Jack Heights (Jackson Heights)
"Jack Heights" (meaning "Jackson Heights," in Queens) appeared on a billboard ad in 2007. The billboard mentioned that the area is much cheaper than "Billy Burg"…
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SoLa (South Lamar Boulevard, Austin)
"SoLa" is a name for South Lamar Boulevard in Austin. Austin's neighborhood name game began with SoCo for South Congress Avenue. To see where all this may lead, see the New York City…
“The only river wet on one side and dry on the other” (Rio Grande during Prohibition)
During the Prohibition era (1920-1933), the Rio Grande was said to be the only river in the world that's "wet" on one side and "dry" on the other. A pointed 1921 newspaper…
“Too thin to plow, too thick to drink” (Rio Grande)
"Too thin to plow, too thick to drink" has been said of many rivers, such as the Missouri River, the Colorado River (before it was dammed), the Platte River, the Powder River, as well as…
“The town which can’t support one lawyer can always support two lawyers” (LBJ)
"The town which can't support one lawyer can always support two lawyers" was said by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the swearing in of his attorney general and deputy attorney…
Texas Three-Kick Rule (lawyer joke)
Texas does not have a "three-kick rule." The internet-popular joke has it that some big-city California (or New York City) lawyer is duck hunting in East Texas, and...well, see below for…
Mexican Banana Split
A "Mexican banana split" is a traditional banana split with Mexican elements added, such as Kahlua sauce and cajeta. "Mexican Banana Split" is on the menu of the Adobo Grill…
Banana Split
The origin of the "banana split" (a dish of bananas, ice cream, and fruit syrup or fruit topping, usually with crushed nuts, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries) is much in debate.…
“Difference between dead armadillo and dead lawyer in road? The armadillo has skid marks in front!”
"What's the difference between between a dead lawyer in the road and a dead armadillo in the road? The armadillo has skid marks in front of it!" This "lawyer joke" has been…
“Come on Vacation, Leave on Probation”
"Come on vacation, leave on probation" probably started in Florida, but the saying has spread to other vacation towns. In 1986-1987, Fort Lauderdale police arrested many of the disruptive…
Metrotard
"Metrotard" is a type of person whose name is derived from transit's "Metrocard." It's a combination of "metro" (from "metropolitan") and…
“Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana” (Baylor University motto)
"Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana" ("for church, for state/Texas") is the motto on the seal of Baylor University in Waco. Baylor is a Baptist university, and the motto was put on a…
Friendly City (Amarillo nickname)
"Friendship" is the motto of Texas, so it's no surprise that Texas towns are friendly. Amarillo called itself "the friendly city" in the 1930s, when it was entertaining…
Tequila Salty Dog (Perro Salado)
A "Salty Dog" is a cocktail of gin (or vodka) and grapefruit juice, served in a glass with a salted rim. A "Tequila Salty Dog" (or "Perro Salado") substitutes tequila…
Salty Dog (cocktail)
A "Salty Dog" is a cocktail of gin (or vodka) and grapefruit juice, served in a glass with a salted rim. It is not known who invented the drink or where, but a 1947 citation of…
Ta-kill-ya (tequila)
"Ta-kill-ya" is one of several nicknames for "tequila." The nickname is said when the tequila is strong. Google BooksMister White Eyesa novel by Herbert GoldNew York: Arbor…
Chupacabra or Chupacabras (goat-sucker)
The "chupacabra" (goat-sucker) was first spotted in Puerto Rico, in the 1970s. Sightings have also been made in Florida and Mexico; from the 1990s, chupacabra sightings have occurred in…
“You ain’t from Texas, are ya?” (Dr. Phil McGraw)
"You aint from Texas, are ya?" is a catchphrase of television's "Dr. Phil" (Phillip Calvin McGraw). McGraw was born in Oklahoma, but went to school at Midwestern State…
Mixed Bathing (Mixed Swimming)
"Mixed bathing" was a term used in England for both sexes swimming together. In the 1890s, various groups wanted to outlaw "mixed bathing." In the 1920s, there was a strong…
Baptist tea (beer, disguised without foam)
"Baptist tea" is beer that's disguised, served without foam and often in an ice tea glass, often with lemon conspicuously at the top of the glass. This Texas term possibly dates back…