Why Is New York Called The Big Apple Origin History

New York City, one of the most iconic metropolises in the world, carries many nicknames—but none quite as enduring or evocative as “The Big Apple.” The phrase rolls off the tongue with a jazzy rhythm, conjuring images of bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and endless opportunity. But how did a city known for its ambition and energy come to be associated with a fruit? The story behind the nickname is not rooted in agriculture but in the vibrant subcultures of early 20th-century America, particularly horse racing and jazz music.

The term “Big Apple” wasn’t always synonymous with New York City. In fact, it was nearly forgotten before being revived decades later through a deliberate public relations campaign. Understanding its journey reveals much about the city’s cultural evolution and the power of language in shaping identity.

The Jazz Age and Harlem's Influence

In the 1920s, during the height of the Harlem Renaissance, African American jazz musicians traveled across the country performing in various cities. Among them, New York stood out—not just for its size, but for the scale of its rewards. For touring musicians, landing a gig in a Harlem nightclub meant hitting the big time. It was here that the phrase “the big apple” began to take root in vernacular usage.

According to etymologists, Southern black stable hands working at racetracks in the early 1900s used the term “apple” to describe a major prize or goal. When they moved into urban entertainment scenes, they carried the expression with them. A “big apple” thus symbolized the biggest payoff—the ultimate destination. For jazz artists, playing in New York meant access to top-tier venues, record labels, and audiences, making it the \"biggest apple\" of all.

Tip: The term originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) long before it entered mainstream media.

John J. Fitz Gerald and the Newspaper Column

The first documented use of “The Big Apple” in print came from sportswriter John J. Fitz Gerald of the New York Morning Telegraph. In a 1923 column about horse racing, he wrote: “The Big Apple. The dream of every lad who ever threw a leg over a thoroughbred and the goal of all horsemen. There’s only one Big Apple. That’s New York.”

Fitz Gerald claimed he picked up the phrase from African American stable hands at the New Orleans Fair Grounds who referred to New York City’s racing circuit as “the big apple” because of the large prizes offered there. His repeated use of the term in his weekly column helped popularize it among racing fans and eventually the broader public.

By the late 1920s and 1930s, “The Big Apple” appeared in song lyrics, book titles, and even film. Cab Calloway referenced it in his 1930s jazz dictionary, defining it as “New York City,” particularly Harlem. However, after World War II, the nickname faded from common use, overshadowed by other monikers like “Gotham” or simply “NYC.”

Revival: The 1970s Tourism Campaign

For nearly three decades, “The Big Apple” lingered in obscurity—until the 1970s, when New York City faced economic decline, rising crime rates, and a damaged reputation. To combat negative perceptions and boost tourism, the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a marketing campaign centered around the nostalgic and energetic nickname.

Graphic designer Cora Cahan and advertising executive Herbert London played key roles in reviving the phrase. They created posters, bumper stickers, and advertisements featuring an apple-shaped logo with the words “I Love NY” and “The Big Apple.” The campaign was a masterstroke in rebranding, transforming a once-obscure slang term into a globally recognized symbol of the city.

As part of the initiative, tour guides were trained to use the nickname, and travel brochures highlighted its historical roots. The effort succeeded beyond expectations. By the end of the decade, “The Big Apple” had become inseparable from New York’s identity.

“Language has the power to redefine place. 'The Big Apple' didn’t just sell tickets—it restored pride.” — Dr. Elaine Torres, Cultural Historian, Columbia University

A Timeline of the Nickname’s Evolution

1. Early 1900s: Stable workers in Southern U.S. racetracks use “apple” to refer to major racing circuits; “big apple” denotes New York’s lucrative races.
2. 1923: John J. Fitz Gerald begins using “The Big Apple” in his newspaper column, cementing its association with NYC.
3. 1930s–1940s: The term gains traction in jazz culture and popular media but remains regionally limited.
4. 1950s–1960s: Usage declines; the nickname falls out of fashion amid changing urban dynamics.
5. 1971: New York Convention and Visitors Bureau officially adopts “The Big Apple” in promotional materials.
6. 1970s–Present: The phrase becomes a global symbol of New York City, appearing on merchandise, in films, and in everyday speech.

Common Misconceptions About the Origin

Despite the well-documented history, several myths persist about how New York got its fruity nickname:

• Myth: The name comes from the Dutch settlers’ orchards in Manhattan.
• Reality: While apples were grown in colonial times, there’s no evidence linking early agriculture to the nickname.
• Myth: “Apple” refers to the shape of Manhattan Island.
• Reality: No cartographic or historical source supports this theory.
• Myth: The Beatles coined it during their 1964 visit.
• Reality: The term predates their arrival by over four decades.

Era	Context	Usage of “The Big Apple”
1900–1920	Horse Racing Slang	Informal term used by stable hands for high-stakes races in NYC
1923–1940	Jazz & Print Media	Popularized by Fitz Gerald; adopted by musicians and writers
1940–1970	Cultural Hiatus	Rarely used; largely forgotten outside niche circles
1971–Present	Tourism & Branding	Officially promoted; becomes global icon for NYC

Mini Case Study: The Power of a Nickname

In 1975, New York City teetered on the edge of bankruptcy. National headlines mocked its decay, and tourism plummeted. At that moment, the decision to revive “The Big Apple” wasn’t just clever marketing—it was strategic urban recovery.

One early success story involved a small hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Struggling to attract guests, the owner redesigned his lobby with Big Apple-themed decor and partnered with the visitors bureau to offer “Big Apple Experience” packages. Within six months, occupancy rose by 38%. Travelers reported feeling drawn to the nostalgia and energy the name evoked.

This case illustrates how language can influence perception. A single phrase, resurrected with purpose, helped shift the narrative from decline to resilience.

FAQ

Is “The Big Apple” used officially by the city government?

Yes. While not a legal designation, the term is widely used by official tourism boards, police departments (e.g., NYPD officers are sometimes called “apples”), and public signage.

Are there other cities called “The Big Apple”?

Occasionally, smaller towns have used the name playfully, such as Wenatchee, Washington, which bills itself as “The Big Apple” due to its orchards. However, globally, the nickname is overwhelmingly associated with New York City.

Why did it take so long for the nickname to catch on?

Linguistic adoption depends on context. In the 1920s, it was niche—tied to racing and jazz. It required a cultural reset in the 1970s, combined with coordinated branding, to enter the mainstream consciousness.

Conclusion

The story of “The Big Apple” is more than a linguistic curiosity—it’s a testament to New York City’s ability to reinvent itself. Born in the stables of Southern racetracks, nurtured by Harlem’s jazz scene, and reborn through visionary marketing, the nickname encapsulates the city’s relentless pursuit of greatness.

Today, whether whispered by a tourist reading a guidebook or shouted by a street performer in Times Square, “The Big Apple” carries layers of history, struggle, and triumph. It reminds us that cities are not just built of steel and stone, but of stories—and some of the most powerful ones start with a simple phrase.

💬 What does 'The Big Apple' mean to you? Share your favorite memory of New York or your thoughts on how nicknames shape city identities—we’d love to hear your story!