Eighth Wonder of the World (compound interest)
Compound interest is so amazing an investment concept that it's been called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Credit for "Eighth Wonder" has been assigned to Benjamin Franklin…
“Time in the market is better than timing the market” (Wall Street adage)
"Time in the market is better than timing the market" means that, over time, the stock market will yield successful returns. It is impossible to accurately time the market highs and lows.…
Honest Politician (when bought, stays bought)
In politics, an "honest man" is often described as someone (a politician or a voter) who, when bought, stays bought. A "dishonest man" is someone who sides with the person who…
“Wise old owl” poem
The four-line poem "A Wise Old Owl" is cited in print from at least 1883, but is of unknown authorship. A 1904 source (below) credits "the immortal poet Bromley." The wise old…
Kung Pao Chicken (Kung Po Chicken)
Kung Pao chicken (also spelled "Kung Po" on American menus) originates from the Sichuan Province of China, where it's called gōng bǎo (palace guardian). The dish is named after…
Pad Thai (Phad Thai)
Pad Thai (less frequently spelled "phad Thai") is a noodle dish that has been cited in print in the United States since at least 1960, and that appeared in New York City's Thai…
Fudge
"Fudge" (a candy) appears to have received its name at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1892-1893. The word "fudge" had long been an exclamation ("Oh, fudge!);…
“Buy land—they ain’t making any more of it”
"Buy land -- they're not making any more of it" is a statement that has been attributed to folk humorist Will Rogers (1879-1935) since the 1960s. The saying -- like almost all…
“Money doesn’t grow on trees” (financial proverb)
"Money doesn't grow on trees" (or, in a 19th century form, "Money don't grow on trees") is an old financial proverb meaning that money isn't made easily, simply…
“How to make a small fortune on Wall Street” (start with a large one)
Question: How do you make a small fortune on Wall Street?Answer; Start with a large one! This old joke is of unknown origin, but it dates at least to the 1950s. While it's been used to refer…
Charlotte Russe
The charlotte russe (sometimes capitalized as "Charlotte Russe") has been called "Brooklyn ambrosia," although the Bronx also claims the dessert. In the first half of the 1900s…
Origin of “Canuck” (“Johnny Canuck”) - summary
Entry in progress. More digitized Canadian material due in about a month. -- B.P. Wikipedia: Canuck"Canuck" is a slang term for Canadians. HistoryThe term was coined in the 19th century,…
Poverty Pimp (Povitician)
"Poverty pimp" is a term dating from at least 1970 to describe a person who claims to help people in poverty, but who actually helps himself or herself in the process. Often, a government…
White Russian (cocktail)
The "White Russian" cocktail is made from vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua or Tia Maria), and cream. The "Black Russian" cocktail does not include cream. Heublein, Inc.,…
Black Russian (cocktail)
The "Black Russian" cocktail contains vodka and coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua or Tia Maria). The cocktail is cited in print from October 25, 1956, when this was printed in the San…
Mexican Cranberries (cranberries + jalapeños)
"Mexican Cranberries" is a name given to a dish of cranberry sauce, with jalapeño pepper jelly and cilantro. The recipe appears to have originated in Southern Living magazine in the…
Mambo Taxi (cocktail)
"Mambo Taxi" is the signature drink of the Mi Cocina restaurants (Dallas and other locations) and Taco Diner restaurants. The drink recipe is secret, but it's widely believed to…
Brisket Taco
The "taco" is a Mexican sandwich that dates in English to around 1900, but the "brisket taco" was popularized in the 1980s at Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant in Dallas. Several…
“Dollars to doughnuts”
"Dollars to doughnuts" (or "I'll bet dollars to doughnuts") means a sure thing, a certainty; someone will put up something to substance to something worth much less that a…
Ponche Navideño or Ponche de Navidad (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Texans of Mexican heritage often serve a traditional Ponche Navideño or Ponche de Navidad (Christmas Punch). The drink is usually made with tecojotes (a Mexican fruit resembling a crabapple, not…