why is new york known as the big apple?

Answer 1

The phrase was documented for the the first time in Edward S. Martin's book 'The Wayfarer in New York', published 1909, when he used 'Big Apple' as a metaphor for New York City

Back in the 1920's NYC was the horseracing capital of America. New Orlean's stablehands would always refer to NYC as the "big apple" because for a horse to be selected to race there - in the "big racing town" - was a great prize. An apple is a treat for horses.

In the 1930's any gig in NYC for southern jazz singers was a gig in the "big apple" -suggesting the big time.

In the 1970's the NYC visitors board started using the old nickname again, which got more & more popular than ever.

Answer 2

New york is known as the big apple because it has 52 states.

Answer 3

There are several answers. Basically, nobody knows why.
Here are a few of the well-known answers:

♥ Jazz players who traveled city-to-city called every city an "apple". NYC was nicknamed the "big apple" because it was larger and gave 'em more money.

♥ Horseback racing was another reason. Apples were food given to horses when they win, and horses raced a lot in the City.

Answer 4

You will get all the information you want from the following address

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Apple

There seem to be a number of myths and legends about the nick name for New York. You can make your mind up which one you prefer by going to this site.

Answer 5

See this link:

http://salwen.com/apple.html