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Around the world, cities are often known by their catchy nicknames. But do you know why New York is called the ‘Big Apple’? What makes Singapore the ‘Garden City’? And which city is often referred to as the ‘Old Smoke’?
New York – The Big Apple
The nickname ‘The Big Apple’ first came to light in the 1920s, thanks to journalist John J. Fitz Gerald, who used it when writing about horseracing prizes in New York. He later began using it in reference to New York City after that.
However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the New York Convention and Visitors Bureau launched a tourism campaign promoting New York as the ‘Big Apple’ – and as we all know, the name stuck!
Singapore – The Garden City
Singapore, set on an island, is renowned for its clean and green environment. This initiative was spearheaded by its first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, in the late 1960s.
Today, the city is a hub of futuristic buildings, trees, parks, gardens, and greenery, making its nickname of the ‘Garden City’ very appropriate.
Lima – City of the Kings
‘City of the Kings’ might not sound familiar, but it was Lima’s original name!
Founded in 1535 by the conquistadors on the day of the Epiphany (also known as ‘Three Kings Day’), this destination was deemed the City of the Kings or Ciudad de los Reyes.
Although the name quickly fell out of use, Lima still exudes a regal charm.
Rome – The Eternal City
Rome has been known as the “Eternal City” since ancient times, symbolising its enduring legacy.
Even the poet Ovid, who died around 17-18 A.D., referred to Rome as the Eternal City in his famous work, Metamorphoses, writing “As long as Rome is the Eternal City / These lines shall echo from the lips of men”.
Given that Rome is still standing strong today, the name seems to fit perfectly!
Hong Kong – Pearl of the Orient
Sitting on the Pearl River Delta, it might seem obvious why Hong Kong is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient.’ However, this nickname actually comes from the glittering lights and decorations that illuminate Victoria Harbour at night.
Jaipur – The Pink City of India
What makes a city pink? Covering it in pink paint, of course! In 1876, much of Jaipur was painted terracotta pink (symbolising ‘welcoming’ and ‘hospitality’) in preparation for a visit from the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria. Ever since the city has maintained its pink hue – so much so that it’s now illegal to paint the buildings any other colour!
Cape Town – The Mother City
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa, but is that enough to make it the Mother City?
In the 1930s, a local newspaper termed Cape Town as the only city that can claim to be a ‘metropolis,’ derived from the Greek words ‘metros’ meaning mother and ‘polis’ meaning city.
The public embraced this description, and hence the nickname “Mother City” was born!
London – The Old Smoke or Big Smoke
London’s nickname is thought to have originated from the smog and fog that surrounded it in older times, particularly during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution when coal burning was common.
The Great Smog of 1952, which covered the city and caused thousands of deaths, also helped sustain the nickname.
But don’t worry, today the air in the Old Smoke is mostly clean, thanks to the Clean Air Act of 1956.