Oxford Dictionary of Nicknames

Have you ever wondered which actress was the original "Blonde Bombshell", why prying people are often called "Nosey Parkers", or why Jane Fonda is referred to as "Hanoi Jane"? Curious about what the "It" is in "It Girl"?

From the affectionate and humorous to the derogatory and vitriolic, this scintillating collection brings together famous people, places, events, and organizations, with the nicknames that epitomize them. With broad coverage of politicians, monarchs, athletes, actors, cities, institutions, and much more, the Oxford Dictionary of Nicknames explores the reasons behind the sobriquets of the famous and looks at contrasting attitudes to controversial figures, presenting each entry in its historical context. Over 1,800 nicknames are listed in an accessible A-Z format, while a full index allows users to cross-reference well-known figures with their nicknames. Entertaining, informative, and often funny, the Oxford Dictionary of Nicknames is perfect browsing material for the general reader, and a useful point of reference for anyone researching famous figures, places, or institutions.