I came across this phrase recently and was left a bit puzzled by it. A quick Google search suggests that it's a fairly common phrase, but I've never heard it used before, and wonder why it's called "tony." I'm guessing from context that it means the rich side of town. Any thoughts/info? Thanks!
A Tony is a trophe given to people doing american theator in recognition of their contribution
Matt, they're not related. The award is named after Antoinette Perry and American actress and producer who died in 1946. "Tony," meaning fashionable or stylish, dates to the 19th Century and comes from the noun "tone," as in being "high-toned."
tony
1877, Amer.Eng. slang, from high-toned. It was the name of a reddish-brown fashion color in the 1920s.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=tony
Oh my, I'm so embarrassed that I could have just looked "tony" up in the dictionary. Oh well -- I've still been bragging all day that I got a personal response from Grant Barnett. That totally made my day! :^D