Big Auger
A "big auger" is an old west term for a "big shot." The term appears in western stories, such as those by Andy Adams (around 1900). A senator or governor or mayor or ranch owner…
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“It’s been one hell of a party” (Larry McMurtry’s “Lonesome Dove”)
"It's been one hell of a party" is a memorable quotation from the television miniseries Lonesome Dove (1989), based on Larry McMurtry's award-winning novel (1985). Internet…
Astor House Rolls; Roast Beef “a la Astor House”
The Astor House (1836-1926) was once one of the most famous hotels in New York City. It stood at Broadway, between Vesey and Barclay Streets (not far from city hall). Dining at the Astor House was…
Tea-sipper or Teasipper; Tea-sip or Teasip (University of Texas at Austin student nickname)
Since at least the 1930s, the Texas A&M Aggies have called students of the University of Texas at Austin "tea-sippers" ( or "teasippers"), later "tea-sips" (or…
Oil Bowl (Maskat Oil Bowl at Wichita Falls)
The Oil Bowl began in 1938 as a Texas high school all-star football game. No game was held in 1944. In 1945, the Oil Bowl game became Texas against Oklahoma high school all-stars. The Maskat Shrine…
Okrahoma (Oklahoma nickname)
"Okrahoma" (okra + Oklahoma) is an unflattering nickname of Oklahoma or the University of Oklahoma. The term is one of several nicknames used at the Texas-Oklahoma football game known as…
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…
Jokelahoma (Oklahoma nickname)
"Jokelahoma" (joke + Oklahoma) is an unflattering nickname for the state of Oklahoma, or just Oklahoma University. The nickname is sometimes used at the Texas-Oklahoma football game known…
Mobilehoma (Oklahoma nickname)
"Mobilehoma" (mobile home + Oklahoma) is an unflattering nickname for the state of Oklahoma, often for Oklahoma University. The nickname is sometimes used at the Oklahoma-Texas football…
Chokelahoma (Oklahoma nickname)
"Chokelahoma" (choke + Oklahoma) is an unflattering nickname for the state of Oklahoma, more usually for just Oklahoma University. The nickname is used most often at the Texas-Oklahoma…
“Veritas Liberabit Vos” (SMU motto)
Southern Methodist University has a Latin motto taken from the Bible: "Veritas Liberabit Vos" ("The truth shall make you free," John 8:32). The Johns Hopkins University motto…
Coyotes (“wolves of the border” immigration smugglers)
The coyote is an animal seen in the Southwest; J. Frank Dobie's The Voice of the Coyote (1949) tells of the folklore of the coyote. Smugglers of aliens (Mexicans and other nationalities) into…
Tequila Sour (cocktail)
A "tequila sour" is a cocktail that contains tequila, lemon, sugar, and crushed ice. It's a similar drink to "border buttermilk," although that drink sometimes replaces the…
Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Toasted Cheese Sandwich)
Los Angeles hosts an annual "Grilled Cheese Invitational," but the origins of the grilled cheese sandwich are up for debate. The name "grilled cheese" sandwich is cited in a New…
Cannibal Sandwich (“hamburger in the raw” or “beef tartar”)
The "cannibal sandwich" is another name for "hamburger in the raw" or "beef tartar." This type of sandwich (said to be less healthful than cooked meat) was somewhat…
“Onward Thru the Fog” or “Onward Through the Fog” (Oat Willie’s of Austin)
Oat Willie's is a headshop at West 29th Street and Guadalupe that was operated by Norman "Doug" Brown in 1968. The name "Oat Willie" is from an Austin-based comic…
Jalapeño Pie
Jalapeño pie is simply a pie made with jalapeños (the official state pepper) and cheese and usually eggs. Recipes are cited since at least the 1960s. Cooks.comJALAPENO PIE 8 eggs2 lb. Monterey…
Border Buttermilk (tequila sour)
"Border buttermilk" is not what it sounds like -- it's basically a tequila sour, containing tequila, lime or lemonade, and crushed ice. The drink is sometimes made with rum and was…
“Bugled to Jesus” (to die)
"Bugled to Jesus" is another term for "to die" or "to go to heaven." The term was first used by writer Larry L. King (Best Little Whorehouse in Texas), but has been…
Texpatriate (Texpat)
Sometimes a Texan leaves Texas -- usually for a very short time. When a person leaves a country, he or she becomes an "expatriate" or "expat." When a Texan leaves Texas, he or…