West Broadway (pork and beans nickname)
"West Broadway" is a 19th century restaurant slang term for "pork and beans." The New York City slang was cited in print in 1874, but was seldom used by 1900. "Stars and…
West Sider or Westsider
A "West Sider" (or "Westsider," also lowercase "west sider" and "westsider") is someone who inhabits the west side of a geographical area.…
Western Wasabi (horseradish)
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…
Westoria (west + Astoria)
"Westoria" (west + Astoria) is a name coined in 2017 for west Astoria, Queens -- also called "Old Astoria" or "Old Astoria Village" -- in the area west of 21st Street,…
Westside Manhattan (cocktail)
The Westside Manhattan is a new name for the classic Manhattan cocktail. Included are whiskey and vermouth -- Irish whiskey, as this drink is popular on St. Patrick's Day. Angostura bitters…
Whac-A-Mole Season
The end of the session in Albany -- when the state budget is being approved -- is sometimes known as the "Whac-A-Mole" season. Special interest legislation pops up, to be passed through…
Whack Ass Queens or Whack Ass Queenz (Queens)
"Crack is Wack" is a famous Manhattan mural that was painted by Keith Haring (1958-1990) in 1986. "Wack" or "whack" comes from "wack" or "whacky,"…
Whackage
Barry Ritholtz's financial blog, The Big Picture, has been using the term "whackage" (whack + package/wreckage) since at least February 2006. A typical Friday blog headline is…
Whammy Bar (vibrato for guitar)
American singer and guitarist Lonnie Mack (1941-2016) had a 1963 hit song titled "Wham." Mack became known for the use of a vibrato bar on his guitar., which would soon be known as a…
Whataboutism
"Whataboutism" is a tactic to deflect criticism by bringing up an alleged defect of the criticizing party. For example, the United States might criticize Russia, only to be told,…
Whatchamacallit (what you may call it)
"Whatchamacallit" (what you may call it) is the name of a candy bar introduced in 1978 by The Hershey Company. The slang name is of unknown authorship. "Whatchamacallit" was…
Wheeler’s Which Close (“Don’t ask if—ask which” sales technique)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Closing (sales)Alternative choice close: also called the positive choice close, in which the salesperson presents the prospect with two choices, both of which…
When you leave New York…
"When you leave New York..." There are many ways to finish this, but all generally tell you that you're not going anywhere special. "When you leave New York you are camping…
Whenever (W subway line)
The W train has been called the "Whenever" train because service has not been frequent. The W train has received the poorest grades of any subway line and also has another unfortunate…
WHINO (whine + RINO)
“RINO" (Republican In Name Only) is a popular political term that has inspired other “in name only” terms. "WHINO" (whine + RINO) was coined by Kevin D. Williamson, who wrote…
Whiskey Sour
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Whiskey sourThe whiskey sour is a mixed drink containing whiskey (often bourbon), lemon juice, sugar, and optionally, a dash of egg white. With the egg white,…
Whiskey Wednesday
"Whiskey Wednesday" is a drinking slang name for a day of the week. Whiskey drinks are sold on this day, often at a reduced price. "Whiskey Wednesday" has been cited in print…
Whisper Number
A "whisper number" is an unofficial earnings estimate -- a rumor or "whispered number" among analysts. A company might project an official earnings estimate, but analysts often…
Whistleblower
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: WhistleblowerA whistleblower (
White Carnation (former official drink of the Belmont Stakes)
The White Carnation (vodka, peach schnapps, and orange juice) was the official drink of the Belmont Stakes from the 1980s until 1997, when it was replaced by the Belmont Breeze. The carnation is…