Martin in the 1970s and named after the "Eyes of Texas" song. The salad features black-eyed peas with avocado dressing.…
Texas Ranger Nine-Bean Soup
Texas Ranger nine-bean soup is a soup with mixed pinto, black, northern, red, and tiny lima beans. It's not known who originated the recipe. Recipe Gold MineTexas Ranger Nine Bean Soup Mix in…
“We invented Texas Hold ‘em, but we can’t play it here” (Kinky Friedman)
Kinky Friedman (the Texas author and humorist) ran for Texas Governor in 2006 and advocated returning gambling to the state. "We invented Texas Hold 'em, but we can't play it…
Texas Scramble (golf)
Texas Scramble is a form of golf that allows players to form 4-person teams, with the best shot of a team used. There are other rules; it is not known who invented the game or why it's named…
Texas Scramble (scrambled egg and other dishes)
"Texas Scramble" is a name for a scrambled egg dish, sometimes mixed with chili, cheese, onion, and ham or chorizo. A Texas Scramble Pie with chili con carne (below, from 1945) is…
Windsor Stew
Windsor stew was never a popular Texas stew, but the following citation is worth recording. Tales From The Manchaca HillsThe unvarnished memoirs of a Texas Gentlewoman, Mrs. Edna Turley Carpenteras…
Campechanos
"Campechanos" come from the state of Campeche, Mexico. There are Campechanos that are eggs and there are Campechanos that are tostados. More commonly, Campechanos is a grilled skirt steak…
Chimichanga
The "chimichanga" is said to have originated in Tucson, Arizona (at the El Charro Cafe?), but it's considered a part of "Tex-Mex" cuisine. Wikipedia:…
Texas Cucumber (banana squash; hot pepper; watermelon)
There is no standard slang definition for "Texas cucumber." The term has been used to describe banana squash, hot pepper, and a large watermelon. Viceland.comChin tricked me into eating a…
Texas Pea Sheller
Lehman's has sold a "Texas Pea Sheller" since at least 1993. It's not known why Lehman's names the product after Texas. Lehman'sTexas Pea ShellerFinally, an efficient…
Texas Cakewalk (a hanging)
A "Texas cakewalk" is a hanging (maybe because it's so easy in Texas?). The western term isn't used often and is mostly historical. A Writer's Guide to the Old WestTexas…
Harbor District
New York always had a harbor, but "Harbor District" is a name that was proposed in 2006 by the city's Economic Development Corporation to create a "unified identity" for…
Culinary Alley
"Culinary Alley" is a a name proposed by Honi Klein, executive director of the Village Alliance business improvement district, for West Eighth Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The…