“When a habit begins to cost money, it is called a hobby” is a jocular one-line saying that appears to have been coined in the “Little Liz” newspaper comic strip in January 1958. “Hobby” sounds better than “habit” and provides a somewhat better cover for losing money.
3 January 1958, Mexia (TX) Daily News, “Little Liz” comic strip, pg. 4, col. 5:
When a habit begins to cost money it’s called a hobby.
(Someone is shown painting—ed.)
Google News Archive
24 September 1964, The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA), “Shop with Sue,” pg. 3, col. 6 ad:
When a habit begins to cost money it is called a hobby.
Google Books
Quote Unquote
By Lloyd Cory
Wheaton, IL: Victor Books
1977
Pg. 153:
When a habit begins to cost money, it is called a hobby. (Supervision)
Google News Archive
13 January 1989, Idahonian/Daily News (Moscow, ID), “Tell it to Ann” by Ann Landers, pg. 11A, col. 8:
My Laugh for the Day: When a habit begins to cost money it is called a hobby.
Google Books
14,000 Quips & Quotes:
For Speakers, Writers, Editors, Preachers, and Teachers
By E. C. McKenzie
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House
1990, ©1980
Pg. 225:
When a habit begins to cost money, it is called a hobby.
Illustrated World of Proverbs
5/19/12
When a habit begins to cost money, it’s called a hobby.
~ Jewish Proverb
The Wealth Guide
June 29. 2012
(...)
To me, I believe in striking balance. While I work hard to get out of rat race, I reward myself with my hobbies. My greatest hobby is traveling. (When a habit begins to cost money, it’s called a hobby.)
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“Welcome to growing older. Where all the foods and drinks you’ve loved for years suddenly seem determined to destroy you” (4/17)
•“Date someone who drinks with you instead of complaining that you drink” (4/17)
•“Definition of stupid: Knowing the truth, seeing evidence of the truth, but still believing the lie” (4/17)
•“Definition of stupid: Knowing the truth, seeing the evidence of the truth, but still believing the lie” (4/17)
•“Government creates the crises so it can ‘rescue’ you with the loss of freedom” (4/17)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
This site is edited by Barry Popik. These are the Cookies and Privacy Policies.