10 Powerful Facts About Why NYC Is Called The Big Apple

Why NYC is called The Big Apple: New York City is famous for many names, but none is as iconic as “The Big Apple.” For decades, tourists, locals, and people around the world have wondered: Why NYC is called The Big Apple? The answer is not simple — it’s a fascinating story that stretches across horse racing, jazz clubs, newspapers, and city-wide campaigns.

This article explores the 10 most powerful facts that explain why NYC is called The Big Apple, how the nickname survived ups and downs, and why it continues to represent the energy, ambition, and charm of New York City today.

Table of Contents

1. Apples Have Always Symbolized Rewards

To understand why NYC is called The Big Apple, it helps to know that apples have long been used as metaphors. The term “apple of one’s eye” symbolized something precious. In the early 20th century, apples often stood for rewards or the best of something.

When people started calling New York City the “Big Apple,” they weren’t talking about fruit. They were describing the city as the biggest prize — the ultimate reward for anyone chasing dreams.

2. The Horse Racing Origin

The clearest reason behind why NYC is called The Big Apple is horse racing. In the 1920s, African-American stable hands and jockeys in New Orleans coined the phrase when talking about New York’s prestigious racetracks.

New York offered the biggest prizes and the highest recognition in racing. To win there was to take a bite of the juiciest apple on the tree. This slang soon spread beyond racing circles.

3. John J. Fitz Gerald Made It Popular

Another reason why NYC is called The Big Apple is the work of journalist John J. Fitz Gerald. In 1921, Fitz Gerald began using the phrase in his New York Morning Telegraph racing columns.

He called his column “Around the Big Apple” and used the phrase so often that it caught on with readers. Without him, the nickname might never have reached mainstream culture.

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4. Jazz Musicians Adopted the Phrase

During the 1930s, jazz musicians gave a fresh answer to the question of why NYC is called The Big Apple. For them, New York City was the ultimate stage.

A popular saying went: “There are many apples on the tree, but only one Big Apple.” That meant there were many cities to play music, but only New York represented the top of the industry.

Harlem’s Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom carried the nickname into nightlife, making it cool and cultural.

5. The Nickname Faded in the Mid-20th Century

One overlooked fact about why NYC is called The Big Apple is that it nearly disappeared. By the 1940s and 1950s, the nickname was rarely used.

But New York never stays down for long. The city’s next chapter would bring the nickname back stronger than ever.

6. A 1970s Tourism Campaign Saved It

If you ask city historians why NYC is called The Big Apple today, many point to the 1970s tourism campaign. At that time, New York was struggling with crime, financial troubles, and a bad reputation.

To rebrand the city, officials launched a campaign using the slogan: “Take a bite out of the Big Apple.” Posters, merchandise, and advertisements proudly displayed red apples as symbols of opportunity.

This revived the nickname and gave it a new, positive identity.

7. “Big Apple Corner” Honors Fitz Gerald

Another reason why NYC is called The Big Apple has to do with legacy. In 1997, the city officially honored John J. Fitz Gerald by naming the corner of Broadway and 54th Street as “Big Apple Corner.”

This tribute ensured that the journalist’s contribution to New York history would never be forgotten.

8. The Big Apple Represents Ambition

Part of the reason why NYC is called The Big Apple is its symbolic power. The name suggests ambition, opportunity, and reaching for the best.

Whether it’s Wall Street, Broadway, or Madison Avenue, New York is the place where people come to achieve their dreams. The nickname fits perfectly with the city’s character.

9. The Global Branding of “The Big Apple”

Another modern fact about why NYC is called The Big Apple is branding. The nickname has become a global symbol. It appears on T-shirts, mugs, souvenirs, walking tours, and countless marketing campaigns.

For tourists, saying they’re visiting “The Big Apple” feels exciting, glamorous, and special.

10. The Nickname Reflects Resilience

Finally, the most powerful reason why NYC is called The Big Apple is resilience. The city has faced crises — from economic decline in the 1970s to global challenges — yet the nickname has always stood strong.

“The Big Apple” embodies the idea that no matter what happens, New York remains the ultimate city, the biggest prize, and the boldest stage.

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Timeline of The Big Apple

Early 1900s: Apples used in literature to symbolize rewards.
1920s: Stable hands use “Big Apple” for New York racetracks.
1921: John J. Fitz Gerald spreads the phrase in newspaper columns.
1930s: Jazz musicians adopt the nickname.
1940s–1950s: The phrase fades in use.
1970s: Tourism officials revive it to restore NYC’s image.
1997: “Big Apple Corner” dedicated to Fitz Gerald.
Today: Globally recognized as NYC’s most famous nickname.

Why the Nickname Still Matters ( Why NYC is called The Big Apple)

To sum up, the story of why NYC is called The Big Apple is about more than words. It’s about a city that represents ambition, culture, and resilience.

From horse racing to jazz, from decline to revival, the nickname has mirrored the city’s journey. It endures because it is catchy, powerful, and deeply connected to New York’s identity.

There may be many apples on the tree, but as musicians once said, there will always be only one Big Apple. Wikipedia