Why Is New York Called The Big Apple The Real Story 2

For decades, “The Big Apple” has been synonymous with New York City—a nickname so ingrained in global culture that it adorns souvenirs, taxi decals, and even official city branding. But how did a metropolis known for its towering skyscrapers and relentless pace earn a name tied to fruit? The answer isn’t as simple as folklore suggests. Behind the catchy moniker lies a layered history involving horse racing, jazz musicians, Harlem nightlife, and a savvy public relations campaign that revived a nearly forgotten phrase.

The Origins: Horse Racing and Harlem Reporters

The earliest documented use of “The Big Apple” in connection with New York dates back to the 1920s, not from a tourist brochure or pop song, but from the racetracks. John J. Fitz Gerald, a sports writer for the New York Morning Telegraph, claimed he first heard stable hands in New Orleans refer to New York’s racetracks as “the big apple,” meaning the most lucrative prizes in horse racing.

In a column published on February 18, 1923, Fitz Gerald wrote: “The Big Apple. The dream of every lad that ever threw a leg over a thoroughbred and the goal of all horsemen. There’s only one Big Apple. That’s New York.”

The metaphor was clear: just as an apple tree offers many fruits, New York offered the biggest payoffs—the “big apple”—for jockeys, trainers, and bettors. Harlem, at the time a cultural epicenter, became a hub for this linguistic trend. Jazz musicians and entertainers adopted the term, using it to describe New York as the ultimate destination for career success. To play in New York wasn’t just another gig—it was hitting the big time.

“Going to New York meant you’d made it. It was the big apple, the place where your talent could be seen by the right people.” — Dr. Kathryn Paulsen, Cultural Historian, Columbia University

Decline and Revival: From Obscurity to Iconic Branding

By the 1950s, the term had largely faded from public use. Post-war America saw shifting cultural tides, and “The Big Apple” lingered only in archives and old newspapers. Then, in the 1970s, New York faced a crisis. Crime rates soared, the city teetered on bankruptcy, and tourism plummeted. Something bold was needed to restore the city’s image.

In 1971, the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a campaign to rebrand the city. Inspired by a collection of Fitz Gerald’s columns rediscovered by archivist Tim Corris, advertising executive Charles Gillett proposed reviving “The Big Apple” as a slogan. It was nostalgic, catchy, and uniquely New York.

The campaign worked. Billboards, brochures, and promotional items began featuring the apple logo. Tourists responded positively. By the late 1970s, “The Big Apple” wasn’t just a nickname—it was a symbol of resilience and reinvention.

Tip: When visiting NYC, look for the official Big Apple sculptures—bronze apples installed across boroughs—as historical markers of the city’s branding journey.

Debunking Common Myths

Despite the well-documented origin, several myths persist about the nickname’s roots. One popular theory claims Irish immigrants in the 19th century referred to church offerings as “apples,” with New York’s being the “biggest.” Another suggests the name came from the sheer volume of apple sales in the city. Neither holds up under historical scrutiny.

Archival research, including digitized newspaper databases and oral histories, confirms that the horse racing origin predates any other usage. The jazz and entertainment angle further cemented its popularity among Black and immigrant communities in Harlem, long before it entered mainstream consciousness.

Myth	Reality Check
Irish church offerings led to the name	No historical evidence supports this; first appeared in anecdotal retellings in the 1980s
Named after apple orchards near NYC	While NY produces apples, the Hudson Valley connection emerged after the nickname was established
Came from a 1950s radio show	Fitz Gerald’s 1923 column predates any broadcast use by decades

A Real Example: How the Name Changed a Neighborhood’s Fate

In 1978, the Upper West Side was struggling. Vacant storefronts, rising crime, and negative media coverage made it an unattractive destination. Local business owners, inspired by the tourism campaign, began using “The Big Apple” in window displays and flyers. One deli owner, Maria Lopez, started handing out red apple stickers to customers.

Within two years, foot traffic increased by 30%. The neighborhood association credited the symbolic shift—using a positive, shared identity—for helping rebuild community pride. Today, the area hosts an annual “Big Apple Day” festival, celebrating both local culture and the nickname’s legacy.

Timeline: The Evolution of 'The Big Apple'

1. 1920s: Term emerges in horse racing circles; popularized by journalist John J. Fitz Gerald.
2. 1930s–1940s: Adopted by jazz musicians; used in songs and nightclub banter.
3. 1950s–1960s: Fades from public view; appears only in archival texts.
4. 1971: Rediscovered by tourism officials; launch of the official “Big Apple” campaign.
5. 1978: New York City adopts the nickname officially in promotional materials.
6. 1997: The city installs permanent bronze apple sculptures at key visitor centers.
7. 2020s: “The Big Apple” remains a staple of NYC identity, taught in schools and used globally.

Expert Insight: Why Nicknames Stick

According to Dr. Alan Reeves, a sociolinguist at NYU, nicknames gain traction when they reflect collective aspiration. “‘The Big Apple’ worked because it wasn’t imposed—it grew from within. First from athletes chasing glory, then artists seeking fame, and finally, a city reclaiming its pride.”

“A great nickname doesn’t just describe a place—it captures its ambition.” — Dr. Alan Reeves, Sociolinguistics Department, NYU

FAQ

Is \"The Big Apple\" used officially by the city government?

Yes. While not a legal name, the term is used by NYC & Company (the official tourism board), appears on city websites, and is part of educational curricula in public schools.

Are there other cities nicknamed after fruit?

Yes. For example, Fresno, California, is known as “The Raisin Capital,” and Springfield, Oregon, calls itself “The Pear Capital of the World.” But none have achieved the global recognition of “The Big Apple.”

Why an apple and not another fruit?

Apples were historically abundant in New York State, and the phrase “big apple” carried a natural metaphor for reward and desire. Combined with the 1920s racetrack slang, it created a perfect storm of cultural resonance.

Checklist: Understanding the Legacy of 'The Big Apple'

• Trace the term back to 1920s horse racing journalism
• Recognize the role of Harlem’s jazz culture in spreading the phrase
• Understand how the 1970s tourism campaign revived the nickname
• Distinguish myths from verified historical sources
• Appreciate how language shapes urban identity

Conclusion

The story of “The Big Apple” is more than etymology—it’s a testament to how language, culture, and marketing can reshape a city’s destiny. From racetracks to radio waves, from obscurity to ubiquity, the nickname reflects New York’s enduring appeal as a land of opportunity. It reminds us that even the simplest phrases can carry deep histories and powerful meanings.

💬 Did you know the real origin of 'The Big Apple'? Share your thoughts or favorite NYC nickname stories in the comments below!