Why is New York City called the Big Apple? In the 1920s, a writer named John Fitz Gerald used it in a column about the horseracing scene, because racetrack workers in New Orleans would say that if a horse was successful down South, they’d send...
What does it mean to vet a political candidate? The word “vet” comes from veterinarian, specifically the ones who would examine a horse before a race to make sure it was healthy and eligible. Similarly, one might vet a candidate to make...
bug n.— «Now that Ms. Studart is no longer an apprentice, her prospects for rides are unclear, especially with more experienced jockeys coming to New York for the summer season. Trainers tend to favor apprentices—nicknamed “bugs” for the...
breezing n.— «Ms. Studart starts most days at Belmont by 7 a.m. She spends mornings “breezing”—racing parlance for galloping at top speed—horses for various trainers, her braided hair flying behind her.» —“A Long Way From Home...
You’ve modified that car to make it go faster and look sharper. But is your car correctly described as suped up (as in “supercharged”) or souped up? This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Suped Up vs. Souped...
Quiz Guy John Chaneski stops by with a quiz about superlatives. Naturally, his name for the quiz is “Best. Puzzle. Ever.” This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “A Superlative Quiz about Superlatives” You’re...