Only in New York
The New York Times has published a book collection of its FYI columns titled Only in New York (2004). A big red apple is on the cover of the book, but "the Big Apple" is never answered in…
Time/Weather
Only the little people pay taxes (attributed to Leona Helmsley)
Leona Helmsley (wife of Harry Helmsley, the real estate manager) was convicted of tax evasion. Her Connecticut housekeeper testified that, in 1983, Leona Helmsley told her that "only the…
Only the Strong Survive (Bronx, Brooklyn, or NYC slogan)
"The Bronx - Only the Strongest Will Survive" is a t-shirt saying. The same sentiment can be found in parts of Brooklyn. A University of Pittsburgh basketball player wrote "Only the…
OOBC (Original Off-Broadway Cast)
There are several theater initials: OBC = Original Broadway Cast (1994; Urban Dictionary, 2006)OBCR = Original Broadway Cast Recording (1994; Urban Dictionary, 2005)OOBC = Original Off-Broadway…
OOBCR (Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording)
There are several theater initials: OBC = Original Broadway Cast (1994; Urban Dictionary, 2006)OBCR = Original Broadway Cast Recording (1994; Urban Dictionary, 2005)OOBC = Original Off-Broadway…
OOPS (United Parcel Service or UPS nickname)
The United Parcel Service (UPS) is an international package delivery company that began in Seattle, Washington, in 1907. The nickname "OOPS" (a variant pronunciation of "UPS")…
Op-Ed (opposite editorial)
The New York Times started its now-famous "Op-Ed" section in 1970. However, "op-ed" ("opposite editorial") can be dated to the New York World in the 1920s. New York is…
Open House New York
"Open House New York" began in 2003 and was modeled after a similar event held in London. People are invited to New York spaces normally off-limits to the general public.…
Operation American Spring (#AmericanSpring)
"American Spring" has been mentioned infrequently since at least early 2011, after the Arab Spring revolutions that began in December 2010. The Twitter term #AmericanSpring became popular…
Operation Chaos
"Operation Chaos" was coined by conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh in March 2008, when he urged listeners to vote in the Democratic presidential primary for Hillary Clinton against…
Operation Twist (Operation Nudge)
The Federal Reserve's "Operation Nudge" (cited in print from April 9, 1961) was renamed "Operation Twist" (cited in print from August 20, 1963), after a song and dance…
OpEx (Operational Expenditure)
"OpEx" (also "OPEX" and "opex") stands for "operational expenditure" or "operational expense" or "operating expenditure" or…
Opiniotainment (opinion + entertainment)
"Opiniotainment" (opinion + edutainment) is sometimes used to describe a television show of news opinion on the Fox News Channel or on MSNBC. The term "opiniotainment" has been…
Opinutainment (opinion + education + entertainment)
"Opinutainment" (opinion + edutainment; opinion + education + entertainment) is sometimes used to describe a television show of news opinion on the Fox News Channel or on MSNBC. A 2007…
OPM (Other People’s Money)
Entry in progress -- B.P. BusinessDictionary.comother people's money (OPM) Money borrowed as unsecured loans, or contributed by smaller stockholders (shareholders). Equated with its…
Orange County (orange soda and vanilla ice cream)
What's The Scoop? ice cream shop in Goshen (Orange County, New York) offers a drink called the "Orange County" (orange soda and vanilla ice cream). The "Orange County"…
Orange Heads or Orangeheads (UT Longhorns fans)
The University of Texas Longhorns athletic teams have the official team colors of burnt orange. Longhorns supporters have been called "orange heads" (or "orangeheads"), mostly…
Orange Julius & Orange Juice Gulch
Times Square used to be known as "Orange Juice Gulch." It appears that Walter Winchell coined this term in the New York Graphic in 1928. (Unfortunately, the New York Public Library…
Orchid Show (New York Botanical Garden)
The annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a new event, but an increasingly popular one. http://www.nybg.org/plan_your_visit/event_detail.php?id_event=6402/25/2006 - 4/2/2006The…
Order Sniping (prank)
"Order sniping" is a prank popularized by Dominic Harris in his YouTube video, "Drive Thru Order Sniping Prank," published on December 19, 2013. The video appeared on the…