Why are these American cities sometimes called that way?

People have been using popular phrases for many years: Windy City, Sin City and Big Easy. Many even have a souvenir T-shirt with the words Big Apple, which are printed in large letters. Many urban unofficial names have become part of the national vocabulary, but what do we know about their true origin?

In this article, you are presented with very entertaining stories about the ten unofficial names of major US cities.

1. The Big Apple, New York

America boasts the presence of such large cities as New York. Most of the Thuists who have visited this magnificent metropolis will definitely want to try the famous pizza, bagels and hot dogs. Apples, however, are not mentioned in the list of gastronomy. So, why did the city get such a nickname?

According to the New York Public Library, this term was used to describe what is considered the most significant object of desire and ambition. It is alleged that such an original name of the city appeared in the 1800s.

And although there are different versions about the origin of the name and how it gained wide popularity, the overwhelming majority of people note that the nickname originated, most likely, on the treadmills.

In 1920 in New Orleans, a newspaper reporter named John Fitzgerald heard a conversation in the stables, from which it was clear that the horses preferred apples and they were going to the Big Apple competitions. The reporter found out what New York meant. In 1924, in one of his articles, he called the city that city exactly that way.

Later this term spread among sports commentators and musicians. In the 1970s, the president of the Bureau of the New York Convention, Charles Gillette, used this name for a travel company, promoting its more popularization.

From the guides you can hear a very different story. According to them, the first tree yielding fruits in this area was an apple tree.

2. Windy City, Chicago

Chicago is often called Windy City because of the ice breezes blowing from Lake Michigan. Although this is a literal interpretation of the name.

Many believe that this nickname was invented elsewhere (its exact origin is still not clear). One rather popular theory is based on the fact that this term originated from the nickname of local residents and politicians who were called "full hot air".

The etymologist Barry Popick has given strong evidence that show that the term was used as a reference to the windy weather in Chicago, as well as the politicians of the city. Newspapers dating back to the 1870s often used this phrase, but the mystery of the origin of the name is not disclosed to this day.

3. "City of Brotherly Love", Philadelphia

The name "Philadelphia" combines the Greek words fileo (love) and adelphos (brother). The founder of the city, William Penn, was a Quaker. He was a representative of the community of religious tolerance. In addition to firmly believing in religious freedom, he also sought to live in peace with the Native Americans and fully respected their right to own land.

4. "City of Sins", Las Vegas

Not surprisingly, Las Vegas has become synonymous with gambling, drinking and other human vices. It was called Sin City ("Sunny City"). But do you know that the Spanish name of this city means "meadows"?

So, how does a city with such a calm translation of the name symbolize debauchery? According to historical data, despite the fact that in Nevada gambling games were declared illegal in 1910, they were secretly held in underground casinos.

Gambling was legalized in 1931, but organized crime has already taken deep roots. Las Vegas was nicknamed "The City of Sins" due to the prevalence of prostitution and the presence of a large number of brothels in the early 1900s.

5. Big Easy, New Orleans

It is reported that in the 1900's Big Easy was the name of a jazz club, but this moniker was not actually circulated until the 1970s. The origin of the name is unknown, but it implies a relaxed atmosphere, carelessness and ease of perception of its inhabitants. The city is famous for its nightclubs, availability of alcoholic beverages and casinos.

In the 1986 film, in which Dennis Quaid appeared in the title role, this title was mentioned more than once.

6. Bintown, Boston

Boston is known by many nicknames. He is called the "Cradle of Freedom", "Athens of America". However, the most common name is Beantown ("City of Beans"). It refers to a popular regional dish from Boston bean baked in molasses. The origin of it is not as innocent as it might seem at first glance.

Boston has in the past exported rum to Africa through the trade of slaves. Slaves were sold in the Caribbean for the purpose of buying molasses. In Boston, it was used to make more rum and plus the aforementioned baked beans. Traders usually called the city of Beantown. Today, this name is firmly entrenched.

7. "Emerald City", Seattle

People who visited Seattle, have heard about the high level of coffee consumption by its inhabitants, as well as abundant downpours. Given the latter, it is not surprising that the city also has numerous parks. It should be noted parks Green Lake, Discovery and the arboretum of Washington. It is because of this abundance of greenery that Seattle earned the nickname "Emerald City".

8. Mile High City, Denver

Travelers who choose to visit Denver can be warned about its high altitude. The city boasts a height of 5,280 feet, or one mile, which explains the nickname.

9. "The Magic City", Miami

The nickname "Magic City" has little to do with witchcraft and is more related to the fact that this area has become a city literally overnight.

A wealthy widow named Julia Tuttle acquired a plantation of citrus plants in addition to the land that she inherited. Then she moved to the area. Soon Tuttle convinced her powerful friends (for example, Henry Flagler) to expand the railway, build roads and even invest in the resort. And by 1896 the city was completely reorganized. It did not take too long for Miami to become a famous tourist attraction and a place for a great holiday.

10. "City of Angels", Los Angeles

A short and beautiful "City of Angels" is a literal translation of the name of Los Angeles into Spanish.