Why is New York called The Big Apple?
Question
Why is New York called The Big Apple?
Mark, Ilford
Answer
Name: Steve, Epsom
Qualification: I’m related to Henry Cecil
Answer: It’s a horse racing term. I was recently in New York and was speaking to someone who used to be a stable lad. He told me that if you were lucky enough to get your horse into a major race at Belmont Park, the prize would be bigger than other races and the horse got a bigger apple.
(James O’Brien: I’m not buying this at all. What a load of nonsense!)
** Definitive **
Name: Angie, Hackney
Qualification: I asked a policeman in New York
Answer: It’s to do with jazz. Back when it started, all the up-and-coming jazz bands would say “Let’s take a bite of the big apple” when they wanted to take on New York City.
** Definitive **
Name: Darren, Sevenoaks
Qualification: I own a book
Answer: It’s simply because the shape of New York City from the sky looks like a big apple.
(James O’Brien: I think Darren you’re right, but Angie’s answer probably popularised it.)