The Big Apple: It's Not Just a Fruit Salad
So, you've heard New York City called the Big Apple. But have you ever wondered why? Let's dive into this juicy piece of trivia.
A Horse of a Different Color
Believe it or not, the whole Big Apple thing started with horses. Yep, those majestic, four-legged creatures that once ruled the city streets. In the roaring twenties, a sportswriter named John J. Fitz Gerald was covering the horse racing scene. He noticed the jockeys referred to New York City as "the big apple" because it was the ultimate prize, the big leagues of horse racing.
A Jazz Age Twist
Fast forward a few years, and the jazz scene in Harlem starts picking up the phrase. For them, playing in New York was like hitting the jackpot, the big apple of the music world. It was the place to be, the place to shine.
I Want to Take a Bite Out of That Apple
Then came the 1970s. New York was going through a rough patch. To boost tourism, the city launched a campaign centered around the Big Apple nickname. Suddenly, everyone was talking about it. The city was rebranded, and the Big Apple became synonymous with New York.
So, there you have it. The Big Apple is a nickname with a rich history, starting from horse racing, moving on to jazz, and finally becoming a symbol of the city that never sleeps.
Fun fact: Did you know that the original Big Apple was a nightclub in Harlem? It was the place to be during the jazz age.
Another fun fact: The Big Apple is not just a nickname for New York City. It's also a popular dance!
How to Become a Big Apple Expert
- How to impress your friends with Big Apple trivia: Drop some knowledge about the horse racing origins or the jazz age connection.
- How to experience the Big Apple: Book a trip, eat a slice of pizza, and catch a Broadway show.
- How to dance the Big Apple: Find a dance instructor or watch some old movies.
- How to avoid getting bitten by the Big Apple bug: Stay away from Times Square during peak tourist season.
- How to appreciate the Big Apple: Embrace the chaos, the diversity, and the endless possibilities.
