CELEBRATED NICKNAMES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LIX, Issue 6873, 10 March 1883, Page 6

CELEBRATED NICKNAMES.

The controversy over the origin of Bishop Wilberforce’e toubriqml of “Soapy Sam, has directed attention to (he subject of nicknames generally, and some interesting inter mation has been brought to light The balance of evidence support* the theory that the Bishop acquired it by hi* giib, obsequious manner of address and method of expression. But the origin of nicknames is nob usually so obscure a* to wholly baffle discovery, The author of the “ Qreviile Memoirs,” for instance, enjoyed amongst his familiar# for some unknown reason toe title of “The Cruncher j” while a son of Sydney Smith's, notable for his mildness and geniality, carried with him to the grave the nickname of “The AiiaMin,” supposed to be derived from some college exploit, in which ti tom oat was killed. Charles the Second's litle of “ Old Bowley" U variously derivsd from bis resemblance to an old goat of that name’which was wont to roam about the Palace at Whitehall, and from a racehorse, the property of Hi* Majesty, after which it is said the “Bowley Mils” at Newmarket has been called. Whether James the First was called the “British Solomon” ironically or otoerwiie, i» a fact buried in mystery. Sydney Smith, who failed to fasten on “Soapy Sam’s” father the elongated soubriquet of “Father of toe Patent Christian* of Olavbam.” was himself known as " Joke” Salih. William Pitt, “ the Heaven-born Minister,” also rejoiced in the name of “The Angry Boy,” flwd on him by Sheridan, while Charles James Fox was alway* spoken of a* “Blaek Charley.” Then Lord Palmerston besides, being called “Pam” and “Cupid,” was. in bis latter life described a* “The Judicious Bollls-hoMer.” Lord Eldon acquired the fame of «Old Bag#” from hi* habit of taking home wlto him his paper* in numerous bags, while a Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn and W brother named the double wubrii'wt, “Bubble and Squeak” because one of them bad a high treble voice and the other was affected wltha •latter. The let* Mr Hoe buck was called “Tear ’Em,” from *0 «* by himself | and an ancestor of the present Kart of Sandwich was called “Jemmy Twiteber” after one of the ruffian* in “The Beggar’s Opera.” In conclusion it may be mentioned that Mr Labootoere la the gentleman whose lam* will deicendto posterity** that of the author of the nickname, The Grand Old Man,” now generally employed as a not disrespectful synonym ter Mr Gladriona.—ATewc Jfnttt.