What’s in a football club’s nickname? Plenty, sometimes

Your fascinating piece (Buddies and Honest Men: Scotland claim prize in nicknames World Cup, 23 December) stated that, for reasons unknown, Dunfermline FC are known as the Pars. I understand, from a friend who hails from Fife, that the nickname dates from the early days of the club, when the players were renowned for their post-match performances in the club bar, rather than on the field of play, and became known as the Paralytics.
Mike Pender
Cardiff

• How could Matthew Engel and Richard Whitehead omit one of the best-known Scottish football club nicknames, belonging to a club with the dignified motto of “ludere causa ludendi” and a history almost as long as the Guardian’s?
Jim McNicol
Edinburgh

• It was heartening to read that there are still people who refer to Bradford Northern as the Steam Pigs. At least Bulls, ridiculous though it is, isn’t as bad as Rhinos, which Leeds have been lumbered with. Rugby union can be as bad, eg Sale Sharks.
John Parkin
Nuneaton, Warwickshire

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