An etymological dictionary

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

Parsons Table

The "Parsons table" is often thought to have some religious connotation, but it's actually a product of the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Wikipedia: Parsons tableThe…

Commercial Emporium

"Commercial Emporium" was perhaps New York City's first nickname. "Commercial Emporium" was applied even earlier than "Gotham." The commercial nickname was…

Hell’s Hundred Acres

"Hell's Hundred Acres" was the name for the area of SoHo, just before that name was used in about 1970. "Hell's Hundred Acres" was used during World War II, describing…

Mason (Fruit) Jar

John Landis Mason, of Brooklyn, patented the "Mason jar" on November 30, 1858. Early jars were sold as "Mason fruit jars." It's still with us today. I've found ads in…

Mecca of Telephone Men

Around 1900, when the telephone was new, New York City was the "mecca of telephone men." The nickname was rarely used then and quickly died, but it's sometimes given in lists of New…

Frog and Toe

"Frog and Toe" was a 19th century underworld nickname for New York City. Not much is known about it and it appears to have been rarely used. The term "Frog and Toe" was defined…

“Fame” (1980)

"Fame" was written by Michael Gore (music) and Dean Pitchford (lyrics) and performed by Irene Cara for the movie Fame (1980). The movie was about New York's High School of Performing…

Harlem Globetrotters

The Harlem Globetrotters are a combination of basketball and vaudeville. The club began in the 1920s as the Savoy Big Five -- in Chicago! The frequent, hapless opponent of the team is the…

Death Avenue; Slaughter on Tenth Avenue

"Death Avenue" was the nickname of Eleventh Avenue, from about 1890. It got its name from New York Central train accidents. Previously, Fourth Avenue had been "Death Avenue."…

Boulevard of Death (Queens Boulevard)

Queens Boulevard has been called the "Boulevard of Death" from its many 1990s fatalities. It takes a long time for a pedestrian to cross the street, and the cars pass by quickly. 23…

Parkway

Thanks to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, we drive on a "parkway." We also park on a "driveway," but that's another story. Merriam-Webster's dictionary has 1887 for…

Wigstock

"Wigstock" is an annual drag festival. http://www.wigstock.nu/history/history.htmlHISTORY OF WIGSTOCK Late one night in the spring of '84 a drunken group of friends, seeking more…

Millionaires’ Row (Fifth Avenue)

Fifth Avenue was called "Millionaires' Row" by around the year 1900 because many rich people lived there. Nowadays, however, the average price of a home in Manhattan is a million…

Double Dutch

The jump-rope game of "Double Dutch" was probably invented in New York City, cited from at least 1895. "Double Dutch" tournaments were re-introduced in New York City in 1974.…

PSAL (Public Schools Athletic League)

The Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL, at www.psal.org) was formed over 100 years ago. It still holds school athletic competitions, but it now also includes girls. 25 November 1903, New York…