Why New York Is nicknamed “The Big Apple” and How 8 Other popular Cities Got Their Nicknames

Raymond Greene
5 min readJun 20, 2022

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The Big Apple : Newyork

New York is known by many nicknames — such as “Gotham”or “the City that Never Sleeps” — but the most famous one is certainly “the Big Apple.” How did the city got this nickname? Although uses of the phrase are documented in the early 1900s, the phrase first became popular in the 1920s when John J. Fitz Gerald, started a column about horse racing called “Around the Big Apple.” but, it wasn’t until the tourism campaign in the 1970s that this nickname came to be synonymous with New York City.

The peace Capitol :Geneva

Geneva, the second most populous city in Switzerland, it’s a city well-known for its diplomacy. Geneva is home to the European headquarters for the United Nations and also where international organizations, such as the Red Cross, were founded and also where the Geneva Conventions, a series of treaties for ameliorating the effects and consequences of war on civilians and soliders, were signed. It seems perfectly fitting,that Geneva is known as “the Peace Capital.”

Muddy work : Toronto

Muddy York” sounds like a perfect name that would be better suited for New York when it’s raining so much. But it’s actually a nickname given for Toronto in Canada. “Muddy York” is now not as popular a moniker as it used to be, the name is referring to a time in the history of Toronto when there was no sewers or drainage systems — meaning the “muddy” part of the nickname was quite literal. The “York” part return back to when Toronto was colonized first , and its nickname was “Town of York” to honor Prince Frederick, duke of York. Now, the nickname “Muddy York” shows the early years of this city in Canada.

the End of the World :ushuaia

If you go to the south, you would eventually hit Antarctica, home to the South Pole (and little else). However, before you get there, you might reach Ushuaia, a city in the region of Patagonia in Argentina that is commonly considered as the southernmost city in the world, giving it the nickname (“the End of the World”) or in argentinian “El Fin del Mundo”. Although Puerto Williams, a smaller Chilean settlement, is actually farther south, the nickname is still used as a slogan by the government of Argentine for this city on the edge of South America

Sin City :Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a vibrant city known for its casinos and its robust nightlife scene . Over 50 million people visit each year to indulge in its drinking, gambling and dazzling shows. Some even travel outside the city to visit Nevada operated brothels or indulge illegally within the city highest limits. Las Vegas is also a top wedding and ceremonial destination, both for more on-the-fly affairs and preplanned weddings . It’s no big deal that this city, where many vices can be indulged, is known as “Sin City” — because “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

the City of Dreams :Mumbai

With an estimated population of more than 20.4 million people, Mumbai is one of the most populous cities in the world. Mumbai is not only the financial and economic hub of India but also the home of Bollywood, one of the most famous Indian movie industries, making this city a particularly vibrant place to move to. The opportunities here are limitless, which is why Mumbai is referred to as “the City of Dreams.”

Harbour City : Sydney

Sydney is Located on the southeastern coast of Australia, Sydney is a city that takes full advantage of its location. Sydney is sometimes referred as “Harbour City,” in honor and respect of this prime real estate. Once a major port city People enjoy hitting the beach to go snorkeling or surfing , and one of the most recognizable buildings, the Sydney Opera House, is right on the harbor!

the City of a Thousand Minarets: Cairo

Cairo is not only the biggest city in Egypt but also one of the biggest in the Middle East. It is also popular for its rich history and serves as a center for the music and film industries in the area. Cairo also is known for having an abundance of Islamic architecture and culture , which is why you may hear it being called “the City of a Thousand Minarets.” Minarets had a unique role in the religion of Islam, as they are culturally the towers from which Muslims are called to prayer five times each day.

City of Love : Paris

Whether it’s because the French language is referred as the “language of love” or Is it because of the romantic walks along the River of Seine Paris has distinguished itself as the “City of Love.” Paris has attracted those with labors of love, such as artists and writers. Love can be found anywhere, from the Arts bridge to cozy cafés to which couples in the early 2000s attached padlocks to show their commitment to one another.

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