New York Swat Vest (from England)
The "New York Swat Vest" appears to be a Thatchreed Viper Vest from England. It is not authorized by the NYPD or New York City in any way.…
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Taste of Tribeca & Dine Around Downtown
Two new lower Manhattan food festivals are "Taste of Tribeca" (1994) and "Dine Around Downtown" (1997). Taste of Tribeca was once $15, but is (in 2005) $40 in advance and $45 on…
CityHawks, Dragons (arena football teams)
The CityHawks played in Madison Square Garden and briefly (1997-1998) represented New York City in arena football. The New York Dragons (2000-present) currently represent "New York" in…
“Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field” (was Ebbets Field first)
The Chicago Cubs celebrate "the friendly confines of Wrigley Field." "Mr. Cub" -- baseball player Ernie Banks (1931-2015) -- would welcome people there, and many people believe…
The Scotsman’s Kilt
The following was attached to Richard Stratton's very informative May 13, 2005 e-mail to me: The Continuing Saga of the CourtshipofAndrew MacTavish and Mary Margaret MacDuffA brief summary…
Whole Nine Yards (summary; Capt. Richard Stratton’s 1955 attestation)
"The whole nine yards" has been the great American etymological mystery of the second-half of the twentieth century. The expression is similar to many other expressions, such as the…
E-Z Pass
"E-Z Pass" (or "E-ZPass") lets you go through bridges and tunnels without stopping. Your plate is automatically recorded and you'll get a bill, but the system is designed…
Isle of Tears or Island of Hope (Ellis Island Immigration Station)
The Ellis Island Immigration Station (1892-1954) is now a widely visited tourist destination. To those who were rejected at Ellis Island and were sent home, it was an "Isle of Tears" (or…
“You gotta believe!” (“Ya gotta believe!”)
"You gotta believe" (or "Ya gotta believe") was the catchphrase of New York Mets baseball relief pitcher Tug McGraw in 1973. The Mets had come from far behind in a crowded field…
Competitive Eating Contests
Eating contests have been held in New York City since at least the 19th century. A pie-eating match was held in Brooklyn in in August 1886. Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is held at Coney…
SINO (Student In Name Only); Pushout
There is a RINO (Republican In Name Only). Don't know who that would be. There is also a DINO (Democrat In Name Only). SINO (Student In Name Only) is new, but it could catch on.…
Murderers’ Row
"Murderers' Row" is a true New York City term. It grew from the infamous "Tombs" prison (long demolished) in the 1800s. In the 1920s, "Murderers' Row" was…
New York Sack Exchange
The "New York Sack Exchange" (a pun on the New York Stock Exchange, of course) was the New York Jets football defensive front four of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons, and Abdul…
Off-Track Betting (OTB) & “Go, Baby, Go!”
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, New York had a lot of problems. "The Big Apple" campaign was started to improve its image, but that can do only so much. You need money! Mayor John…
Cosmos (professional soccer team, 1971-1985)
The Cosmos represented not just a soccer team, but the face of American professional soccer. A team of international superstars was signed, most notably the great Brazilian star, Pele. Huge crowds…
Stumpkin (stout + pumpkin)
Heartland Brewery serves a "Stumpkin," or "stout" plus "pumpkin" ale. The only trademark for "stumpkin" appears to be for the name of a doll.…
“MONY MONY” (1968)
"MONY MONY" was a Billboard #3 hit for Tommy James & the Shondells in 1968. James was looking at the "MONY" (Mutual of New York) building when he thought of using that for…
Only the Strong Survive (Bronx, Brooklyn, or NYC slogan)
"The Bronx - Only the Strongest Will Survive" is a t-shirt saying. The same sentiment can be found in parts of Brooklyn. A University of Pittsburgh basketball player wrote "Only the…
“Get Met. It Pays” (Metropolitan Life)
Metropolitan Life (or, Met Life) has been in New York City for about 130 years. Its most popular representation is the Met Life building at 200 Park Avenue (formerly the Pan Am building). "Get…
“Curb Your Dog” and Pooper Scooper Law (1978)
"Curb Your Dog" signs began appearing in the 1930s in an effort to get the "dog dirt" off the sidewalks. In 1978, a "pooper scooper law" was created. Activist Fran…