Pourquoi New York est-elle appelée la grosse pomme ?

📚 Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Origins of the Big Apple
   1. Etymologist Barry Popeck's Research
   2. Edward Martin's Metaphorical Usage
   3. John Jay Fitzgerald and the Sports Connection
3. The Significance of Apples in History
   1. The Development of Big Red Delicious Apples
   2. The Symbolism of "Extra Special"
4. How the Nickname Spread
   1. Fitzgerald's Encounter in New Orleans
   2. Popularity in Music and Dance
5. Decline and Revival of the Nickname
   1. Gradual Disappearance in the 1960s
   2. Advertising Campaign by Charles Gillette
6. Conclusion

🍎 The Origins of the Big Apple

The nickname "The Big Apple" is deeply intertwined with the history of New York City. Understanding its origins reveals a fascinating story of metaphorical usage and cultural significance.

🍏 Etymologist Barry Popeck's Research

Esteemed etymologist Barry Popeck conducted extensive research on the earliest documented reference to New York City being called the Big Apple. According to his findings, the earliest known usage of this moniker comes from Edward Martin's 1909 book, "The Wayfarer." Martin used the term metaphorically rather than as a proper name, portraying New York as a greedy city that seemingly received a disproportionate share of the national sap.

🍎 Edward Martin's Metaphorical Usage

In Martin's book, the term "Big Apple" was employed metaphorically to depict New York City's prominence and allure. It represented the city's ability to attract opportunities and resources, much like the way a big apple tempts individuals with its juicy and appealing qualities. This metaphorical usage laid the foundation for the nickname's later popularity.

🍏 John Jay Fitzgerald and the Sports Connection

The next documented instance of New York City being referred to as the Big Apple comes from sports writer John Jay Fitzgerald. Starting on May 3rd, 1921, Fitzgerald began popularizing the nickname in his columns. He often used it in relation to racecourses in the New York City region, where races offered significant prizes to the winners. This association between big payouts and the city's racecourses solidified the connection between New York and the Big Apple.

🍎 The Significance of Apples in History

Apples have held importance throughout history, but it was the development of the big Red Delicious apples in Iowa during the 1870s that contributed to the concept of "extra special." These apples became highly regarded, symbolizing something above and beyond the ordinary.

🍏 The Development of Big Red Delicious Apples

The creation of the big Red Delicious apples in Iowa marked a turning point. Their distinct flavor and aesthetic appeal made them stand out. As these apples gained popularity, being associated with them directly or indirectly became a way to describe anything or anyone regarded as extra special.

🍎 The Symbolism of "Extra Special"

It is believed that the association between New York City and the Big Apple originated from the perception that the city was extraordinary. The use of the term "Big Apple" reinforced the notion that New York City was a place where dreams could be realized and where exceptional individuals and events converged.

🍏 How the Nickname Spread

The spread of the nickname "The Big Apple" can be attributed to various sources and cultural influences. Understanding its journey provides insights into its popularity and widespread usage.

🍎 Fitzgerald's Encounter in New Orleans

The popular tale suggests that John Jay Fitzgerald first encountered the term while in New Orleans around 1920. It is said that he overheard stable hands conversing about their travel plans. One mentioned going to the "Big Apple," referring to New York City. Whether this story is true or merely a fabrication by Fitzgerald himself, it played a role in popularizing the nickname.

🍏 Popularity in Music and Dance

The popularity of the nickname grew beyond the world of horse racing. In the 1930s, a song and dance called "The Big Apple" became a hit, further cementing the association between the nickname and New York City. Numerous references to the Big Apple also appeared in jazz music, contributing to its cultural significance.

🍎 Decline and Revival of the Nickname

Although the nickname fell out of fashion during the 1960s, its revival occurred in the 1970s thanks to the efforts of Charles Gillette and the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau.

🍏 Gradual Disappearance in the 1960s

By the 1960s, the nickname "The Big Apple" had lost its popularity and understanding outside of New York City. Few people would have recognized the reference if it were used during that time.

🍎 Advertising Campaign by Charles Gillette

In the 1970s, Charles Gillette and the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau launched an advertising campaign to promote New York City as a tourist destination. They strategically revived the nickname "The Big Apple," pairing it with bright, enticing images of red apples in their advertisements. This rebranding successfully shifted the perception of New York City from a crime-ridden place to an exciting and remarkable destination.

🍏 Conclusion

The nickname "The Big Apple" has a rich history that spans metaphorical usage, cultural significance, and revived popularity. It is a testament to the allure and appeal of New York City, symbolizing the dreams and exceptionalism associated with the city.

⭐ Highlights

• The nickname "The Big Apple" originated from metaphorical usage in the book "The Wayfarer" by Edward Martin.
• John Jay Fitzgerald, a sports writer, popularized the nickname by associating it with racecourses in the New York City region.
• The big Red Delicious apples developed in the 1870s symbolized something extraordinary, contributing to the association between New York City and the Big Apple.
• The spread of the nickname can be attributed to a popular tale of Fitzgerald overhearing stable hands using the term in New Orleans.
• Music and dance, particularly the song and dance called "The Big Apple," further solidified the connection between the nickname and New York City.
• The decline of the nickname occurred in the 1960s, but it was revived in the 1970s through an advertising campaign by Charles Gillette and the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau.

FAQ:

Q: Who coined the term "The Big Apple"? A: The term "The Big Apple" was coined metaphorically by Edward Martin in his book "The Wayfarer." John Jay Fitzgerald, a sports writer, later popularized the term in relation to racecourses in the New York City region.

Q: Why is New York City called the Big Apple? A: The nickname "The Big Apple" is believed to symbolize the city's allure, opportunities, and extraordinary nature. It originated from metaphoric usage and has been associated with New York City for over a century.

Q: When did the term "The Big Apple" become popular? A: The nickname gained popularity in the early 20th century, with its usage expanding beyond sports and into music, dance, and everyday language. Its revival occurred in the 1970s through an advertising campaign.

Resources:

• The Big Apple: A Tale from the Metro
• The History of the Big Apple