An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 38,000 entries.

Coney Island whitefish

"Coney Island whitefish" is the slang name for a used condom seen floating in New York waters or seen on the beach. Jon Lighter's Historical Dictionary of American Slang has a…

Irish Riviera (Breezy Point)

Breezy Point (Far Rockaway) used to be called "the Irish Riviera." Spring Lake, New Jersey also claims the title. A newer nickname for the same area is "Hamptons West."…

NYPD & FDNY

After September 11, 2001, clothing with "NYPD" and "FDNY" became popular sellers. Both sets of initials were trademarked only vary recently. Why do the agencies have these…

Manhattan Silver/White (drugs)

Jonathon Green's Cassell Dictionary of Slang (1998) has these entries: Manhattan silver/white n. [1970s+][drugs] an imaginary brand of marijuana, silver/white because its seeds have grown in…

Vichyssoise

"Vichyssoise" was allegedly invented by Louis Diat, chef of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in 1917. The problem is, I can't find a single citation before the 1930s. "Vichyssoise"…