Entry from
July 13, 2004
Skycap
This word, like "scofflaw," entered the language as a contest winner. Think about it on your ride to JFK or LaGuardia. I found the below, our first known citation for "skycap."
24 December 1940, New York Herald Tribune, pg. 11, col. 8:
Air-Line Porters "Skycaps"
Willie Wainwright, of New Orleans, was announced yesterday as the winner of a competition to select a name for porters at the Airlines Terminal, Forty-second Street and Park Avenue. His suggestion was "skycaps," and he won $100. There were 2,780 persons in the contest.
24 December 1940, New York Herald Tribune, pg. 11, col. 8:
Air-Line Porters "Skycaps"
Willie Wainwright, of New Orleans, was announced yesterday as the winner of a competition to select a name for porters at the Airlines Terminal, Forty-second Street and Park Avenue. His suggestion was "skycaps," and he won $100. There were 2,780 persons in the contest.