“Ta-kill-ya” is one of several nicknames for “tequila.” The nickname is said when the tequila is strong.
Google Books
Mister White Eyes
a novel by Herbert Gold
New York: Arbor House
1984
Pg. 237:
So I practiced drinking that Mexicali Ta Kill Ya and now here I am, smart as any other New Yorker.
Google Books
Trukness: Based on the Real Life Adventures and Times of One of the Many Gregory John Nolascos
by Peter J. Crisanto-Croox
Xlibris Corporation
1997
Pg. 17:
3 shots of ta-kill-ya came to pass.
This Dog’ll Really Hunt:
An Entertaining and Informative Texas Dictionary
by Wallace O. Chariton
Plano, TX: Republic of Texas Press
1999:
Pg. 273:
Tequila:
1. Ta-kill-ya
2. Mexican gasoline (or milk)
3. worm medicine
Google Books
The Thinking Person’s Guide to Sobriety
by Bert Plymen
New York: St. Martin’s Press
1999
Pg. 142:
We went to Mexico with several couples, and they all drank tequila (they called it “ta-kill-ya”) with lime salt.
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.
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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.
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