Texas (Lone Star State Dictionary)

Reverse Mortgage

A reverse mortgage is a mechanism available to seniors allowing them to stay in their homes, but to withdraw the equity in the home; it is also called a reverse annuity mortgage (RAM). The term…

Reverse Showrooming

"Showrooming" occurs when someone browses a brick and mortar "showroom" store for a product (such as a book or electronics), but then buys it online (where it can often be…

Rhubarb (a heated dispute)

The term "rhubarb" (meaning a heated dispute) is sometimes said to have started in 1938 or 1939, when a Brooklyn Dodgers fan shot and killed a New York Giants fan in an argument. New York…

Rib-Off

A "rib-off" (not a "rip-off," and having nothing to do with "Adam's rib") is also called a "rib cook-off." It's a cooking contest where ribs and…

Rich Boy (sandwich)

New Orleans, Louisiana, is known for its "poor boy" ("po' boy") sandwich. However, at about the same time as the birth of the "po' boy," Martin J. Cull…

Richmond County Fair

The annual Richmond County (Staten Island) Fair began in 1979 and has a little bit of everything. The event benefits the Staten Island Historical Society and Historic Richmond Town. Historic…

Rickey (Gin Rickey; Lime Rickey)

The "rickey" drink is named after Colonel Joe Rickey of Missouri (who died in New York City in 1903). The drink was first mixed by George Williamson at Shoomaker's in Washington,…