Why is NYC called the Big Apple, why is New Orleans called the Big Easy, and Boston called Bean Town?

Question

When did these nicknames start?

Answer 1

Of the many theories advanced, the most reasonable seems to be that the phrase originated in show-biz circles. "There are many apples on the tree," an old saying supposedly runs, "but only one Big Apple." So vaudevillians, jazzmen, and other wormy entertainment types dubbed New York, the most important performing venue of them all, the Big Apple

The Big Easy was coined in the 1970 book The Big Easy, by James Conaway. It stereotyped the free and easy lifestyle of the locals.

Back in colonial days, a favorite Boston food was beans baked in molasses for several hours. Back then, Boston was sort of awash in molasses - it was part of the "triangular trade" in which slaves in the Caribbean grew sugar cane to be shipped to Boston to be made into rum to be sent to West Africa to buy more slaves to send to the West Indies. Even after the end of this practice, Boston continued as big rum producing city - the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 (which killed 21), ocurred when a tank holding molasses for rum production exploded.

Today, Boston baked beans are something of a rarity - there are no companies in the city making it and only a few restaurants serve it.

Answer 2

I've heard NYC was called the Big Apple because of its Biblical reference. In the second creation story, Eve is tempted by Satan to bite out of the forbidden apple. It was used by some to refer to NYC as a city of temptation, and when you think about it, it really is.

Answer 3

NYC has lots of apples..
New Orleans has lots of jobs..
Boston has lots of coffee or beans.

Answer 4

sorry i tryed to fin the answe for u but heres a start hope this helps just look around good luck

Answer 5

Same reason Chicago is called the Windy City - it's windy!@~

Answer 6

Wooderson has got it!