An etymological dictionary

Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 40,000 entries.

Fleet Week

"Fleet Week" is when New York City becomes host to our sailors. The Frank Sinatra-Gene Kelly movie musical On the Town (1949) popularized sailors on leave in our wonderful town.…

Madhattan (mad + Manhattan)

"Madhattan" (fmad + Manhattan) illustrates the craziness of New York City. James Aswell (1906-1955) used "Madhattan" often in his "New York" newspaper columns in 1932…

SHOT 97 (HOT 97)

HOT 97 (WQHT radio station, 97.1 FM) calls itself "The Official #1 Station for Hip Hop and R&B." In 2005 and 2006, incidents of gunfire at the station have caused some to nickname the…

Sikh Day Parade

The Sikh Day Parade began in the 1980s. It's quickly becoming a popular New York City ethnic parade. More Sikh immigrants have perhaps located in Queens than any other borough.…