The Big Apple: It's Not Just a Fruit Salad
So, you've probably heard New York City referred to as the Big Apple. But have you ever wondered why? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive into the juicy details.
A Horse of a Different Color
Believe it or not, the whole Big Apple thing started with horses. Yes, horses. Back in the roaring twenties, a sportswriter named John J. Fitz Gerald was covering the horse racing scene. He overheard some stable hands talking about heading to "the big apple," which was their slang for New York City and its lucrative race tracks. Fitz Gerald loved the phrase, and voila! He started using it in his columns.
Jazz It Up
The nickname kind of faded for a while, but then the jazz age came along, and musicians started using the term too. They'd say they were "playing the big apple" when they were performing in the big city. So, the nickname got a little boost from the cool cats of the jazz world.
I Want to Take a Bite Out of This City
It wasn't until the 1970s that the Big Apple really took off. New York City was going through a rough patch, and the city needed a fresh image. Enter Charles Gillett, a marketing genius who decided to revive the old nickname. He created a whole campaign around it, with slogans like "Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple." And just like that, the nickname was back in style, and New York City got a much-needed image makeover.
So, there you have it. The Big Apple isn't actually a giant fruit. It's a nickname with a colorful history involving horses, jazz, and a bit of marketing magic. Who knew a city could have such a sweet backstory?
How to Become a Big Apple Expert
- How to impress your friends with Big Apple trivia: Drop some knowledge about the horse racing origins of the nickname.
- How to embrace your inner New Yorker: Order a slice of pizza, catch a Broadway show, and complain about the subway – all in one day.
- How to experience the Big Apple like a local: Explore hidden gems like Central Park, the High Line, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
- How to survive the hustle and bustle: Learn to walk fast and don't make eye contact.
- How to appreciate the city's diversity: Try food from different cultures, attend a multicultural festival, and embrace the melting pot.