Marfa (summary)
The city of Marfa in West Texas had long thought to have been named by a railroad executive's wife after reading a Russian novel. ("Marfa" is Russian for the woman's name…
Marfa Lights
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Marfa lightsThe Marfa lights or the Marfa ghost lights are unexplained lights (known as "ghost lights") usually seen near U.S. Route 67 on Mitchell…
Marfaite (inhabitant of Marfa)
"Marfaite” is the name of an inhabitant of Marfa, Texas. The name “Marfaite” has been cited in print since at least 1910. An inhabitant of Marfa has also been called a “Marfan”…
Marfan (inhabitant of Marfa)
"Marfan” is the name of an inhabitant of Marfa, Texas. The name “Marfan” has been cited in print since at least 1933. "Marfan" is, perhaps, a less than ideal name because it…
Margarita (cocktail)
The "Margarita" (Spanish for "daisy") cocktail is a world-famous tequila-based cocktail, made with Triple Sec (or Cointreau) and lime juice and often served in a salt-rimmed…
Margarita Cheesecake
Margarita cheesecake is a happy blend of the Margarita cocktail and the New York cheesecake. It's not known who invented the dish or where, but Margarita cheesecake was served in Chicago in…
Margarita Chicken (Chicken Margarita)
"Margarita Chicken" or "Chicken Margarita" is another name for "Tequila Chicken" or "Chicken Tequila." Like a Margarita cocktail after which it was named,…
Margarita Pie
The Margarita pie is the edible version of that famous drink, the Margarita cocktail. While the Margarita cocktail may have Texas origins in the 1940s, the Margarita pie origins are unknown. The…
Marranitos or Cochinitos or Puerquitos (little gingerbread pigs)
"Marranitos" or "cochintos" or "puerquitos" are Latin American pastries that mean literally "little pigs." They're often called "gingerbread…
Marriage Without Formalities (Common Law Marriage)
Texas recognizes common law marriage, called "marriage without formalities." If two people live together and hold themselves out to be married, it is possible that they will be recognized…
Marshallite (inhabitant of Marshall)
"Marshallite” is the name of an inhabitant of Marshall, Texas. The name “Marshallite” has been cited in print since at least 1864. Wikipedia: Marshall, TexasMarshall is a city in…
Maverick
"Maverick" is so popular that basketball's Dallas Mavericks have this word as their nickname. The word "maverick" can be used as a noun or a verb. (Oxford English…
McAllenite (inhabitant of McAllen)
"McAllenite" is the name of an inhabitant of McAllen, Texas. The name "McAllenite" has been cited in print since at least 1884. Wikipedia: McAllen, TexasMcAllen is the largest…
McKinneyite (inhabitant of McKinney)
"McKinneyite” is the name of an inhabitant of McKinney, Texas. The name “McKinneyite” has been cited in print since at least 1886. Wikipedia: McKinney, TexasMcKinney is a city in and the…
Meat and Three (Meat and Two)
"Meat and three" (or "meat 'n' three") is a restaurant that serves meat and three (usually vegetable) sides. The term has become popular in Nashville (TN), but many…
Meat Goat Capital of America (Mills County nickname)
Mills County is known as the Meat Goat Capital of America. In the past twenty years, goats have become a major industry in Mills County -- so much so that goats outnumber people! Handbook of Texas…
Memela (appetizer)
Memelas are antojitos (appetiizers or snacks) from Oaxaca, similar to tlayudas/clayudas (Oaxacan "Mexican pizza"). Oaxacan memelas are a local name for the identical sopes that are served…
Menudo
Menudo is a tripe stew. It's been cited in English from about 1900. 25 September 1904, Mexican Herald, pg. 9, col. 2:Peon Restaurant of City of Mexico:"Square Meals" For From Two…
Mess Box
The "mess box" is a pantry that old-time cooks had attached to the rear or their "mess wagons." A "mess wagon" was also called a "chuck wagon," and its…
Mess Wagon
The "mess wagon" is an earlier name for the "chuck wagon" (designated the official Texas state vehicle by the legislature). The term "mess wagon" was current in the…