Collyer brothers (hermits)
Homer Lusk Collyer (1881-1947) and Langley Collyer (1885-1947) are the legendary recluse brothers of New York City. The lived in Harlem, secluded from the world in a house filled with junk. They…
Conehead (SNL sketch and movie; Mets/Yankees pitcher David Cone; Con Ed workers)
The "coneheads" began as a silly comedy sketch on the television show Saturday Night Live in the 1970s. Mets and Yankees pitcher David Cone had a following of "coneheads." Con…
Confidence Man
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Confidence trickA confidence trick (synonyms include confidence game, confidence scheme, ripoff, scam and stratagem) is an attempt to defraud a person or group…
Cop (“copper” badge myth)
"Cop" (policeman) probably comes from "cop," meaning to "nab" a suspect. One myth suggests that "cop" comes from "Constable On Patrol." This has no…
Copperhead (Civil War nickname)
A "Copperhead" was a person from the North who sympathized with the South during the Civil War. The term appears to have started in April 1861, when copperhead snakes were sent by mail…
Cork
"Corks" were the transit cops, who work underground and pop to the surface. There used to be transit police and housing police and the police, but Mayor Rudy Giuliani merged all three…
Corporate Comedian
A "corporate comedian" is -- according to the original definition -- a professional comedian who performs at business functions. The comedian can make fun of the business and the industry…
Creepers & Infiltrators (urban explorers)
"Creepers" or "infiltrators" are the names for people who like to go into abandoned buildings and subway tunnels and the like, without official authorization. It is not known…
Crossing Guard
The railroad "crossing guard" appears to date from the 1880s and 1890s. The school "crossing guard" appears to date from the 1920s and 1930s. The first school "crossing…
Crown Heightser (inhabitant of Crown Heights, Brooklyn)
"Crown Heightser” is the name of an inhabitant of Crown Heights, in the borough of Brooklyn. The name “Crown Heightser” has been cited in print since at least 1935. Wikipedia: Crown…
Crumb-bum
A "crumb bun" is something you eat. A "crumb-bum" is a worthless fellow. Like the word "bum" itself (see the Brooklyn Dodgers' "bums"),…
Dead End Kids
The wonderful New York play Dead End (1935) started it all. It was made into a film in 1937, and the "Dead End Kids" were on their way to many films and national recognition. Depending on…
Deadhead
A "dead head" is someone who doesn't pay. Originally, it probably referred to a train passenger who didn't pay for a ticket, but it soon included nonpaying "customers"…
Debbie Downer
"Debbie Downer" describes a person -- usually female, but not always -- who always brings bad news and depressing feelings to others. The "Debbie Downer" character was…
Desnuda (nude)
Entry in progress -- B.P. The Village Voice (New York, NY)SMOKED FISH AT DESNUDABY SARAH DIGREGORIO WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009(...)122 E. Seventh St.New York, NY 10009212-254-3515www.desnudany.com…
Didn’t Earn It (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or DEI backronym)
"Didn't Earn It" (a backronym or back acronym of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, or DEI) has been printed on many images. The backronym reflects a belief that DEI rewards people…
Disco Diva
"Disco diva" is a term about as dated as "disco" itself. Whatever became of Studio 54? Grace Jones? 30 December 1977, New York Times, pg. C17:At Studio 54 (489-7667), the $40 a…
Dock-walloper
New York City was once known for its ports. A "dock walloper" is a loafer on those docks. (Oxford English Dictionary)dock-walloper (U.S.), a casual labourer engaged at docks and…
Dog Walker
Jennifer Lopez played a "dog walker" in her movie Monster-in-Law (2005). New York City has had "dog walkers" (usually women) for about a century. The first citation is in the…
Doorman (Door Man)
Entry in progress -- B.P. Wikipedia: Doorman (profession)A doorman (also porter in British English) is an individual hired to provide courtesy and security services at a residential building or…