On of the reasons has to do with the jazz tradition of the city. The city has long been a haven for jazz and blues musicians who wanted a place to hone their craft. Legend has it that the earliest use of the Big Easy had to do with the fact that there were so many ways for a good musician to make a living in New Orleans. From performing on the streets and in the parks to playing private parties and in nightclubs, no other American city was said to be so open and so supportive of musical artists. Thus, the Big Easy might have been coined to refer to the ease with which a struggling musician could find work and study music at the same time. And therefore, the name Big Easy!!!!

Another possible origin is given to its party atmosphere, including the "loose" attitudes during the Mardy Graw and the alcohol abuses. NO is known for its nightlife. And it is easy to get alcohol as well as hot girls!!!!

The relative low cost of living, people find NO friendlier in terms of living prices compared to many US cities, and thus gives it the nickname "Big Easy."

These are several thoughts on why New Orleans was named "The Big easy."
1. It is easy for struggling musicians to find work and study music at the same time in New Orleans.
2.Relaxed attitude when it comes to consumption of alcohol or hard drinks in New Orleans.
3. Low cost of living