Baghdad by the Bay

English

Alternative forms

• Baghdad-by-the-Bay

Etymology

Coined by American columnist Herb Caen in the late 1940s, likely reflecting the multiculturalism and exotic character of the city, while also identifying the city with a great historical cultural and intellectual center, as well as possibly implying a moral association with Babylon.

Proper noun

Baghdad by the Bay

1. (informal, dated) San Francisco (a city in California).

Synonyms

• San Fran, Frisco, The City (Northern CA only), The City by the Bay, The City That Knows How (dated)