Iowa: Idiots Out Wandering Around (backronym)
The "Iowa" state name comes from the Native American "Ioway" tribes, but some people give it a backronym (back acronym). ""Idiots Out Walking/Wandering Around" is…
Neighborhoods
Iraq (LeFrak City); Kuwait (Queensbridge)
More hip-hop, from a rap by Capone and Noreaga. "Iraq" and "Kuwait" are in very limited use - possibly deservedly so. (Google Groups)From: Dee Phunk (deephunk@aol.com)Subject:…
Irish Amnesia or Irish Alzheimer’s (to forget everything but the grudge)
"Irish Alzheimer's" is a jocular name for a supposed disease where an individual forgets everything except the grudges. The term was cited in the New York (NY) Post in 2000, when it…
Irish Coffee (Gaelic Coffee)
New York City has many Irish immigrants, but San Francisco claims the introduction of Irish coffee into America. San Francisco's Buena Vista Cafe's website states that writer Stanton…
Irish Grape (potato)
An "Irish grape" is a "potato," according to some slang. "We han meighl, and potatoes, too. My feyther use't to co' 'em Irish grapes" was printed in the…
Irish Handcuffs (alcoholic drinks in both hands)
"Irish handcuffs" is a slang term to describe having an alcoholic drink (such as a pint of Guinness) in each hand. "I spy him across the crowded room wearing Irish handcuffs, which…
Irish Nachos
"Irish nachos" are nachos with potatoes (something Ireland is famous for) used instead of tortilla chips. The same variety of toppings can be used, such as cheese, beans, onions, lettuce,…
Irish Riviera (Breezy Point)
Breezy Point (Far Rockaway) used to be called "the Irish Riviera." Spring Lake, New Jersey also claims the title. A newer nickname for the same area is "Hamptons West."…
Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread has long been a St. Patrick's Day treat. The name "Irish soda bread" dates in print to at least 1912, but the soda bread's "Irish" association became…
Irish Turkey (corned beef and cabbage)
Americans traditional eat turkey on Thanksgiving. A traditional Irish-American dish is corned beef and cabbage, and it's often nicknamed "Irish turkey." "Irish turkey with the…
Iron Lady (Eiffel Tower nickname)
"Iron Lady" ("La dame de fer" in French) is the popular nickname of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Although the Eiffel Tower was opened in 1889, the "Iron Lady"…
Iron Lady (Margaret Thatcher nickname)
"Iron Lady" ("La dame de fer" in French) is the popular nickname of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Although the Eiffel Tower was opened in 1889, the "Iron Lady"…
Iron Maiden or HEET (High Entrance/Exit Turnstile)
Did you ever go into the subway and see those metal bars in a revolving door-type entrance? That's an "iron maiden" or a "High Entrance/Exit Turnstile" (HEET). The HEETs…
Iron Pipeline (I-95)
Interstate-95 is called the "Iron Pipeline" because it's used to smuggle guns into New York City from the South. It's believed that the term originated in Georgia. 11 October…
Iron Triangle
A political "iron triangle" is when a special-interest lobby, the Congressional committee that the lobby appears before, and the bureaucracy that the committee reports to all affect each…
Iron Triangle (Willets Point)
The "Iron Triangle" in Queens is the area near Shea Stadium and the Flushing River that is filled with ugly car repair shops. There have been many plans made for this area, including its…
IRSS (IRS + SS)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) collects revenue for the United States government. In May 2013, an IRS scandal indicated that the agency (under a Democratic president) might have been used to…
Irvingite (inhabitant of Irving)
"Irvingite” is the name of an inhabitant of Irving, Texas. The name “Irvingite” has been cited in print since at least 1919. Wikipedia: Irving, TexasIrving (pronounced…
Island of Misfit Toys (Harry Chapin Playground, Brooklyn Heights)
Brooklyn's Harry Chapin Playground was a place where used toys could be dropped off so that other children could play with them. The playground was nicknamed "The Island of Misfit…
Isle of Tears or Island of Hope (Ellis Island Immigration Station)
The Ellis Island Immigration Station (1892-1954) is now a widely visited tourist destination. To those who were rejected at Ellis Island and were sent home, it was an "Isle of Tears" (or…