History of the Big Apple

John J. Fitzgerald introduced "The Big Apple" nickname in the 1920s.

Generations of New Yorkers have referred to New York City as "The Big Apple." A variety of theories explain the city's nickname, but the official New York City government explanation credits John J. Fitzgerald with introducing the phrase to the city.

John J. Fitzgerald

John J. Fitzgerald wrote a horse racing column for "The Morning Telegraph" newspaper during the 1920s. While traveling in Louisiana, Fitzgerald heard workers in a New Orleans stable refer to racetracks in New York City as "the Big Apple," meaning the most prestigious venues at which a horse could win. Fitzgerald adopted the phrase, even naming his newspaper column "Around The Big Apple."

Harlem Jazz

While the term "the Big Apple" typically applied to New York City horse racing throughout the 1920s, musicians in Harlem also adopted the phrase to identify the emerging jazz scene of the 1930s. The nickname evolved and became synonymous with the cultural success and ethnic diversity of the city's music scene.

Tourism

In the 1970s, the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau used "The Big Apple" term in an advertising campaign. New York had previously been referred to as "Fun City," but the new nickname stuck. New York City became internationally known as "the Big Apple."

References

• New York City Government: Mayor Giuliani Signs Legislation Creating "Big Apple Corner" in Manhattan
• NY: Origins of "The Big Apple"