The Origins of the “Big Easy”

Posted By Phineas Upham

The city of New Orleans, located alongside the Mississippi River in Louisiana, Is often called “The Big Easy.” The name has been a part of literature and sales brochures about New Orleans for years. Even movies seem ok with cashing in on the nickname with no real exploration of the history of the name. The true origins may never be uncovered, but there are several popular theories on how New Orleans came to wear that nickname.

Music History

The “Big Easy” nickname may have come from the musical heritage of the city. New Orleans is a veritable haven for musicians playing jazz and blues. The legend goes that it was so easy for a musician to make a in New Orleans that they used to call it “The Big Easy.” Musicians could perform in the streets, in the parks or at private parties and nightclubs. The nickname might have been coined to refer to the ease with which a struggling musician could find work and study music at the same time.

Prohibition

The name could also have origins related to the city’s relaxed attitude toward the consumption of alcohol throughout prohibition. The city, perhaps more than most at the time, continued to enjoy its active night life. At any given bar, you could find everything from gins distilled in bath tubs to the finest wines. Anyone looking for a night cap could easily find one on the streets of “The Big Easy.”

Cost of Living

New Orleans has a low cost of living compared to most major US cities. This is another explanation for the origins of the name. Even a modest paycheck would cover the standards of living in the city.

About the Author: Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Phineas Upham website or Facebook page.