Big Olive (Thebes, Greece nickname)
The 1997 Disney animated movie Hercules called ancient Thebes, Greece, by the nickname "the Big Olive." A character said: "One town, a million troubles. The one and only Thebes. The…
Archive for 05/2006
Big Apricot (summary)
New York City is "the Big Apricot" in a Superman comic where the city is also called "Metropolis." Wikipedia: Metropolis (comics)Over the years, Metropolis' features have…
Cinderella City
New York City is "Cinderella City" in one comic. Wikipedia: Metropolis (comics)Metropolis is frequently depicted as being within driving distance of Gotham City, home of Batman. DC has on…
BLT (BMT) Sandwich (bacon, lettuce and tomato)
The BMT sandwich (Bacon Mit Tomato) was named after the NYC subway line at least as early as 1936. Subway restaurants trademarked its "Italian B.M.T." sandwich (sliced Genoa salami,…
Fat City
"Fat City" was the title of a book and a movie. The slang term ("easy street in fat city") meant to be well off. It is not known where this originated. "Fat" meant…
New York Heartbeat
A "New York heartbeat" is like a "New York minute" -- a very short period of time. The term was used frequently in the Broadway columns of Walter Winchell, from perhaps as early…
“Where America Greets the World” (JFK Airport)
"Where America Greets the World" is the new slogan for JFK Airport. The slogan was made for JFK's 50th anniversary in 1998. Wikipedia: John F. Kennedy International AirportJohn F.…
Easy Street
The Historical Dictionary of American Slang defines "easy street" as " a condition of easy and comfort, especially financial success. Also cap." There is no indication if…
Street Arab
"Street Arabs" (or "street arabs") was the name for the street kids in New York City in the 19th century. The terms "Arabs of the Street" and "City Arabs"…
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” (1929)
"Puttin' on the Ritz" was written by the legendary New York songwriter Irving Berlin in 1929. Another New Yorker, Mel Brooks, featured the song in his movie classic Young…
“Changing Lives Since 1812” (New York City Mission Society)
The New York City Mission Society is one of New York's oldest organizations. It began in 1812 as the New York Religious Tract Society. "Changing Lives Since 1812" is its proud…
“Hotel as Theater” (Royalton Hotel)
The Royalton Hotel, at 44 West 44th Street, has the slogan "Hotel as Theater." It's located in the theatre district. http://www.royaltonhotel.comThe groundbreaking Royalton, located…
City of Cities
New York City is sometimes called the "City of Cities." It hasn't been a popular nickname, but it's been used increasingly as of late.
Siren Music Festival (Village Voice)
The annual Siren Music Festival at Coney Island is sponsored by the Village Voice. http://www.villagevoice.com/siren/2005/press_042406.htmlThe Village Voice Announces Date for6th Annual Village…
New York City Tattoo Convention
The annual New York City Tattoo Convention is a new annual convention. http://www.nycvisit.com/calendar/eventIndex.cfm?pagePkey=9May 19, 2006-May 21, 20069th Annual New York City Tattoo…
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.…
“Grand Dame of Madison Avenue” (Roosevelt Hotel)
The Roosevelt Hotel opened in 1924 and was named after Theodore (not Franklin) Roosevelt. It's been called "the Grand Dame of Madison Avenue." The Copley Plaza is similarly called…
“A room and bath for two and one-half” (Commodore Hotel, now Grand Hyatt)
The Grand Hyatt at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue, next to Grand Central Terminal, used to be the Commodore Hotel. That hotel was named after "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt, the…
“New York’s Spanish Steps” (TKTS. booth)
The Theatre Development Fund's TKTS. booth in Times Square began in 1973, just a small shack selling discount theater tickets for performances on the same day. It quickly became a success.…
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…