World’s Largest Hotel Lobby (San Antonio River Walk nickname)
The San Antonio River Walk passes by many downtown hotels. The "world's largest hotel lobby" has been an untrademarked nickname of the River Walk. "We have the world's…
World’s Richest Acre (oil-rich acre in Kilgore)
The East Texas Oil Field was discovered in 1930; oil was discovered in the city of Kilgore in 1937. The acre at Commerce and Main streets was called the "world's richest acre" by…
World’s Toughest Boat Race (Texas Water Safari)
The Texas Water Safari began in 1963; the route is 262 miles from San Marcos to Seadrift, Texas. "The world's toughest boat race" -- a trademarked name -- was cited in print in April…
Wow Boys or Wowboys (Dallas Cowboys nickname)
"Wow Boys" was the nickname given to the 1940 Stanford Indians college football team that went undefeated and won the 1941 Rose Bowl. The use of the T-formation by the "Wow…
Wrecking Crew (Texas A&M football defense)
"Wrecking Crew" was the nickname of the Texas A&M Aggies football team's defense in the late 1980s. The nickname was coined by then-Aggie safety Chet Brooks, based on how he…
Wronghorns (satire of UT “Longhorns” nickname)
"Wronghorns" is what some people call the University of Texas Longhorns (especially if they lose a game). It's also what some people have called the Texas A&M Aggies. The context…
XIT City (Dalhart nickname)
The incredibly large XIT Ranch was 3,000,000 acres and was traded to its owners so that Texas could pay for the construction of just one building -- the state capitol in Austin. The XIT Ranch (the…
Y’all
"Y'all" (for "you all") is used throughout the South. "Howdy, y'all" quickly identifies someone from Texas. "Y'all come back" is heard at many…
Y’all Mahal (Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington)
Cowboys Stadium (the new stadium for the Dallas Cowboys football team, located in Arlington, TX) was completed in May 2009. The stadium was so expensive and iconic that it was compared to…
YallQaeda or Y’all Qaeda (y’all + al-Qaeda)
Entry in progress -- B.P. y'all Similar terms include "Vanilla ISIS" and "Yeehawdist." Wikipedia: al-QaedaAl-Qaeda (/ælˈkaɪdə/ or /ˌælkɑːˈiːdə/; Arabic:…
Yamboree
The city of Gilmer in East Texas has held its yam festival, called Yamboree, since 1935. It's said to be the oldest continuing food festival in Texas. Handbook of Texas OnlineGILMER, TEXAS.…
Yankee Burger (hamburger with ketchup)
A ""Yankee Burger" is a hamburger (or cheeseburger) with ketchup. In most parts of the country, this is simply called a "hamburger" (or "cheeseburger"). However,…
Yankee Dime (a kiss)
A "Yankee dime" is a quick kiss. The term is often said to be from Texas, and said to derive from the Civil War. "Yankee dime" is cited in print from 1846, and is popular…
Yeehaw (Yee-ha; Yee-haw)
"Yeehaw" (or "yeeh-ha" pr "yee-haw") is similar to the yell "yahoo!" It indicates excitement, exuberance, and delight. "Yee-haw!" is imitative of…
Yeehawd (yeehaw + jihad); Yeehawdist (yeehaw + jihadist)
Entry in progress -- B.P. yeehaw Similar terms include "Vanilla ISIS" and Y'all Qaeda." Wikipedia: YeehawYeehaw or Yee-haw is an interjection expressing joy or exuberance and is…
Yellow Velvet (corn and squash dish)
"Yellow Velvet" (a simple corn and squash dish) is said to be a Shaker recipe from the nineteenth century. Butter, cream, and fresh ground black pepper are usually included in the recipe.…
Yokelhoma or Yokelahoma (Oklahoma nickname)
"Yokelhoma" or "Yokelahoma" is an unflattering nickname from people who think that Oklahoma or the University of Oklahoma is filled with a bunch of "yokels." The term…
You Have No Idea (El Paso slogan)
"You have no idea" is the 2007 slogan for El Paso. City leaders discovered that many people (both Texans and non-Texans) had no idea what El Paso was like. A previous El Paso slogan was…
You’ll Love Lufkin (Lufkin motto/slogan)
"You'll love Lufkin" is the motto/slogan of the city of Lufkin in east Texas. The Lufkin area has many trees and lakes and is being actively promoted as a retirement community.…
Yoyos or Yo-Yos (Mexican pastries)
"Yo-yos" (named after the still-popular 1920s toy of a disk on a string) is the name of a Mexican sweet bread (pan dulce) that resembles the toy, minus the string. A "yo-yo" has…