Archive for 04/2007

You Have No Idea (El Paso slogan)

"You have no idea" is the 2007 slogan for El Paso. City leaders discovered that many people (both Texans and non-Texans) had no idea what El Paso was like. A previous El Paso slogan was…

Gustnado (Gust + Tornado)

A "gustnado" is a portmanteau of the words "gust" and "tornado." Gustnadoes are short-lived, shallow mini-cylcone formations that develop on a gust front along with…

Bloody Maria (cocktail)

The Bloody Maria is named after the Bloody Mary. However, instead of vodka and tomato juice (as in the Bloody Mary), the Bloody Maria has tequila and tomato juice. The Bloody Maria is cited from…

Chicken Kiev (Chicken a la Kiev)

Chicken Kiev (or Chicken a la Kiev) is named after the capital of the Ukraine. The origin of the dish is uncertain. Some hold that the dish was invented by Russian immigrants in cities such as New…

“Wreck ‘em, Tech” (Texas Tech)

"Wreck 'em, Tech" is disputed. Texas Tech claims that it's part of an old college slogan, but Red Raider Outfitter claims that it was not trademarked when they marketed…

Chocolate Brownie

Chocolate brownies are cited from at least 1898. There are 1896 and 1897 citations for "brownies," but these contained molasses and not chocolate. The name "brownie" was popular…

Frankfurter (Frankfort Sausage)

The "frankfurter" is associated with Nathan's (of Coney Island) and New York City, but the name comes from the city of Frankfurt (or Frankfort), Germany. The term "Frankfort…

Prickly Pear Cactus (official state plant)

The Texas prickly pear cactus was declared the official plant of Texas in 1995. The plant can be seen throughout southern Texas. State Symbols - Texas State Libraryplant PRICKLY PEAR CACTUSHouse…

Texas Hooker (or Panhandle Hook)

A "Panhandle Hook" is a low pressure system the originates in the Texas/Oklahoma panhandle, moves east, but then "hooks" to the upper Midwest. The term has been in use since at…

Panhandle Hook (or Texas Hooker)

A "Panhandle Hook" (sometimes called a "Texas Hooker") is a low pressure system the originates in the Texas/Oklahoma panhandle, moves east, but then "hooks" to the…

Sladeo (Slalom + Rodeo)

"Sladeo" is a San Marcos event that combines slalom racing and rodeo in paddling (kayaking and canoeing). The name "sladeo" has not yet been used outside the San Marcos event.…