Blue-plate specials with rail origins

Just Ask

Q: Where did the term "blue-plate special" get its origin? Was the meal originally served on a blue plate?

A: From the information I was able to find, your theory seems to be have hit the nail on the head.

According to wordorigins.com, the term appears to have derived from the fact that the meals originally were served on blue plates that usually were in sections. Typically, there were sections for the meat, potato and vegetables.

The site explains that the original color, cobalt blue, commonly was used as a pigment for plates since the Chinese developed the design in the 17th century.

The wordorigins.com Web site, which is based in Britain, states blue-plate special is an American term. In fact, the site's author admits he had to look up the term to see what it meant when he first heard it.

The site even found a copy of a September 1924 advertisement in an Illinois newspaper for a blue-plate special. The ad was for a meal at the Young Women's Christian Association in Decatur, Ill.

The special included a meat, two vegetables, bread and butter and your choice of coffee, tea or milk - all for a whopping cost of 25 cents. And you could get a second cup of coffee free.

Another tidbit from the site: The earliest use of the term may have rail origins.

The site explains that food writer Daniel Rogov believes the first use of the blue-plate special was Oct. 22, 1892.

Rogov claims it was on a menu for the Fred Harvey restaurant on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.

Q: Do lobbyists in politics really get that name from being in the lobbies of buildings where politicians roam?

A: The Just Ask askers are two-for-two today. Yes, that is where the word originated. Specifically, it started being used in the lobbies of Congress and state legislative buildings, according to wordorigins.com.

Lobbyists work to keep their cause or causes on the forefront of the minds of politicians and explain why they should vote a certain way for various legislation.

The Web site states the Oct. 6, 1837, Cleveland Herald has the earliest usage known of the term "lobbying."

The site goes on to discuss a belief held by many that the term "lobbyist" was coined during President Grant's administration.

The story goes that Grant frequented the Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., during his administration, and used the term to refer to those who approached him seeking favors.

The site states, however, the phrase was used long before then.

Bernie Delinski writes Just Ask. E-mail questions to bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com or call him at 740-5739, fax it to 740-4717 or send it to Just Ask, c/o TimesDaily, P.O. Box 797, Florence, AL 35631.