Presidents of the United States have often acquired nicknames, both flattering and unflattering. This list is intended to note those nicknames that were in common use at the time they were in office or shortly thereafter.
"It's easy to see why history sometimes refers to George Washington as "the American Cincinnatus". Washington too did great things then went back to his farm".
"His great caution in respect to the enemy, acquired him the name of the American Fabius." (Timothy Pickering)
A surname given to John Adams ... in allusion to his earnest and persevering efforts towards colonial independence in the Continental Congress. Sometimes also called the Colossus of the Revolution.
Yes, John Adams, whom Jefferson pronounced the 'Colossus of Independence,' and who died with the motto 'Independence forever!' on his lips, 'probably desired independence.' So say William Badger and Francis N. Fisk. Shall we believe them? We will — not withstanding the doubt which their expression implies.
... the folds of material at the bottom of the vest suggest the girth that led Adams to be dubbed 'His Rotundity.'
The enemies of the fourth President of the U.S. called him 'little Jemmy,' or 'his little majesty,' or 'withered little apple-John.'
Era-of-Good-Feelings President
While the Democrats adopted a platform denouncing federal assumption of state debts, opposing internal improvements, and calling for separation of public money from banking institutions, Weed decided to keep Harrison quiet and emphasize his war-hero record and humble character. The Democrats took aim at Harrison's silence, calling him 'General Mum'.
Nickname: 'Young Hickory'
old buck.
Refers to a song about Lincoln called, "Hey! Uncle Abe, are you joking yet?"
"During a time of war, the executive always plays a stronger role than usual, and Lincoln was no exception to this rule. His uncompromising style as commander- in-chief, coupled with his ambitious domestic program to preserve and further the Union, earned him the nickname of "the tycoon".
Chester Arthur was fond of fine clothes and entertainment, earning him the nicknames 'Dude President,' 'Elegant Arthur,' and 'Prince Arthur'.
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: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)"He was known as the "Human Iceberg" because he was stiff and formal when dealing with people".
Within six months, Roosevelt, "the Lion" was dead
Anyone who spends time with the extensive historical literature on Theodore Roosevelt recognizes that he abhorred his public nickname.
And Franklin's distant cousin, Theodore Roosevelt, may have been the first president to go by his initials in headlines, though in his case there were only two.
Hoover, "known early in his career as "The Great Engineer", was now popularized as "The Great Humanitarian" for his "relief efforts in America's stricken heartland".
Nickname: 'FDR'
Nicknames: 'JFK', 'Jack'
Three years later, came Luci Baines. Now there were 4 LBJs. The Johnson dog was named Little Beagle Johnson But there was no doubt who the most important LBJ was in that household.
dubya.
The North Coast Hiawatha hasn't run through Montana since 1979. Now cities like Billings, Bozeman, Helena and Missoula are hoping that "Amtrak Joe" will help fund new rail service. [...] But with a new president known as "Amtrak Joe" and Democratic control of both houses of Congress, [...]