1930s: Jazzing the Big Apple

Whoopie Pie (Whoopee Pie)

Whoopie pies (also spelled "whoopee") are often claimed to be a Pennsylvania Dutch treat, but dessert cookbook author Nancy Baggett found recipes in Pennsylvania cookbooks since only the…

Whore Derve (hors d’oeuvre)

"Hors d'oeuvres" is difficult for many Americans to spell. The term has nothing to do with whores, but there are jokes. "First the simple whore derves" was printed in The…

Wichitan (inhabitant of Wichita Falls)

"Wichitan” is the name of an inhabitant of Wichita Falls, Texas. The name “Wichitan" has been cited in print since at least 1910. Wikipedia: Wichita Falls, TexasWichita Falls is a…

Wigstock

"Wigstock" is an annual drag festival. http://www.wigstock.nu/history/history.htmlHISTORY OF WIGSTOCK Late one night in the spring of '84 a drunken group of friends, seeking more…

Wild and Woolly

"Wild and woolly" (often spelled "wild and wooly," but almost never in the reverse as "woolly and wild") often describes an animal, but was used to describe cowboys…

Wild West (Wild Wild West)

"Wild West" (often written as "wild west" and "wild West") has been a popular nickname for the far west region of America since at least 1823. The term was so common…