The Big Apple:

An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.

DoBro (Downtown Brooklyn)

"DoBro" is a neighborhood nickname for "Downtown Brooklyn." The nickname has been used in the Brooklyn Downtown Star since at least February 2006. Brooklyn Downtown StarDateline…

Dyke Slope (Park Slope, Brooklyn)

Park Slope in Brooklyn was a blighted area in the 1970s, but in the late 1980s and 1990s, people began migrating to the area as a cheaper alternative to Manhattan. Many lesbians came to Park Slope…

Mexican Roadblock (Mexican Road Block)

A "Mexican roadblock" (or "Mexican road block") is when two cars travel at the same speed on both lanes of a two-lane highway (or three cars on a three-lane highway, etc.). This…

Kicker (Shit-kicker or Shitkicker)

Entry in Progress -- B.P. Urban Dictionary1. KickerAnother term for a hick or a redneck. The term is usually used for high school guys. They tend to wear their Wranglers inside their boots and they…

Texas Eggs Benedict (Tex-Mex Eggs Benedict)

"Eggs Benedict" is a classic dish of poached eggs placed on a slice of ham on an English muffin, with a covering of hollandaise sauce. "Texas Eggs Benedict" ("Tex-Mex Eggs…

Salt Water Taffy

"Salt water taffy" supposedly originated by accident in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1883. Salt water taffy was served at other seaside places (such as Coney Island), but it remains an…

Mexican Eggs Benedict

"Mexican Eggs Benedict" is a popular dish at Trudy's (Austin, TX) and Dos Caminos (New York, NY). "Eggs Benedict" is a classic dish of poached eggs placed on a slice of ham…

Telecom Corridor (Richardson nickname)

The "Telecom Corridor" is a registered trademark (since 1988) of the Richardson Chamber of Commerce. The city of Richardson (near Dallas) is home to many technology companies, including…

Whiskey Ding

A "whiskey ding" is a scratch on an automobile; the driver (who had been drinking whiskey) cannot recall the dents. The origin of the term "whiskey ding" is unknown. The term is…

Seafood Platter

Entry in progress. Penniless lexicographer taking a break. -- B.P. Christie's Seafood & Steaks (Houston, TX)Mr. Theodore Christie was born in Istanbul, Turkey in 1885. He arrived to this…

Shore Dinner

Entry in progress. Penniless lexicographer taking a break -- B.P. Wise GeekWhat is a Shore Dinner?A shore dinner is a meal of mixed seafood or freshwater fish, depending on the region. The name is…

Riviera on the Range (Austin nickname)

Michael Corcoran of the Austin (TX) American-Statesman has called the city of Austin "Riviera on the Range" since 1998. Corcoran covers the film industry in Austin and he was comparing…