An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases.

Bronx Cocktail

The Bronx cocktail was invented around 1900. An article in February 1901 credited "J. E. O'Connor of the Waldorf-Astoria, inventor of the 'Bronx Cocktail.'" A 1932 article…

Ambulance Chaser

"Ambulance chaser" is another derogatory term for a lawyer (see also the 1840s term"shyster"). An "ambulance chaser" preys on accident victims to sign them up to…

Wall Street (from a graveyard to a river)

Wall Street (the financial capital of the United States) is, according to the old saying, "between a river and a graveyard" -- the East River and Trinity Church Cemetery. The comment has…

Big Onion

In 1991, "Big Onion" Walking Tours started in New York City. I keep thinking they have the wrong city. Chicago is often called the "big onion" because some people think…

Skycap

The word "skycap," like "scofflaw," entered the language as a contest winner. Willie Wainwright, of New Orleans, won $100 in 1940 for his suggestion of "skycap" for…

Egg Cream

An "egg cream" contains neither eggs nor cream. The usual contents are seltzer, chocolate syrup (Fox's U-bet), and milk. The egg cream has been described as a chocolate soda without…

Amazin’ Mets (Amazins)

The Amazin' New York Mets, or simply the "Amazins," has been a popular nickname through the baseball team's existence. The nickname was created before they played a single…

Buy/Sell the Brooklyn Bridge

"Don't buy the Brooklyn Bridge!" This classic piece of advise is given to visitors to New York City. In the early years of this century, people were swindled. I'd like to add…

Twenty-Three Skidoo (23rd Street myth)

One of the popular New York City myths is that the slang term "twenty-three skidoo" comes from the Flatiron Building at Twenty-Third Street and Broadway/Fifth Avenue. Tourist buses pass…

Lands of the Big Red Apples

Several places in the United States and Canada, pre-1920, were known as the "Land of the Big (Red) Apple." Oregon was one of the first; others include Missouri, Colorado, Washington, and…