Archive for 07/2009

Carrot-and-Stick (Stick-and-Carrot)

The "carrot-and-stick" approach was popularized by the article "The Carrot and the Stick" in The Economist of June 29, 1946. In the 19th century, several written sources…

Bankers’ Row

New York City is a banking capital and several streets were known as "bankers' row" (or "bankers row"). New York (NY) TimesCommercial Property/Midtown Manhattan; Town…

“Will work for food”

"Will work for food' is a saying that might appear on a crudely written cardboard sign, carried by a homeless person. It's the picture of despair. Although the saying seemingly dates…

Banana Republic

The banana-growing nations of Central America were called "banana republics' in the 1900s. Short story writer O. Henry (1862-1910) used the term "banana republic" in several of…

Bunnette

The Nathan's July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest is famous for its "gurgitators" (eaters), but it also has "bunnettes." A "bunnette" (from the hot dog…

Peaches and Cream

Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Peaches and CreamPeaches and Cream is a dessert made of peaches and cream. It is often served at ice cream stands and float shops. Many types of hard candy,…

Crepesadilla (crepe + quesadilla)

"Crepesadilla" is the name for a food that's part "crepe" and part "quesadilla." Like the quesadilla, the crepesadilla contains cheese and other fillings. Like…

“Tipping is not a city in China”

"Tipping is not a city in China" is a sentence placed on many restaurant tip jars, a friendly reminder to the customers that tips are welcome. The saying dates to at least 1975, when New…

Texlahoma (Tex-La-Homa)

"Texlahoma" can mean the areas of the states of Texas and Oklahoma. The term is often written as "Tex-La-Homa," meaning the areas of the states of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.…