Honky Tonk (not from Tonk pianos)
It's sometimes said that the term "honky tonk" derives from William A. Tonk's pianos that were manufactured in New York. The first cited term for "honky tonk" was the…
New York City
Honorary Texan
"Honorary Texan" appears on gift items at many Texas tourist shops. It's often a joke item, bestowed on a person who was (unfortunately for him or her) not born in the state of…
Hoofer (a dancer)
Entry in progress -- B.P. (Oxford English Dictionary)hoofer n. slang (orig. U.S.) a dancer.1923 N.Y. Times 9 Sept. vii. 2/1 Hoofer, a dancer, also a heel-beater. Chronicling America12 January 1911,…
Hooker
This term is often, incorrectly, "credited" to Civil War General Joseph Hooker and the exploits of his men (1860s) in Washington, D.C. Not that Washington doesn't have hookers, but…
Hoop-and-the-Harm (a basket and a foul shot)
If a basketball player scores a basket, but also gets a foul shot for a three-point play, that player gets "the hoop and the harm" or "the hoop and some harm." "A hoop and…
Hope Bubble
A "hope bubble" is a a philosophy of hope that someone has. "Hope bubble" has been cited in print since at least 2002, but the term became popular since 2008. Barack Obama…
Hope Island (Broadway and West 47th Street, outside Palace Theatre)
New York's Palace Theatre at 1564 Broadway (at West 47th Street) was the biggest vaudeville venue. Performers (often waiting for auditions and calls) could be found on the sidewalk in front of…
Hope Island (Broadway and West 47th Street, outside Palace Theatre)
New York's Palace Theatre at 1564 Broadway (at West 47th Street) was the biggest vaudeville venue. Performers (often waiting for auditions and calls) could be found on the sidewalk in front of…
Hoping your news is good news
ABC-TV's "Eyewitness News" had its glory years in the 1970s, with Roger Grimsby as the anchor. Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" often parodied "Eyewitness…
Hopium (hope + opium)
"Hopium" (hope + opium) has been cited in print since at least 2003 to describe a drug of addicting "hope." Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign used "hope and…
Hopkins County Stew
Hopkins County, Texas created its famous Hopkins County stew sometime about 1900. There are many recipes for it and an annual competition is held. Sulphur Springs News-TelegramHOPKINS COUNTY…
Hoppin’ John or Hopping John (Limping Kate; Limping Susan)
"Hoppin' John" (or "Hopping John") is a popular dish in Charleston, South Carolina, but it's also served throughout the South. The dish consists of black-eyed peas…
Horchata
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: HorchataHorchata or orxata is the name for several kinds of vegetable beverages, made of ground almonds, sesame seeds, rice, barley or tigernuts (chufas).…
Horndog High (James Madison High School nickname)
Brooklyn's James Madison High School was dubbed "Horndog High" by the New York (NY) Daily News in December 2009, after two language teachers were caught by a janitor for apparently…
Horrible Body Odor (HBO nickname)
HBO (Home Box Office) is is an American premium cable and satellite television network. "B.O." is old 1930s slang for "body odor." "Horrible Body Odor" (or…
Horrible Body Odour (HBO nickname)
HBO (Home Box Office) is is an American premium cable and satellite television network. "B.O." is old 1930s slang for "body odor." "Horrible Body Odor" (or…
Horrible Horseshoe & Hogan’s Alley (Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth)
Fort Worth's Colonial Country Club holds an annual PGA event and is recognized as one of America's best golf courses. Ben Hogan (1912-1997) lived in Fort Worth and won the Colonial five…
Horse Ballet (dressage nickname)
"Dressage" is a French term meaning "training," where a horse and rider perform predetermined movements. Dressage is often called "horse ballet." "Col.…
Horse Opera
The "horse opera" was an early name for the western (in radio and on the movie screen), dating from at least 1923. The term "horse opera" had long been in use before that,…
Horseshit Beach (Orchard Beach)
Orchard Beach in the Bronx was opened by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses in the 1930s; it was so grand that it was called “the Riviera of New York"/"Bronx Riviera." The beach soon…