Fudge
"Fudge" (a candy) appears to have received its name at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1892-1893. The word "fudge" had long been an exclamation ("Oh, fudge!);…
Archive for /P37460
“Buy land—they ain’t making any more of it”
"Buy land -- they're not making any more of it" is a statement that has been attributed to folk humorist Will Rogers (1879-1935) since the 1960s. The saying -- like almost all…
“Money doesn’t grow on trees” (financial proverb)
"Money doesn't grow on trees" (or, in a 19th century form, "Money don't grow on trees") is an old financial proverb meaning that money isn't made easily, simply…
“How to make a small fortune on Wall Street” (start with a large one)
Question: How do you make a small fortune on Wall Street?Answer; Start with a large one! This old joke is of unknown origin, but it dates at least to the 1950s. While it's been used to refer…
Charlotte Russe
The charlotte russe (sometimes capitalized as "Charlotte Russe") has been called "Brooklyn ambrosia," although the Bronx also claims the dessert. In the first half of the 1900s…
Origin of “Canuck” (“Johnny Canuck”) - summary
Entry in progress. More digitized Canadian material due in about a month. -- B.P. Wikipedia: Canuck"Canuck" is a slang term for Canadians. HistoryThe term was coined in the 19th century,…
Poverty Pimp (Povitician)
"Poverty pimp" is a term dating from at least 1970 to describe a person who claims to help people in poverty, but who actually helps himself or herself in the process. Often, a government…
White Russian (cocktail)
The "White Russian" cocktail is made from vodka, coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua or Tia Maria), and cream. The "Black Russian" cocktail does not include cream. Heublein, Inc.,…
Black Russian (cocktail)
The "Black Russian" cocktail contains vodka and coffee liqueur (such as Kahlua or Tia Maria). The cocktail is cited in print from October 25, 1956, when this was printed in the San…
Mexican Cranberries (cranberries + jalapeños)
"Mexican Cranberries" is a name given to a dish of cranberry sauce, with jalapeño pepper jelly and cilantro. The recipe appears to have originated in Southern Living magazine in the…
Mambo Taxi (cocktail)
"Mambo Taxi" is the signature drink of the Mi Cocina restaurants (Dallas and other locations) and Taco Diner restaurants. The drink recipe is secret, but it's widely believed to…
Brisket Taco
The "taco" is a Mexican sandwich that dates in English to around 1900, but the "brisket taco" was popularized in the 1980s at Mia's Tex-Mex Restaurant in Dallas. Several…
“Dollars to doughnuts”
"Dollars to doughnuts" (or "I'll bet dollars to doughnuts") means a sure thing, a certainty; someone will put up something to substance to something worth much less that a…
Ponche Navideño or Ponche de Navidad (Mexican Christmas Punch)
Texans of Mexican heritage often serve a traditional Ponche Navideño or Ponche de Navidad (Christmas Punch). The drink is usually made with tecojotes (a Mexican fruit resembling a crabapple, not…
Rats With Antlers (deer nickname)
Texas has a large deer population. Many Texans view deer as a nuisance, calling them "rats with antlers." John McPhee of The New Yorker wrote an essay for the November 25, 1984 issue,…
Bloody Mary (cocktail) & Celery Stalk/Celery Stick Stirrer
The "Bloody Mary" cocktail is often accompanied by a celery stalk (or "celery stick") stirrer. It is often stated that this combination was invented at Chicago's Ambassador…
Turkey Dance (Thanksgiving football sack dance) & Funky Chicken Dance
The Dallas Cowboys traditionally play a home football game on Thanksgiving ("Turkey Day"). On November 27, 2008, the Cowboys defense recorded seven quarterback sacks. After each sack, the…
New York of India (summary)
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is one of the most populated cities of the world. It is India's financial center, fashion center, and film center, although it is not the capital. Mumbai (Bombay) has…
“Never order salad at a barbecue joint”
Good barbecue comes with sides (such as potato salad), but a rule of thumb often given is to "never order a salad at a barbecue joint." Most barbecue places don't serve salads,…
Turkey Tamale Pie (Turkey Tamales)
Tamales are often made with pork, but turkey tamales have been popular on Thanksgiving. "Turkey tamales" are cited in print from at least 1897. A turkey tamale pie often includes…