Investigating the origins of American words, names, quotations and phrases. Over 41,000 entries.
Sam Houston favored the annexation of Texas to the United States. Nevertheless, in 1844, he wrote the following to General Andrew Jackson: "Texas, with peace, could exist without the United…
This "Texas Blessing" is all over the internet, sometimes called "Florida Blessing." The author is unknown. A Mississippi BlessingA Mississippi Blessing~~Off the Internet~~ Know…
The Texas legislature has declared the city of Lockhart to be the "Barbecue Capital of Texas." Some people disagree about the designation, but Lockhart is located in what is called the…
Central Texas (Austin to San Antonio) has been called "Flash Flood Alley." A 2004 documentary by that title has been made to publicize the flood threats. Flood SafetyTen Texas Flood…
"Roundagon" is the nickname of a round building at the Bergstrom Air Force Base, built in the late 1960s. "Roundagon" is a borrowing from Washington's "Pentagon"…
The Dixie Chicks hail from Dallas, Texas. At a London concert on March 12, 2003 (when the United States was at the brink of war with Iraq), Dixie Chick singer Natalie Maines said to the audience:…
"Texas has four seasons: Drought, Flood, Blizzard and Twister." No one knows the origin of this joke, but it possibly comes from California, where "Earthquake" and…
"Black as midnight under a skillet" is very dark, indeed. The phrase is probably cowboy talk; skillets were put to good use, and Texas midnights can be very dark. The phrase appears on…
There are many accidents on many streets and highways, all around the world. Many roadways are unfortunately nicknamed "Death Street" or "Death Avenue" or "Boulevard of…
The slogan of the tiny city of Gruene (near New Braunfels) is: "Gently resisting change since 1872." The city is a tourist attraction and boasts oldest operating dance hall in Texas.…
There is a popular internet hoax about a customer seeking a "Neiman Marcus Cookie Receipe," being grossly overcharged for it on her credit card, and, in revenge, spreading the recipe for…
Bean dip is an essential Texas food item. What would corn chips or tortilla chips be without bean dip? How could anyone hold a television football party without bean dip? Texas bean dip is first…
Adobo sauce is a hot sauce of chiles, garlic, vinegar, onions, and tomatoes that is applied to many dishes, especially chicken. Wikipedia: Adobo SauceAdobo sauce is a sauce or marinade used in…
Pan de Polvo (also called Polvoron or Polvorones or Mexican Wedding Cookies) are popular in South Texas. They're usually served at weddings or other special occasions. "Polvo" is…
Deep-fried turkey? Texas Monthly published a recipe for Texas Deep-Fried Turkey in 1998. Deep fried turkey originated in the South, but it's not known where. Louisiana also claims it. Texas…
Chess pie has been widely served throughout the South since about the time of the Civil War. The place of origin is a mystery. It is sometimes claimed that this was originally called "cheese…
Monkey bread was probably invented in the 1940s or 1950s. Monkey bread pulls apart; why that is named after a monkey is anyone's guess. Gorilla bread is similar, adding cream cheese and…
"Texas French Toast" has nothing to do with Paris, Texas. It's simply a piece ofTexas Toast used in making French toast. "Texas French Toast" has been around since at least…
The Sam Houston White Cake may have been popularized by the Imperial Sugar Company (Sugar Land, TX) on its products and in its recipe books. The cake is seldom served today. No one knows if Sam…
The Margarita pie is the edible version of that famous drink, the Margarita cocktail. While the Margarita cocktail may have Texas origins in the 1940s, the Margarita pie origins are unknown. The…