1930s: Jazzing the Big Apple

Talk Radio

Talk radio was born in New York City. Barry Gray is credited as the "Father of Talk Radio." In the 1950s, Gray conducted his chatter on WMCA from midnight-3 a.m. at Chandler's…

Talk Turkey (Talking Turkey)

To "talk turkey" originally meant to say pleasant things to the listener. Over the years, however, the term "talk cold turkey" -- shortened to "talk turkey" -- meant…

Tall City (Midland nickname)

The city of Midland in West Texas has been called the "Tall City" because of the tall buildings in its central business district. Midland (midway between Fort Worth and El Paso) was a…

Tall-Building Lawyer (TBL)

A "tall-building lawyer" is a lawyer who works in a tall building (or, in other words, a "city lawyer"). A "tall-building lawyer" (TBL) is a corporate lawyer and is…

Tamal (Tamale)

The tamal (or tamale) is an ancient (pre-Columbian) Mexican food that's popular throughout the southwestern United States. Texas Tamale CompanyTexas Tamale Seasonal SpecialsChristmas Tamale…

Tamalada (tamale-making party)

The tamal (tamale) can take a long time to properly prepare. Tamales are often served on Christmas (and other festive occasions); before the occasion, a tamalada (tamale-making party) is usually…

Tamale Boat

A "tamale boat" is a tamale with chili, onions, and (sometimes) cheese. If served in a hot dog bun, it's called a "mother-in-law sandwich." Although tamales are popular in…

Tamalero (tamale vendor)

A tamalero is a tamale vendor. The vendors were popular in Texas in the late 19th century. 24 November 1886, Galveston (TX) Daily News, pg. 1:The tamalero, on receiving what may prove to be his…

Tammany Hall

(Oxford English Dictionary)Tammany a. The name of the central organization of the Democratic party in the City (formerly also in the State) of New York, located in Tammany Hall, in 14th Street, New…

Tampa: The Big Guava

After the 1970s popularity of "the Big Apple," everybody started getting into the act. "Big Guava" (for Tampa, Florida) is from the 1970s, but it remains popular. Tampa…

Tanked Tuesday

"Tanked Tuesday" is a drinking slang name for a day of the week. Alcoholic drinks are sold on this day, often at a reduced price. “Tanked Tuesday” has been cited in print since at…

Tanks for the Memories (Killeen slogan)

The city of Killeen is located next to Fort Hood, first built in 1942 to feature a new Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center. In the late 1980s, Killeen officially adopted the slogan,…