Smart Alec
Gerald Cohen did research on the New York City origins of "smart alec." A piece on "smart alec" appeared in a New York Times "F.Y.I." column in 2002. Gerald Cohen…
Food/Drink
Smart Fork
HAPILABS introduced the HAPIfork -- dubbed a "smart fork" -- at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2013. The fork keeps track of eating habits and vibrates and lights…
Smart Money
"Smart money" -- money that sophisticated, high-rolling people spend -- is a term that has been used in horseracing since at least 1893. The term "smart money" has also been…
Smartaculous (smart + spectacular + fabulous/marvelous)
"Sometimes I make words up to sound more smartaculous" is a jocular saying that has been printed on many images. "Smartaculous" is a portmanteau from the words "smart"…
SMASH (Salmon, Mackerel, Anchovies, Sardines, Herring)
SMASH (Salmon-Mackerel-Anchovies-Sardines-Herring or Sardines-Mackerel-Anchovies-Salmon-Herring) is an acronym for fatty fish high in Omega-3. The acronym has been used since at least 1996. Google…
Smashed Potatoes
"Smashed potatoes" was, originally, another way of saying "mashed potatoes." The term "smashed potatoes" has been cited in print since at least 1859. The books Maine…
Smashed Saturday
"Smashed Saturday" is a drinking slang name for a day of the week. Alcoholic drinks are sold on this day, often at a reduced price. “Smashed Saturday” has been cited in print since at…
Smiley Face
Smiling faces have existed for a very long time, but who invented the "smiley"? In 1962-63, WMCA's 'Good Guys" radio station had a logo of a "smiley" -- a…
Smithsonian of Texas (Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum)
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas, was called "the Smithsonian of Texas" by its director, Guy C. Vanderpool, in the November 2007 Texas Highways. The PPHM is the…
Smoasting (social media boasting); Smoaster (social media boaster)
"Smoasting" (social media boasting) was coined by T-Mobile in June 2012. People travel, then take photos and boast about it. "Smoaster" was cited in a Daily Mail (UK) article on…
Smoke-Eater; Smoke-Chewer
"Smoke-eaters" are firefighters, also known as New York's "Bravest." "Smoke-chewer" isn't used today, but the 1884 citation below is interesting.…
Smoke-Filled Room
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Smoke-filled roomIn U.S. political slang, a smoke-filled room is a secret political gathering or decision-making process. The phrase is generally used to…
Smoke-vide (smoke + sous-vide)
"Smoke-vide" (smoke + sous-vide) is a seemingly unlikely combination of cooking styles. The award-winning IQUE barbecue team of Andy Husbands -- also the chef/owner of Tremont 647 (647…
Smokeasy or Smoke-easy (smoke + speakeasy)
A "speakeasy" was a place where alcoholic drinks were illegally sold. The term "speakeasy" means that customers should inquire secretly about the illegal product;…
Smokeout (barbecue cookout/festival)
The term "smokeout" usually refers to the American Cancer Society's "Great American Smokeout" -- a day when people are encouraged to give up smoking. The American Cancer…
Smokra (okra with smoked paprika brine)
In 2006, Rick Fields (founder of "Rick's Picks" pickles) introduced "Smokra" -- pickled okra with smoked paprika brine. The new product quickly became a favorite and has…
Smoky City (summary)
The Dictionary of Americanisms has 1853 for "Iron City" and 1850 for "Smoky City." "Steel City" would come in the 1890s. All are connected to the same industry and are…
Smonday (Sunday + Monday)
"Smonday" is a portmanteau of the words "Sunday" and "Monday." "Smonday: The moment when Sunday stops feeling like a Sunday and the anxiety of Monday kicks…
Smoothie (Smoothee, Smoothy)
A "smoothie" (or "smoothee" or "smoothy") was originally someone or something that is "smooth." The "You're an Old Smoothie" Broadway song…
Snaccident (snack + accident)
"Snaccident" (snack + accident) was entered in the Urban Dictionary on May 16, 2007, defined as "When food (a snack) is consumed in an accidental, often regrettable way." Rob…