Back Page (East Flatbush, Brooklyn)
"Front Page" is the nickname for the area of East Flatbush, Brooklyn at Foster Avenue and Nostrand Avenue, at the Vanderveer Estates apartment buildings. Crime was so bad that drug…
Alphebetical for "b"
Backdoor Sweep
A seven-game series "sweep" is when a sports team wins four straight games, losing none. A five-game series "sweep" is when a team wins three straight games, losing none.…
Backpack Journalism; Backpack Journalist
"Backpack journalism" describes a reporter ("backpack journalist") who uses new technology -- often placed in a backpack -- to be a reporter, photographer and videographer, all…
Backstop
To "backstop" (or "back stop") something is to support or back up or bolster it. A monetary "backstop" is financial support against bankruptcy or other financial…
Bacon and Eggs
"Bacon and eggs" is one of the most popular breakfast dishes in America. The United States got this breakfast tradition from England, where "bacon and eggs" as a breakfast dish…
Baconalia (bacon + bacchanalia)
"Baconalia" (bacon + bacchanalia) is a festival that celebrates bacon, just as the bacchanalia celebrates drink and the Greco-Roman god Bacchus (or Dionysus). The term…
Baconify
"Baconify" means to add bacon to something. "Baconify" has been cited in print since at least December 7, 2003, when the word was added to the Urban Dictionary. A term similar…
Baconize
"Baconize" means to add bacon to something. "Baconize" was cited in print in 1940. but has become popular since 2005, when the word was added to the Urban Dictionary. A term…
Bacontrepreneur (bacon + entrepreneur)
"Bacontrepreneur" (bacon + entrepreneur) is a term coined by Seattle's Justin Esch and Dave Lefow in 2007, with the introduction of their product, Bacon Salt. The term…
Bad News (nickname for the restaurant check)
"The bad news" is a jocular name for the restaurant or bar bill. "When you come to the end of your meal and the waiter brings in the bad news" was cited in print in 1918.…
Bad News Bear (Bear Stearns nickname)
Bear Stearns is a brokerage firm that was founded in New York City in 1923. In March 2008, the firm's stock price fell rapidly and negotiations were made to sell the firm. Bear Stearns was…
Badgehole (SXSW festival nickname)
"Badgehole" (badge + asshole) is an epithet used by some at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, held annually in Austin. There are badges to get into events, but these are usually…
Badvertising (bad + advertising)
"Badvertising" (bad + advertising) is a word that has been cited in print since at least 1911. The magazine Adweek began annual "badvertising awards" in 1982. The…
Bag Lady
Lily Tomlin got the character of the "bag lady" exactly right. Her performance should be available on video somewhere. The Historical Dictionary of American Slang has: "Orig. N.Y.C.…
Bag of Mystery (sausage)
Entry in progress -- B.P. (Oxford English Dictionary_bag of mystery n. (usually in pl. bags of mystery) slang a sausage or saveloy.1864 J. C. Hotten Slang Dict. (new ed.) 69. 1879 W. J. Barry Up…
Bagdad-on-the-Subway
"Bagdad-on-the-Subway" was O. Henry's nickname for New York City. Other writers soon called it "Bagdad on the Hudson." The nickname is about 100 years old and does not…
Bagel Ball (Bantam Bagel)
Entry in progress -- B.P Bantam BagelsBantam Bagels are mini, filled bagel balls!Bantam Bagels is different than any other New York bagel shop. Why? Because at Bantam Bagels we produce fresh,…
Bagel Beach (Seventh Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets)
The Stage Delicatessen, on 834 Seventh Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets in Manhattan, was opened by Russian immigrant Max Asnas (1898-1968) in 1937. The deli became a favorite with the Broadway…
Bagel Beach (sidewalk in front of the Stage Delicatessen)
The Stage Delicatessen, on 834 Seventh Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets in Manhattan, was opened by Russian immigrant Max Asnas (1898-1968) in 1937. The deli became a favorite with the Broadway…
Bagel Land
A bagel is a bread product with a hole in the center. The bagel -- like the donut, with its hole in the center -- has long symbolized the number "zero" or "0." The tennis…