big apple: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “big apple” mean?
A nickname for New York City, particularly Manhattan.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nickname for New York City, particularly Manhattan.
A major, exciting, or prestigious city or opportunity; the center of activity in a particular field (e.g., 'the big apple of the tech world').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Understood in the UK but used far less frequently. In the US, it is a well-known, established nickname.
Connotations
In the US: glamour, opportunity, hustle, culture. In the UK: an Americanism, associated with tourism and media portrayals of NYC.
Frequency
High frequency in American media/tourism; low frequency in everyday British English.
Grammar
How to Use “big apple” in a Sentence
[verb] the Big Apple (visit, leave, conquer)the Big Apple [verb] (awaits, calls, never sleeps)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “big apple” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a proper Big Apple adventure.
American English
- She's got that Big Apple energy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in tourism, marketing, and entertainment industries ('Our next conference is in the Big Apple').
Academic
Rare, except in cultural or urban studies contexts discussing city nicknames or branding.
Everyday
Used conversationally, especially by tourists or when discussing travel plans ('We're off to the Big Apple!').
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “big apple”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “big apple”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “big apple”
- Using it without 'the' ('I love Big Apple' is incorrect). Using it for cities other than New York without clear metaphorical context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was popularized in the 1920s by sports writer John J. Fitz Gerald, who heard it used by stablehands in New Orleans referring to NYC's horse racing tracks.
It is strongly associated with New York City. Using it for another city would be a deliberate, and potentially confusing, metaphorical comparison.
When referring specifically to New York City, it is conventionally capitalized as 'the Big Apple'. In metaphorical use, capitalization is less strict.
It is informal but widely accepted in journalism and tourism. It would not be used in very formal legal or diplomatic documents.
A nickname for New York City, particularly Manhattan.
Big apple: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈæp.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪɡ ˈæp.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a bite of the Big Apple (an experience of NYC)”
- “the Big Apple doesn't fall far from the tree (humorous play on the idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant, shiny red apple with the skyline of Manhattan carved into it. Big fruit = Big city.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CITY IS A FRUIT (specifically, a desirable, nourishing apple). A MAJOR GOAL/OPPORTUNITY IS A PRIZED FRUIT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'the Big Apple'?