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…
Buildings/Housing/Parks
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…
Snackle Box or Snacklebox (snack + tackle box)
Entry in progress -- BP Wikipedia: Fishing tackleTackle boxesFishing tackle boxes have for many years been an essential part of the anglers equipment. Fishing tackle boxes were originally made of…
Snackrifice (snack + sacrifice)
"Snackrifice" (snack + sacrifice) is the sacrifice of a snack (because of dietary or other concerns). The term "snackrifice" was popularized in 2009 in a trademarked ad campaign…
Snackwave
"Snackwave" was coined by Hazel Cills and Gabrielle Noone, as explained in this tweet on December 15, 2013 from Cills: "last night @twelveoclocke and I coined 'snackwave'…
SNAFU (Situation Normal—All Fouled Up)
"SNAFU" is a World War II term that means "Situation Normal -- All Fouled Up." The actual term was probably "Situation Normal -- All Fucked Up." "That…
Snail (pastry)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Pain aux raisinsPain aux raisins (French pronunciation: [pɛ̃ o ʁɛ.zɛ̃]) or escargot (French pronunciation: [ɛs.kaʁ.ɡo]) is a spiral pastry often…