French Fried Potatoes (Paris, Texas myth)
Does anybody really believe that french fried potatoes (french fries) were really named for Paris, Texas? Well, how about the Texas Legislature in 2006, where a bill mentioning this was proposed?…
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Soup of the Devil (Devil’s Soup) (=chili)
Chili has been called the "soup of the devil" or "devil's soup." Yes, it can be hot. The term "soup of the devil" supposedly dates to the 19th century, but the…
Bowl of Blessedness (Will Rogers on chili)
Will Rogers supposedly called chili a "bowl of blessedness," but no one's found that quote. Chili Quotes and TriviaWill Rogers (1879-1935), popular actor, cattleman, banker, and…
God’s Big Acre (Texas nickname)
Some people insist that "God's Big Acre" is another Texas nickname. If so, it's very seldom used. Search engines show just a handful of hits. The book God's Big Acre: Life…
Frijoles Refritos (refried beans)
Frijoles refritos (or "refried beans" in English) are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. The beans are cooked and mashed in hot oil. (Oxford English Dictionary)refry, v.trans. To fry again. So…
“Dance with the one who brung you” (Darrell Royal)
"Dance with the one that brung you" was a favorite expression of University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal. In sports, it means to go with the players and plays that result in…
“Rode hard and put away wet”
"Been rode hard and put away wet" (or "rode hard and put up wet") is when a person (or a car) is being driven hard, like a sweaty horse after a long, hard ride. It was a…
“Come Early; Be Loud; Stay Late” (Longhorns slogan)
"Come early, be loud, stay late" is the slogan that University of Texas football coach Mack Brown (from 1998 to 2013) started. While Brown was at the University of North Carolina, it was…
“Live Strong” (Lance Armstrong Foundation)
"Live Strong" is that motto that appeared in May 2004 on yellow wristbands, sponsored by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Millions of wristbands were sold at $1 each, with proceeds going…
“The opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings”
"Church is never out until they stop singing" is a saying that has been popular since the late 1800s."It ain't over 'til it's over" is a similar saying that has…
“Texas could exist without U.S., but U.S. can’t exist without Texas” (Sam Houston)
Sam Houston favored the annexation of Texas to the United States. Nevertheless, in 1844, he wrote the following to General Andrew Jackson: "Texas, with peace, could exist without the United…
Texas Blessing
This "Texas Blessing" is all over the internet, sometimes called "Florida Blessing." The author is unknown. A Mississippi BlessingA Mississippi Blessing~~Off the Internet~~ Know…
Barbecue Capital of Texas (Lockhart nickname)
The Texas legislature has declared the city of Lockhart to be the "Barbecue Capital of Texas." Some people disagree about the designation, but Lockhart is located in what is called the…
Flash Flood Alley
Central Texas (Austin to San Antonio) has been called "Flash Flood Alley." A 2004 documentary by that title has been made to publicize the flood threats. Flood SafetyTen Texas Flood…
Roundagon (Hilton Austin Airport nickname)
"Roundagon" is the nickname of a round building at the Bergstrom Air Force Base, built in the late 1960s. "Roundagon" is a borrowing from Washington's "Pentagon"…
“Just so you know, we’re ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas” (Dixie Chicks)
The Dixie Chicks hail from Dallas, Texas. At a London concert on March 12, 2003 (when the United States was at the brink of war with Iraq), Dixie Chick singer Natalie Maines said to the audience:…
Texas has four seasons: Drought, Flood, Blizzard and Twister
"Texas has four seasons: Drought, Flood, Blizzard and Twister." No one knows the origin of this joke, but it possibly comes from California, where "Earthquake" and…
“Black/Dark as midnight under a skillet”
"Black as midnight under a skillet" is very dark, indeed. The phrase is probably cowboy talk; skillets were put to good use, and Texas midnights can be very dark. The phrase appears on…
Highway of Death (Texas State Highway 195)
There are many accidents on many streets and highways, all around the world. Many roadways are unfortunately nicknamed "Death Street" or "Death Avenue" or "Boulevard of…
“Gently resisting change since 1872” (Gruene slogan)
The slogan of the tiny city of Gruene (near New Braunfels) is: "Gently resisting change since 1872." The city is a tourist attraction and boasts oldest operating dance hall in Texas.…