What’s in a nickname?
Did you know the stories behind the nicknames of these Americans?
Image: Capitol Records (File No. 3860-25)
Nicknames can be affectionate, teasing, intriguing—or all of these at once. Who comes up with the labels that remarkable people end up carrying forever, and what makes them stick? Here, we explore a list of quirky stories behind some of the most colorful nicknames in American history.
1
"The Chairman of the Board" – Frank Sinatra
Image: Ethan Rougon
Frank Sinatra co-founded Reprise Records in 1960, giving him full creative control over his music. The nickname "Chairman of the Board" was first used by radio host William B. Williams and quickly caught on. Although Sinatra didn’t particularly love it, the nickname came to symbolize his power and influence in the music industry.
2
"His Accidency" – John Tyler
Image: Library of Congress
The 10th U.S. president earned this snarky nickname after unexpectedly taking office in 1841, when William Henry Harrison died just one month into his term.
It was the first time a vice president had assumed the presidency due to a president’s death, and many questioned the legitimacy of his authority. His critics called him "His Accidency," a somewhat unfriendly pun that stuck.
3
"The Sphinx of the Potomac" – Calvin Coolidge
Image: Lea Kobal
President from 1923 to 1929, Coolidge was notoriously silent and stoic. His reluctance to speak in public and his poker-faced demeanor earned him the nickname "The Sphinx of the Potomac," a nod to the famous Egyptian statue and his Washington, D.C. post. One oft-repeated anecdote claims he once remarked, "I have nothing to say."
4
"The Boss" – Bruce Springsteen
Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez
Bruce Springsteen earned this nickname in the early days of playing Jersey Shore clubs, where he was responsible for collecting and distributing gig money to his band. Originally an internal nickname within the group, it quickly caught on with the media. Ironically, Springsteen has admitted that he’s never really liked being called "The Boss."
5
"The Mad Stork" – Ted Hendricks
Image: Wynand Uys
This Hall of Fame linebacker for the Raiders stood 6’7" and had a long, lanky build. His towering figure and unpredictable style of play earned him the nickname "The Mad Stork." Despite the unusual moniker, he was a feared and legendary player in the NFL.
6
"The Snake" – Ken Stabler
Image: Timothy Dykes
Another Raiders legend, quarterback Ken Stabler, earned the nickname "The Snake" from his college coach after a long, twisting touchdown run. The name stuck because he became known for his slippery, cool-headed play under pressure.
7
"Jane the Grabber" – Hester Jane Haskins
Image: sombre
A dark figure in 19th-century New York, Hester Jane Haskins was a "procuress," luring women with promises of work and then forcing them into brothels. Her nickname, "Jane the Grabber," became infamous in the press.
8
"The Black Swallow of Death" – Eugene Bullard
Image: Heather Wilde
Born in Georgia and later a French WWI pilot, Eugene Bullard was the first African American military pilot. He earned the nickname "The Black Swallow of Death" for his fearless flying and deadly accuracy. Despite his heroism, he still faced racial discrimination upon returning to the U.S.
9
"Little Miss Sure Shot" – Annie Oakley
Image: Jp Valery
Annie Oakley was a folk heroine and a famed sharpshooter from an early age. She earned the nickname "Little Miss Sure Shot" from the Native American leader Sitting Bull, who bestowed it after watching her flawless shooting in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
10
"Kid Gloves" – Benjamin Harrison
Image: Aaron Lefler
Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, frequently wore soft kid-leather gloves in public due to hand ailments. Political opponents seized the opportunity to mock his stiff demeanor and perceived elitism, dubbing him "Kid Gloves." The nickname pointed not only to his physical appearance but also to his aloof attitude.
