Talk:Big Apple

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[edit] Spanish Theory

I removed the Spanish theory because, it simply isn't plausible. Its a nice thought, though. It is in the same vein as the name "Julius" coming from "Aneius"-simply no proof to it aside from an interesting coincidence.

Here's my own personal theory, which I didn't put up because I don't give it any more credit than that one. New York City was most likely named for the abundance of apples grown in the area, and state in general. If New York is seen as an apple state-which it is-the biggest city would surely be the "Big Apple." Jmw0000 20:01, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Buenos Aires

I think "Big Apple" is also a nickname for Buenos Aires (it is so called e.g. in the musical Evita). If someone can confirm this, please mention this in this article. -- 195.33.105.17 10:03, 24 Mar 2004 (UTC)

Not unplausible considering "Big Apple" and "Buenos Aires" share first initials...a theme sometimes used in regional slang. --Furrykef 23:11, 13 Jun 2004 (UTC)

  • A nice theory, but in fact Andrew Lloyd Webber just made it up because he liked the way it sounded.--Pharos 01:01, 22 July 2005 (UTC)

It would be strange for the people of Buenos Aires to derive their nickname from engligsh. "La Gran Manzana" is the spanish translation for "The Big Apple".

The Big Apple is an English nickname and is not used in Spanish AFAIK. So it wouldn't be strange.
I suspect Webber - or rather Rice - used "Big Apple" for Buenos Aires slightly ironically - or perhaps just to help people understand the importance of the place. I have removed the reference to Buenos Aires from the article - it had been there since July. -- Beardo 14:51, 8 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] What about this theory?

See the full hoax at http://salwen.com/apple.html

  • Read what the good Mr. Popik has to say on the matter: [1].--Pharos 06:14, 6 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] One Reference?

Barry Popik here. It appears that someone, on June 10th, added one reference. This is strange--not even Gerald Cohen's "Big Apple" book is cited here, so why this one reference about a citation taken way out of context? And if you must cite this, why not David Shulman's (see Wikipedia) mention in the NY Times a year earlier, or my website (that contains the full passage)?

1 February 1989, New York Times, "About New York" by Douglas Martin, "Etymologically, 'The Big Apple' Ages 18 Years," pg. B1: "My files and notes on Big Apple trace the name all the way back to 1909," Mr. Shulman said. ... http://www.barrypopik.com/article/58/edward-martin-metaphor-1909

[edit] Popularity of the nickname

Should there be some mention of the fact that this term is never, ever, never used by New Yorkers or anyone in the metro area to refer to the city? The article notes that it gained popularity in the 70s because of a promotional campaign, but maybe there should be clarification that this popularity did consist of actual usage by those in the New York area.

I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one. I've lived in the NYC area my entire life, went to school in the city, and currently live in Jersey. I use it, and I know may others that do as well, almost always when talking about NYC's uniqueness and amazing scope. --oknazevad 19:26, 12 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Image

The Big Apple: Manhattan viewed from atop the World Trade Center.
The Big Apple: Manhattan viewed from atop the World Trade Center.

I removed Image:Bigapple.jpg as I don't think it contributes very much to the article; it seemed to place itself as if it were a notable work of art, but further exploration struck my initial thought. Thoughts? ~ PseudoSudo 03:24, 28 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Fitz Gerald's name

The name of John Fitz Gerald, the New York sportswriter who is the first known writer to use the term, is "John Fitz Gerald". It is not "John Fitzgerald". It's unclear why "fixing" this has become such a habit. Look at any of his old columns--there's no question about how it is spelled. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 166.84.1.2 (talk) 02:39, 18 March 2007 (UTC).

[edit] Apple Store

Maybe it's just me, but I really don't think a reference to Apple Stores has ANYTHING to do with this topic, and it totally out of place. Apple did not name it's company or stores because they are in NYC. Their name came from the Apple that supposedly hit Newton in the head. Placing reference to the Apple store's in this article certainly makes a great advertisement, almost like product placement, but offers no further insight into the Big Apple's name. Anyway, I think it should be removed, and will do so in the future if it's not removed or a reasonable explanation is given as to why it should be included. And those are my two cents. Brainscar 04:21, 8 July 2007 (UTC)


I totally agree, I'm taking it out! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.55.162.248 (talk) 01:45, 31 August 2007 (UTC)


[edit] Bugs Bunny ???

I think we should remove the part about Bugs Bunny. This is completely unrelated and out of place. Having references to certain important books or movies, I can understand. But that? It is only an anectode and a bad one. Thanks

Preceding unsigned comment by Sosigène (talk) 15:42, 11 December 2007 (UTC)