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,…
Jack (GAC=grilled American cheese); Jack Benny/Jack Back (grilled American cheese with bacon)
Diner lingo shortens a "grilled American cheese sandwich" to "GAC." The term "GAC" is pronounced and often written as "Jack." A "Jack" with bacon…
Jack Rose (cocktail)
The Jack Rose is a cocktail containing applejack, grenadine, and lemon or lime juice. Some people have guessed that the name comes from applejack ("Jack") and Rose's lime juice…
Jamwich (jam + sandwich)
"Jamwich" is a word formed from the two words "jam" and "sandwich." In 2006, Pierre Foods trademarked the name "PB Jamwich" for its peanut butter and jelly…
Japanese Horseradish (wasabi)
Horseradish is often compared to wasabi. Wasabi was called "Japanese horseradish" in 1903 by American botanist and plant explorer David Fairchild (1869-1954). "An Expert Describes…
Jargarita (jar + margarita)
A "Jargarita" or "jargarita" (jar + margarita) is a margarita drink served in a jar, such as a Mason jar. The advantage this has is that the drink can be made to a larger size…
Jawbreaker (sandwich)
A "jawbreaker" is a large Italian sandwich that's so big and so stuffed that it could break one's jaw to eat all of it. "Sunday night supper is an especially popular time…
Jazz Brunch
A "jazz brunch" is a brunch (a breakfast/lunch meal usually served between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) that includes jazz music. Commander's Palace made the jazz brunch a tradition in New…
JD (chocolate milk)
"J. D." was soda jerk slang for a chocolate milk. The "J. D." comes from American industrialist John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937), who was said to have liked to drink chocolate…