New York City, a global hub of culture, finance, and innovation, is instantly recognizable by its towering skyline and bustling streets. But beyond the iconic landmarks, the city also boasts a unique and enduring nickname: the Big Apple. While New York State is indeed a prominent apple producer in the United States, second only to Washington state, the story behind this famous moniker has surprisingly little to do with orchards or fruit stands. Instead, to understand why New York City is called the Big Apple, we need to journey back to the early 20th century and the vibrant world of horseracing.
The nickname “Big Apple” first emerged into popular usage around 1920, thanks to the insightful observations of a New York City newspaper reporter named John Fitz Gerald. Covering horse racing for the New York Morning Telegraph, Fitz Gerald frequented the racetracks and listened closely to the language of the stables. It was there, in New Orleans, that he overheard African-American stable hands using the term “the big apple” to refer to New York City. For these stable workers, New York City represented the pinnacle of their profession, the major leagues of horseracing with the most prestigious and lucrative venues. Inspired by this colorful phrase, Fitz Gerald adopted “The Big Apple” as a recurring motif in his columns, popularizing it among his readership and beyond.
In the following decade, the 1930s, “The Big Apple” nickname experienced another wave of adoption, this time within the burgeoning jazz music scene. Jazz musicians, much like the horseracing community before them, embraced the term to signify New York City’s central role in their world. To be a jazz musician in New York City meant you were playing in the “big leagues,” performing in the most important clubs and before the largest audiences. “The Big Apple” became synonymous with the city’s vibrant and influential music scene, further cementing its place in the city’s vernacular.
However, as decades passed, the nickname’s popularity waned, and by the early 1970s, “The Big Apple” was in danger of fading into obscurity. It was then that Charles Gillett, the president of the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, recognized the nostalgic charm and potential marketing power of the moniker. Gillett, a jazz enthusiast familiar with the historical significance of “The Big Apple,” spearheaded a tourism campaign to revitalize New York City’s image during a period of economic hardship and rising crime rates. The campaign, centered around the “Big Apple” nickname, was a resounding success. Promotional materials like pins, t-shirts, and advertisements encouraged tourists to “take a bite out of the Big Apple,” and the catchy phrase resonated with a new generation. This time, the nickname stuck firmly, becoming an enduring symbol of New York City’s allure.
Interestingly, long before it was known as the Big Apple, New York City had a brief encounter with another fruit-related name. In 1673, when the Dutch briefly recaptured the city from the English, they renamed it “New Orange” in honor of William III of Orange. However, this name was short-lived, as the city reverted to English control in 1674 and reclaimed its former name, New York.
In conclusion, the story of why New York City is called the Big Apple is a fascinating journey through horseracing, jazz music, and clever tourism marketing. Far from being about actual apples, the nickname embodies the city’s historical perception as the ultimate destination, the “big time,” and a place where dreams can be realized. From its origins in the stables of New Orleans to its global recognition today, “The Big Apple” remains a testament to New York City’s enduring appeal and vibrant history.
