Hammunition (ham + ammunition)
"Hammunition" (ham + ammunition) was the "Fake Word of the Day" on the blog Dougtionary in 2008, where it meant "food thrown in a food fight." In 2013, the company…
Buildings/Housing/Parks
Hamptons West (Far Rockaway)
Far Rockaway in Queens has called itself "Hamptons West" since 2001, largely from promotion by Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. The Hamptons are the expensive vacation areas on…
Hand Money Over (HMO nickname)
Many people have found that health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are expensive. The HMO backronym (back acronym) of "Hand Money Over" has been cited in print since at least 1996.…
Handwich (hand + sandwich)
"Handwich" (hand + sandwich) is a term that various eating establishments have given to their food. "Handwich" has been infrequently used and the food items are not standard.…
Hanging for murder is played out in New York
"Hanging for murder is played out in New York" is a phrase associated with the Tombs prison in early 1870. 2 April 1970, Punchinello, pp. 3-4:PUNCHINELLO will only add that he would at…
Hangman’s Elm or Hanging Tree (English Elm in Washington Square Park)
The Hangman's Elm or Hanging Tree is the elm in the northwest corner of Washington Square Park. It's said to be over 300 years old. It is also said that several hangings occurred from…
Hangover (Hang-over)
A hangover (also spelled "hang over" and "hang-over") often results from the over-consumption of alcoholic beverages. "Hang over" meaning something "hanging…
Hangover Breakfast
A "hangover" is a result of drinking too much; a "hangover breakfast" is the first meal taken after a night's drinking spree. The term "hangover breakfast" is…
Hangover Brunch
The words "hangover" and "brunch" were introduced in the 1890s and 1900s, but they weren't put together as "hangover brunch" until 1950 (the first recorded…
Hangry (hungry + angry)
"Hangry" (hungry + angry) is a term for anger induced by hunger. If a restaurant is slow to deliver food, the customers could get "hangry." "Hangry for hungry and…
Hangtown Fry
"Hangtown fry" is a dish of bacon and oysters and eggs, fried together. "Hangtown" is the old name of what is now Placerville, California. Some legends state that the dish…
Hanukkah Gelt
Jewish children celebrating Hanukkah or Chanukah (the Festival of Lights) traditionally have received "Hanukkah gelt" (money), which the children would spend on candies or on a charitable…
Hanukkah Gelt
Jewish children celebrating Hanukkah or Chanukah (the Festival of Lights) traditionally have received "Hanukkah gelt" (money), which the children would spend on candies or on a charitable…
Happetite (happy + appetite)
"Happetite" (happy + appetite) is a portmanteau word that has been used for online screen names and for business names. A person who loves barbecue and goes to one has a…
Happier Hour
The "happy hour" is usually the time an establishment serves reduced-price drinks; "happy hour" has been cited in print since at least 1951. Taco Bell trademarked "happier…
Happy Family (Chinese dish)
"Happy Family" is a popular Chinese-American dish at many restaurants, but the ingredients can vary. Ch'uen chi fu ("happy family") was cited in the Brooklyn (NY) Daily…
Happy Hour
"Happy hour" originally meant an "hour of happiness" (often childhood happiness) and is cited in print from about 1702. The term "happy hour" was used in the navy…
Happy Minute (similar to “happy hour”)
Many bars and restaurants have a "happy hour." Some people have suggested a "happy munute." "Happy minute should replace hour" was published by the BBC on March 7,…
Happy Together (Chinese dish of shrimp and chicken)
"Happy Together" is a Chinese-American restaurant dish, perhaps inspired by the song "Happy Together" (1967) by the American rock band the Turtles. "HAPPY TOGETHER .. 8.95…
Happy Waitress (grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and tomato)
The "Happy Waitress" is a diner classic dish that consists of an open-face grilled cheese sandwich with tomato and bacon, usually served with a side order of french fries. The dish has…