How Did These Cities Get Their Nicknames?

Every nickname has a story behind it. I think people who have nicknames will give thumbs up to my statement. But, have you ever thought about why some cities have a particular nickname. Some nicknames are quite obvious while some have quite interesting stories behind them.

 

Nicknames of the Top 7 Cities of the World

 

London- The Big Smoke

London, one of the most enigmatic European cities is also known by its nickname “The Big Smoke.” The name comes from the pea soup fog that engulfed London in 1952 and led to many casualties.

 

Toronto- Muddy York

Toronto acquired the name “Muddy York” during the times when its roads were still unpaved, and rainfall turned them to mud.

 

Milan- The Fashion Capital

Milan is home to numerous fashion brands and fashion shows, and hence, it’s titled “The Fashion Capital.” That being said, next time you’re looking to upgrade your fashion statement you know where to look for inspiration.

 

Geneva- The Peaceful Capital

200+ international organizations are situated in Geneva making it “The Peaceful Capital” of the world.

 

Sydney- The Harbour City

Sydney boasts of one of the world’s largest natural harbours, Port Jackson. Some of the most famous tourist attractions of this Australian city are located along its harbour.

 

New York City- The Big Apple

During the 1920s, horse racing used to be a prominent sport in NYC. And guess what the prize was for it? Apples. Yup! You read it right. The delicious red apples were awarded as the prize in the horse races. It so happened, that one of the journalists, John Fitzgerald while writing about the races used the term “around the Big Apple” and that’s how NYC got its nickname.

 

Beijing- The Forbidden City

There was an Imperial Palace in Beijing by the name of “Forbidden City.” Over time, the entire city came to be known by that name.

What’s your city known as?