Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-07-29


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NICKNAMES.
It seems strange, that among the yarious
subjects which have been chosen by authors
for essays and other writings, nacknames
should never have suggested itself. The
custom of giving nicknames has been so
universal, and in many instances attended
with such important consequences, that his
torical examination of the subject would be
full of interest. No account of party names
alone could be made very acceptable, and
the work completed by mention of the men,
whose popularity have secured them such
appellations. The word nickname, from the
French nom de migue, meant originally a
name of contempt or derision, and such is
the de6nition always given, but the common
use of the term, as we'll as the want any
other, justify its also being applied to that
class of names, which are indicative Of love
and popularity.
A few examples of party and personal
nicknames will be given here, in order to H.
lustrate the remarks above made. The name
Protestants was first referred to those who
protested against a resolve of the diet at
Spire, held April l9, 1889, whereby any
further innovations in ecclesiastical affairs
were forbidden. This name, derived from
circumstance Of no great Importance and
given to a party of small pretensions, now
embraces under it the most powerful nations
of the world. Other examples Of party
names are Dissenters, Covendnters, Round
heads, Cavaliers, Beggars, Wig, Tory, &c.,
an examination into any one Of; which would
surpass the limits intended for the present
article. >.
When we consider the nicknames of indi-
viduals, we are Immediately struck with the
fact that they are never given to any save the
most popular or despised. A nickname
seems to bring the person much peaFer, and
to give an emphasis to the expressions Of
love or hate. We draw him to us either to
embrace him or smite him 10 the face. The
soldier particularly, delights in being able
to make use of such familiar epithsts when
speaking of bis commander, for he feels a
sort of brotherly affection towards the man
under whom he has fought and bled. Ma
poleon was already spoken of as Gle Petit
Corporal" a name bravely earned on the
bridge of Lodi, and of which he as well as
his men were justly proud. There is story
told of him, that one night, while strolling
around the camp, he was challenged by a
sentinel? He did not know the watchword,
and the sentinel would not let him pass, say:
ing-"if you we're the little Corporal him
self, you should not do it," Napoleon threw
off his cloak and said, 81 am the Little Cor
poral." The soldier was promoted.
Marlborough-the hviueible Marlborough,
whose glory it was to have bafaed the exhor-
bitant aspirations Of Government like that
of France in the hands of a Louis XIV. also
had nickname. 1t was "Corporal John"
With him, however, it was much more ow-
ing to his invariable success than to any per-
sonal popularity. He had none Of that d.
rect influence over his soldiers which Napo-
leon possessed in such wonderful degree.
He was too cold, too distant. too avaricious.
Frederick the Great, of all commanders Of
modern times the most regardless of the lives
Of those who served him, was, nevertheless,
popular among his troops. He shared their
dangers, and generally led them to glorious
victories, and they had confidence in him.
His nickname was "Alter Fritz" (Old Fred. }
Blucher, the gruf old soldier, was called
"Marshal Vorwarts," Marshal Forward).-I
Gonsalvo de Cordoya yas the "Great Cap
tain" General Grey, afterwards Earl Grey,
father of the Prime Minister, was nickuamed
"No Fliut," because he always commanded
the use of the bayonet. In our own history
we have several whose popularity, or success
es have given them well.earned appellations.
The "Swamp Fox" the "Game Cock"
"Light Horse Harry" "Mad Anthony" and
"Old Hickory. are names that will ever
remain dear to our hearts. Washington was
too reserved and distant to become person
ally popular. He had no nickname among
his soldiers, though it has been lately dis
covered that in Virginia be went,under the
name of eOld Hoss." Wellington had none,
from, perhaps, similar reason.
AS examples of nioknames given on ac-
count of unpopularity or in ridicule, the fol-
lowing suggest themselves: George II. was
called "The Captain" George III. "Far-
mer George" The Earl of Marlborough
was "Bobbing John," on account Of bis fire.
quent changes between the Stuart and Han
over interests. The Duke of Cumberland,
who quelled the rebellion of l745, was,
from his cruelty, called "The Butcher.
From these examples, collected together in
the course of few weeks reading, it would
seem that with labor the subject might be
made one of interest. 1t would require Ia
Dor, but would amply repay the trouble it
would cost.
1t is fact pregnant with Importance that
the name of party is often one of the
strongest links of the chain by which that
party is kept together. 1t serves as stim-
ulant, driving on with an irresistible impulse
towards performance of those principles
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