New York City, a global hub of culture, finance, and innovation, is instantly recognizable by its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and, of course, its famous nickname: the Big Apple. But why is New York City called the Big Apple? Surprisingly, this moniker has absolutely nothing to do with the fruit that grows on trees, especially considering New York State’s position as a top apple producer after Washington state. The true story behind this enduring nickname is a fascinating journey through horseracing, jazz music, and clever tourism marketing.
The Horseracing Origins of “The Big Apple”
The story begins in theRoaring Twenties, a vibrant era of jazz, flapper dresses, and significant social change. Around 1920, a New York City newspaper reporter named John Fitz Gerald, who specialized in covering horseracing, stumbled upon the term “Big Apple.” His beat took him to various racetracks, and it was in New Orleans where he heard African-American stable hands using the phrase. For these stable hands, “the big apple” wasn’t a fruit; it was a reference to New York City itself. They considered New York City’s racetracks to be the major leagues, the most important and lucrative venues in the horseracing world – the ultimate “big apple” to strive for.
Intrigued by this colorful slang, Fitz Gerald adopted “Big Apple” in his horse racing columns for the New York Morning Telegraph. He launched a column titled “Around the Big Apple,” solidifying the nickname’s association with New York City within the horseracing community and among newspaper readers. This marked the initial public exposure of the Big Apple as a nickname for the city, planting the seed for its future widespread adoption.
Jazz Musicians and the Big Apple’s Musical Scene
The “Big Apple” nickname didn’t remain confined to the world of horseracing. In the 1930s, it experienced another wave of popularity, this time within the burgeoning jazz music scene. For jazz musicians across the United States, New York City was the undisputed capital of jazz. It was home to the most prestigious music clubs, the most discerning audiences, and the greatest opportunities for success. Therefore, jazz musicians embraced “The Big Apple” to signify New York City as the ultimate destination for any serious musician seeking to make it big in the industry. Playing in New York City meant you had reached the pinnacle of the jazz world – you had taken a bite of the “Big Apple.”
Reviving the Big Apple for Tourism
Despite its use in the horseracing and jazz communities, the “Big Apple” nickname gradually faded from mainstream usage in the decades following the 1930s. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that the moniker experienced a remarkable resurgence, this time orchestrated as part of a strategic tourism campaign. New York City in the early 70s was facing significant challenges, including economic downturn and rising crime rates. The city’s image needed a positive boost to attract tourists and revitalize its economy.
Charles Gillett, the president of the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, recognized the potential of the forgotten “Big Apple” nickname. Being a jazz enthusiast himself, Gillett was aware of the term’s positive connotations of prestige and excitement. He spearheaded a clever marketing campaign to rebrand New York City as “The Big Apple.” The campaign was multifaceted, featuring promotional materials like pins, t-shirts, and advertisements that encouraged tourists to “Take a bite out of the Big Apple.”
This time, the nickname truly stuck. The tourism campaign was incredibly successful in revitalizing New York City’s image and drawing in visitors. “The Big Apple” became synonymous with New York City, embedding itself in popular culture and becoming the globally recognized nickname we know today.
A Brief History of New Orange
Interestingly, long before New York City became known as the Big Apple, it was briefly called “New Orange.” In 1673, during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, the Dutch managed to recapture New York from the English. In honor of William III of Orange, the Dutch renamed the city Nieuw Oranje, or New Orange. However, Dutch control was short-lived. The following year, in 1674, the city was returned to English rule under the Treaty of Westminster, and its name reverted back to New York. While this historical tidbit is a fascinating footnote, it’s the “Big Apple,” not “New Orange,” that has captured the world’s imagination and become the enduring symbol of New York City.
Conclusion: From Racetracks to the World Stage
So, the next time you hear New York City referred to as the Big Apple, remember that it’s a nickname born not from orchards, but from the aspirations of stable hands and jazz musicians. It’s a testament to New York City’s long-standing reputation as a place of dreams, opportunities, and big-time success. From its humble origins in horseracing slang to its triumphant revival as a tourism slogan, “The Big Apple” perfectly encapsulates the energy, ambition, and iconic status of New York City on the world stage.
