Oxford Dictionary of Nicknames

Résumé du livre

A nickname often encapsulates some quality of attribute thought of as characteristic of a particular person. Many are used to express a value judgement ('Bloody Mary') or even to serve a propagandist function. This new dictionary identifies and explains the origins of a wide range of nicknames applied to historical figures, politicians, sports people, actors, and entertainers, as well as to many places, organizations, and events. Nicknames featured range from the affectionate to the approbatory or frankly derogatory, and from Bonnie Prince Charlie to the Red Devils. Other examples include Dubya, the Beeb, Mac the Knife, Red Ken, and the Iron Lady.The dictionary is arranged alphabetically and includes appendices listing groups of nicknames, for example of football clubs. It also features a full General Index as well as a Thematic Index listing nicknames by topic from Politics to Sport.