“You can’t be too rich or too thin”
"You can't be too rich or too thin" (or "A woman can never be too rich or too thin") is a popular phrase that originated in the 1960s. Women were obsessed with being thin…
Blind Tiger
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: SpeakeasyA speakeasy was an establishment that surreptitiously sold alcoholic beverages during the period of United States history known as Prohibition…
Blind Pig
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: SpeakeasyA speakeasy was an establishment that surreptitiously sold alcoholic beverages during the period of United States history known as Prohibition…
“Don’t call us, we’ll call you” (entertainment saying)
"Don't call us, we'll call you" is an old brush-off line given to an actor after a failed audition. The call from the play's producer never comes. The origin of the phrase…
“One for the money, two for the show, three to make ready, and four to go”
"One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, now go cat go!" sang Elvis Presley in "Blue Seude Shoes," a song written in 1955 by Carl Perkins. The opening verses…
Dive Bar (Dive)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Dive barA dive bar, or simply a dive, is a downmarket drinking establishment serving a working class (or poorer) clientele. The term "dive" dates from…
Speakeasy (Speak-easy)
The "speakeasy" (also written as "speak-easy" and "speak easy") began in the United States in 1889 in Pennsylvania and referred to an unlicensed saloon. The customers…
“The race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, but that’s the way to bet”
"The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong."Ecclesiastes, Ch. 9, v. 11 New York sports writer and author Damon Runyon (1884-1946) is often credited with adding on "…
“Crying all the way to the bank” (“Laughing all the way to the bank”)
"Crying all the way to the bank" (or "laughing all the way to the bank") means that, regardless of the situtation, that person has made money to take to the bank. A critic once…
Hangover (Hang-over)
A hangover (also spelled "hang over" and "hang-over") often results from the over-consumption of alcoholic beverages. "Hang over" meaning something "hanging…
“Dragged through the garden” (hot dog with everything on it)
"Dragged through the garden" (or "run through the garden") is hot dog lingo for a hot dog with everything on it (also called "the works"). New York City hot dogs…
Mongolian Barbecue
"Mongolian barbecue" is neither "Mongolian" nor "barbecue." There is a barbecue tradition in Mongolia, but it is far different from the "Mongolian barbecue"…
Cocktail Party
A "cocktail party" is simply a "party" where "cocktails" ( as well as other refreshments) are served. The Missouri newspapers in March 1917 credited a Mrs. Walsh of…
Cocktail Hour
A "cocktail hour" is an "hour" when "cocktails" are served, but many other things besides cocktails can be served (soft drinks and hors d'oeuvres, for example)…
Chewing Gum
"Chewing gum" is often said to have been invented by Thomas Adams (1818-1905) at Staten Island in the 1860s, but that's part of a larger story. By at least 1828, Americans chewed on…
London Broil
"London broil" was popularized by New York City restaurants in the 1920s-1940s; the term "London broil" is seldom used in London, England. It is possible that a New York…
Pizza Margherita (Pizza Margarita)
"Pizza Margherita" (also written as "Margherita Pizza," "Pizza Margarita," or "Margarita Pizza") is named after Margherita Maria Teresa Giovanna di Savoia or…
Chinese Chews
"Chinese Chews" appeared in the June 1917 issue of Good Housekeeping, and the recipe was widely reprinted in newspapers. The main ingredients were dates and English walnuts, along with…
Choup (chowder + soup)
"Choup" (formed from the words "chowder" plus "soup") was coined by television cook Rachael Ray with her recipe "Harvest Creamy Corn 'Choup' with…
Turbaconducken (Turducken wrapped in bacon)
A variation of "turkducken" (turkey + duck + chicken) is "turbaconducken" (turkey + bacon + duck + chicken). "Turbaconducken" was first posted on the blog Bacon Today…