Entry from November 30, 2004
B’way (Broadway)
"B'way" is shorthand for "Broadway." Walter Winchell used it quite often and many people think that he coined it or popularized it.
In fact, "B'way" has been in continuous use since the beginning of the New York Times in the 1850s. I would say that "B'way" was probably used in the 1830s -- the same decade that gave us "O. K."
21 October 1852, New York Daily Times, pg. 8:
...east side of B'way east of B'dway B'way and 9th av. ...
In fact, "B'way" has been in continuous use since the beginning of the New York Times in the 1850s. I would say that "B'way" was probably used in the 1830s -- the same decade that gave us "O. K."
21 October 1852, New York Daily Times, pg. 8:
...east side of B'way east of B'dway B'way and 9th av. ...