New York City

Big Auger

A "big auger" is an old west term for a "big shot." The term appears in western stories, such as those by Andy Adams (around 1900). A senator or governor or mayor or ranch owner…

Big Belly (trash compactor)

"Big Belly" has been introduced to New York City. It's a new, solar-powered trash can that could be on a corner near you. "Big Belly" is a trade name by Seahorse Power…

Big Blue; Big Blue Wrecking Crew

"Big Blue" is the nickname for the New York Giants football club, who used to play in Yankee Stadium, but who now play in Giants Stadium in...ahhh...New Jersey. There are other "Big…

Big Board

The New York Stock Exchange refers to itself as "the Big Board." The name is over 100 years old. 2 November 1897, Chicago Daily Tribune, pg. 1: Old Stock Exchange men agree that there…

Big Brothers (Big Sisters)

The "Big Brother" organization got its start in New York City in 1904. The organization now includes "Big Sisters." The honorary street sign on East 30th Street and Third Avenue…

Big Burg

"Big Burg" is a nickname for New York City (and other big cities) that was popular in the early 1900s, before the "Big Apple" 1920s citations. (Oxford English Dictionary)burg,…

Big Cave

Willie Morris (1934-1999) was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and became editor of Harper's magazine in 1967. An article in the June 1967 Harper's was titled "A provincial in New York:…

Big Cheese

"Big cheese" was a popular slang term in the 1900s, almost two decades before the "Big Apple" became popular in the 1920s. "Big cheese" is cited in print from at least…

Big Country

In January 1966, the Abilene (TX) Reporter-News held a contest to name its special area of Texas. The winning name (selected by several people) was "Big Country." The Big Country had been…

Big Crapple

For those who think "the Big Apple" is a load of crap, there's always "the Big Crapple." http://www.yaleherald.com/archive/xxvi/12.4.98/ae/1999.htmlThe Big Crapple?…

Big D (Dallas, Texas nickname)

"Big D," a nickname of Dallas, Texas, has been cited in print since at least the January 15, 1933, when it was printed in the Dallas (TX) Morning News. Texas broadcaster Lee Myres…