Why Is New York Called The Big Apple The Origin Story

New York City pulses with energy, ambition, and identity. Among its many nicknames—“The City That Never Sleeps,” “Gotham,” “The Capital of the World”—one stands out for its whimsy and enduring charm: “The Big Apple.” It’s a phrase now synonymous with New York itself, used in tourism campaigns, pop culture, and everyday conversation. But where did it come from? The answer lies not in apples at all, but in jazz, horse racing, and a determined effort to reclaim a forgotten term.

The Jazz Age and the Race Tracks

The earliest documented use of “The Big Apple” in reference to New York dates back to the 1920s, thanks to a sportswriter named John J. Fitz Gerald. A columnist for the New York Morning Telegraph, Fitz Gerald began using the phrase after overhearing stable hands at the New Orleans Fair Grounds racetrack refer to New York City as “the big apple.” For jockeys and trainers, winning a race in New York meant hitting the jackpot—the biggest prize, the most prestigious venues, the highest purses. In this context, “apple” was slang for a major opportunity or reward.

Fitz Gerald popularized the term through his weekly column, “Around the Big Apple,” which chronicled the city’s horse racing scene. By 1923, he was consistently referring to New York’s racetracks—especially Belmont Park and Aqueduct—as part of “the big apple,” emphasizing their status as the pinnacle of American racing.

“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. It's New York.” — John J. Fitz Gerald, 1924

A Fading Phrase and an Unexpected Revival

Despite Fitz Gerald’s efforts, “The Big Apple” faded from public use by the 1950s. The term became a historical footnote, remembered mostly by sports historians and linguists. What brought it back wasn’t nostalgia—it was marketing.

In the 1970s, New York City faced a crisis. Crime rates were high, the financial system was near collapse, and tourism had plummeted. The city needed a rebrand. Enter the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, which launched a campaign to revitalize the city’s image. They searched for a unifying, positive nickname—one that felt authentic and energetic.

They found it in a 1971 article written by travel writer Pete Hamill, who lamented the decline of New York while fondly recalling the old “Big Apple” moniker. Inspired, the bureau hired advertising executive Charles Gillett to lead a new tourism push. He didn’t just revive the phrase—he made it central to the campaign.

Tip: Authentic branding works best when rooted in real history—not invented slogans. “The Big Apple” succeeded because it had a genuine backstory.

How “The Big Apple” Became Official

Gillett’s strategy was simple: associate the nickname with excitement, opportunity, and urban vibrancy. The campaign featured posters, radio ads, and merchandise emblazoned with “The Big Apple.” Tourists began adopting the term, and media outlets followed. By the late 1970s, “The Big Apple” was no longer just a slogan—it was part of the city’s identity.

In 1997, the city formally recognized the term’s significance. Mayor Rudy Giuliani signed legislation naming the corner of West 54th Street and Broadway—where Fitz Gerald once lived—as “Big Apple Corner.” A bronze plaque was installed, honoring the journalist’s role in coining the phrase.

Timeline of the Big Apple’s Evolution

1. 1921: John J. Fitz Gerald first hears “the big apple” used by stable workers in New Orleans.
2. 1923: Fitz Gerald begins using the term in his newspaper column.
3. 1924–1930s: The phrase gains traction in sports journalism and jazz culture.
4. 1950s–1960s: The term falls out of common usage.
5. 1971: Pete Hamill references “The Big Apple” in a nostalgic essay.
6. 1970s: The New York Convention and Visitors Bureau launches a tourism campaign around the nickname.
7. 1997: “Big Apple Corner” is officially dedicated in Manhattan.

Cultural Impact and Modern Usage

Today, “The Big Apple” is more than a nickname—it’s a brand. It appears on souvenirs, subway maps, and official city websites. The New York Police Department even uses “Big Apple” as a callsign prefix. Schools, businesses, and cultural institutions incorporate the term into their names, reinforcing its place in civic pride.

The phrase also crossed into global pop culture. From TV shows like Sex and the City to songs by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “The Big Apple” symbolizes ambition, diversity, and relentless energy. Even international travelers use it casually, often unaware of its origins in horse racing slang.

Do’s and Don’ts: Understanding the Nickname

Do	Don’t
Use “The Big Apple” to evoke New York’s energy and opportunity	Assume it originated from apple orchards or agriculture
Reference its jazz and racing roots in historical discussions	Mistake it for a modern invention or corporate slogan
Appreciate its revival as a model of effective cultural branding	Use it sarcastically in contexts that disrespect the city’s resilience

Expert Insight: Linguistics and Legacy

Dr. Barry Popik, a noted etymologist who has extensively researched the origins of “The Big Apple,” confirms Fitz Gerald’s pivotal role. His work, including archival research and analysis of early newspaper clippings, helped settle long-standing debates about the term’s authenticity.

“People thought ‘The Big Apple’ was invented in the 1970s. But the evidence is clear—it goes back to the 1920s, and Fitz Gerald was the first to apply it consistently to New York City.” — Dr. Barry Popik, Lexicographer and Language Historian

Popik’s research uncovered dozens of early uses in African American newspapers and jazz magazines, showing how the term spread through subcultures before entering mainstream lexicon. This linguistic journey reflects the city’s own dynamic evolution—driven by music, migration, and reinvention.

Real Example: A Tourist’s First Encounter

Consider Maria Lopez, a visitor from Madrid, during her first trip to New York in 2018. She arrived confused by the nickname. “I kept seeing ‘Big Apple’ on T-shirts and taxi decals,” she recalls. “I thought maybe there was a famous orchard I missed.” After visiting the Museum of the City of New York, she learned the real story. “It made so much more sense. Now when I say ‘I’m going to the Big Apple,’ I feel like I’m part of something bigger—a city of dreams and second chances.”

This kind of personal connection is exactly what the 1970s campaign aimed to create. The nickname isn’t just catchy—it invites belonging.

FAQ

Did New York City grow large apple orchards?

No. Despite the name, New York is not known for apple farming in the city itself. While upstate New York is a major apple producer, the nickname has nothing to do with agriculture. The term “apple” was slang for a major prize or opportunity.

Was “The Big Apple” always a positive nickname?

Not initially. In the 1920s, it was insider slang among racetrack workers. By the 1970s, it was repurposed as a positive, aspirational brand to combat negative perceptions of the city.

Are there other cities called “The Big Apple”?

Occasionally, smaller towns have used the name playfully (e.g., Springdale, Arkansas), but none have achieved the cultural recognition of New York City. The term is now overwhelmingly associated with NYC.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

The story of “The Big Apple” is more than a trivia fact—it’s a lesson in how language, culture, and identity intertwine. Born in the stables of New Orleans, popularized by a curious journalist, nearly lost to time, then resurrected through vision and marketing, the nickname embodies New York’s ability to reinvent itself while honoring its past.

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, understanding the origin of “The Big Apple” adds depth to your experience of the city. It reminds us that great nicknames aren’t manufactured—they emerge from real stories, struggles, and triumphs.

🚀 Now that you know the true story, share it. The next time someone asks why New York is called “The Big Apple,” you’ll have the full history at your fingertips. Pass it on—and keep the legacy alive.