New York City, a global hub of culture, finance, and innovation, is affectionately known as the “Big Apple.” But where did this iconic nickname originate, and what does it have to do with apples? Surprisingly, the moniker has nothing to do with apple orchards or fruit production in New York State, despite the state being a major apple grower in the US. The story behind “The Big Apple” is a fascinating journey through horseracing, jazz music, and a clever tourism campaign.
The roots of the Big Apple nickname can be traced back to the early 20th century and the world of horseracing. Around the 1920s, John Fitz Gerald, a sportswriter for the New York Morning Telegraph, was captivated by a phrase he overheard in New Orleans. African-American stable hands referred to New York City racetracks as “the big apple,” signifying them as the major leagues of racing venues, the place where the highest stakes and biggest rewards were to be found. Intrigued by this vibrant term, Fitz Gerald adopted “The Big Apple” in his horseracing column, “Around the Big Apple.” His consistent use of the phrase in a widely read newspaper column helped to introduce the nickname to a broader audience.
In the 1930s and 40s, “The Big Apple” found a new resonance within the vibrant jazz music scene of New York City. Jazz musicians, traveling across the country, began using “The Big Apple” as slang to refer to New York City as the ultimate destination for jazz. For these musicians, New York City was home to the most prestigious jazz clubs and offered unparalleled opportunities for success and recognition in the music world. Just as it had for horseracing, “The Big Apple” represented the pinnacle of achievement, this time in the realm of music. This adoption by jazz musicians further cemented the nickname’s association with New York City as a place of excitement, opportunity, and big dreams.
However, by the 1950s and 60s, the “Big Apple” nickname had largely faded from popular use. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that “The Big Apple” experienced a remarkable revival, this time as part of an ingenious tourism campaign. New York City in the early 70s was facing economic challenges and grappling with a rising crime rate. To revitalize the city’s image and attract tourists, Charles Gillett, the president of the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, spearheaded a campaign to rebrand New York. Gillett, a jazz aficionado himself, remembered “The Big Apple” as a positive and energetic nickname from the city’s past.
He recognized the potential of “The Big Apple” to convey a sense of excitement and allure. The tourism campaign, launched in 1971, prominently featured apples in its promotional materials. “Welcome to the Big Apple” became a ubiquitous slogan, appearing on buttons, t-shirts, and posters. Tourists were encouraged to “Take a bite out of the Big Apple,” a catchy invitation to experience all that New York City had to offer. This time, the nickname truly stuck, embedding itself in the global consciousness as an enduring symbol of New York City.
Interestingly, “The Big Apple” wasn’t the only fruit-related name New York City has held in its history. For a brief period in 1673, when the Dutch recaptured New York from the English, the city was temporarily renamed “New Orange” in honor of William III of Orange. However, this name was short-lived. Just a year later, in 1674, the city reverted back to English control and its original name, New York. Despite this fleeting interlude as “New Orange,” it is “The Big Apple” that has captured the imagination and become the lasting and beloved nickname for New York City.
In conclusion, the story of why New York is called the Big Apple is a vibrant tapestry woven from horseracing slang, jazz music culture, and a successful tourism revival. Far from being related to actual apples, the nickname symbolizes New York City as the ultimate prize, the big time, and a place brimming with opportunity and excitement. From its humble origins in racetrack jargon to its global recognition today, “The Big Apple” perfectly encapsulates the spirit and allure of New York City.
