Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
Alistair Cooke (1908-2004) was a British journalist who had a popular series about America on public broadcasting stations in the 1970s. He wrote numerous books and columns about America, educating…
"Larrupin'" (also spelled various ways, such as "larruping" or "larapin" or "larapen" or "larepin") originally meant a good, sound beating,…
Tlacoyos are antojitos (appetizers or snacks) that are popular in Mexico, but have been cited in restaurants in the United States since only the 1990s. "Tlacoyo" is from the Nahuatl words…
Huaraches (Spanish for "sandals" or "shoes") are thick, oval-shaped corn tortillas, often topped with meat, cheese, beans, and cooked cactus leaves. The name…
Antojitos (Spanish for "little whims" or "little cravings") are usually fried snacks containing masa, such as tostadas, tacos, tamales, and quesadillas. The term…
"Gordita" is Spanish for "little fat one." Taco Bell popularized the gordita when it introduced its "Gordita Supreme" in 1997, but the word "gordita" has…
George W. Bush accepted the Republican nomination for president in September 2004 in New York City, stating: "Some folks look at me and see a certain swagger, which in Texas is called…
Leche Quemada (Spanish for "burnt milk") is a popular Mexican caramel-like candy that has a long history in Texas. Pecan halves are usually added to evaporated milk and sugar (or corn…
Dulce de leche (Spanish for "sweet milk") is a product of 19th-century Argentina that quickly became popular throughout all of Latin America. The caramel-like taste can be found in…
The New York Idea is the title of a 1906 play by Langdon Mitchell (1862-1935). The comedy about marriage included the line: "Marry for whim! That's the New York idea of marriage."…
"Bien me Sabe" or "bienmesabe" (Spanish for "tastes good to me") is a term given to several foods across several cultures. Most frequently, "Bien me Sabe" is…
"Chimichurri" is a spicy sauce usually containing parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion, vinegar and olive oil. The Argentine sauce is supposedly named after an Englishman named…
"Mexicatessen" appears in the names of several restaurants, an obvious blend of the words "Mexican" and "delicatessen." Houston's famous Herrera's…
"Curtido" (from the Spanish encurtir, "to pickle") is a Salvadoran cabbage salad that's served with pupusas, the popular national dish. Curtido is usually made with…
"Pelado" means "to peel." Pelados were the shirtless of Mexico, the underclass. The slang term has been used frequently in parts of Texas, especially along the border.…
"Taquitos" are rolled tacos. A taquito is a tortilla (corn or flour) with a filling (usually chicken or beef) that is deep-fried. Taquitos often have cheese, lettuce, guacamole, sour…
"Flautas" (flutes) are rolled tortillas (either flour or corn) with a filling (usually chicken or beef) that is deep-fried. Flautas often have cheese, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and…
What is a "flaquito" (little skinny one)? And how is it any different from a "flauta" (flute") or a "taquito"? A "flaquito" is a flour tortilla rolled…
The Lower Rio Grande Valley is heavily influenced by Mexico. A current joke is: "The Lower Rio Grande Valley is a great place to live. It's so close to the United States." The joke…
"Bolillo" is a Mexican bread that's similar to French bread. The name "bolillo" means bobbin or spindle, and a short rolling pin used to make the bread also is called a…