Ice Cream Fruit (cherimoya nickname)
The cherimoya is a fruit of the species Annona cherimola and is commonly found in Peru. as well as other parts of South America and Central America. It has been called the "ice cream…
Ice Cream Sandwich
Several newspaper citations indicate that the "ice cream sandwich" was invented (or at least popularized) about July 1900 in New York City. One newspaper citation mentions Wall Street and…
Ice Cream Soda
The invention of the ice cream soda is usually attributed to Robert M. Green of Philadelphia (at the Franklin Institute in 1874) or Fred Sanders of Detroit (in 1880). John Robertson and Francis…
Iced Tea
"Iced tea" (cited since at least the 1830s) is a popular drink in the South. About 1868, iced tea became popular in New York City. In early cookbooks, the drink is also sometimes referred…
IDGAF (I Don’t Give Away Food)
"IDGAF" normally stands for "I Don't Give A Fuck," but it has been given the jocular backronym (back acronym) of "I Don't Give Away Food." "IDGAF I…
IITYWIMWYBMAD (“If I tell you what it means will you buy me a drink?”)
"IITYWIMWYBMAD" or "IITYWIM WYBMAD" ("If I tell you what it means, will you buy me a drink?") is a texting initialism that has been printed on many gift items, such as…
Imperial Chicken
There are at least two versions of "Imperial Chicken." A "Imperial Chicken" version with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, parsley and garlic was printed in the Ladies'…
Incontinental Breakfast (incontinent + continental breakfast)
A "continental breakfast" is a light breakfast (such as juice, cereal and pastries) that's often served in a hotel. There is no such thing as an "incontinental breakfast"…
Indeslicesive (indecisive + slice)
"Indeslicesive" (indecisive + slice) means that someone can't decide on what slice to eat. The jokes usually involve a pizza slice, but the term could apply to other slices (such as…
Indigestive Biscuit
The digestive biscuit originated in Scotland. There is no "indigestive biscuit," but there are jokes. "So...what do we have in the US...'indigestive' biscuits???" was…
Irish Coffee (Gaelic Coffee)
New York City has many Irish immigrants, but San Francisco claims the introduction of Irish coffee into America. San Francisco's Buena Vista Cafe's website states that writer Stanton…
Irish Grape (potato)
An "Irish grape" is a "potato," according to some slang. "We han meighl, and potatoes, too. My feyther use't to co' 'em Irish grapes" was printed in the…
Irish Handcuffs (alcoholic drinks in both hands)
"Irish handcuffs" is a slang term to describe having an alcoholic drink (such as a pint of Guinness) in each hand. "I spy him across the crowded room wearing Irish handcuffs, which…
Irish Soda Bread
Irish soda bread has long been a St. Patrick's Day treat. The name "Irish soda bread" dates in print to at least 1912, but the soda bread's "Irish" association became…
Irish Turkey (corned beef and cabbage)
Americans traditional eat turkey on Thanksgiving. A traditional Irish-American dish is corned beef and cabbage, and it's often nicknamed "Irish turkey." "Irish turkey with the…
Italian Hot Dog
The "Italian hot dog" was invented at Jimmy Buff's restaurant at 14th Avenue and 9th Street, Newark, New Jersey, that was opened in 1932 by James "Buff" Racioppi. The dish…
Italian Hurricane (spaghetti with garlic sauce)
"Italian hurricane" is lunch room slang for spaghetti with garlic sauce. "Spaghetti and garlic: One Italian hurricane" was printed in the Middletown (NY) Times Herald on January…
Italian Ice
Italian ice (also known as "water ice") is similar to a snow cone or a piragua (Puerto Rico). Each summer, many street vendors and Italian restaurants offer the flavored ice treat.…
Italian Sandwich
Entry in progress -- B.P. The long list of the names of sandwiches served on long rolls includes blimpie, bomber, Cuban (medianoche), Dagwood, garibaldi, gondola, grinder, hero, hoagie, jawbreaker,…
Italian Sandwich (“big sandwich” from Angelo Basso)
Angelo Basso of Genoa came to New York City about 1868 and is credited for popularizing the Italian sandwich, which he sold for a nickel. This would later be called the "hero" sandwich,…