Why is new York called the Big Apple

Many cities in the USA have nicknames. Los Angeles is called the City of angels, Chicago — the windy City, San Francisco — the City by the Bay. New York city dubbed the Big Apple, and it is fair to wonder: why the Big Apple? Strolling through the streets, Apple trees can be seen not so often and the shortage of apples in new York where less than, say, pigeons, but no one can not think to call the city Big Dove.

In the early 1920-ies the word «Apple» was used in regard to the many racing tracks in new York and around it. Apple also referred to the prizes that were given to the winners of races, and because it was a serious competition, the award was substantial.

In the research of Barry Popik explains in detail the use of the nickname the Big Apple against the new York. Popik found that first alternative name was used by the journalist of the newspaper the New York Morning Telegraph, John Fitzgerald, talking about the race in new York and referring to it as a race «Around the Big Apple». Rumor has it that Fitzgerald borrowed the term from jockeys and trainers in New Orleans who dreamed of racing on tracks in new York, calling them «the Big Apple».

In the late 1920’s and early 1930-ies jazz musicians in new York have also started to use this nickname. Professional old saying in show business says: «On the tree are many apples, but there’s only one Big Apple». The fact that new York was the main performance area for jazz musicians, only secured the city the title of the Big Apple.

In 1971 the city began a campaign to attract tourists to new York. Then nickname the Big Apple was officially enshrined as one of the name new York. For clarity, the campaign used red apples. Authorities had hoped that the bright fruit will help new York to get a positive reputation, because it is not considered the most friendly place.

Since then, at the mention of the Big Apple in the world is bound to think about new York. In recognition of Fitzgerald, the corner of 54th street and Broadway, where Fitzgerald lived for 30 years, in 1997, was renamed «Big Apple Corner» «Corner of the Big Apple».

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