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Glite Dictionary
Old Hickory

Old Hickory

8.5
A nickname for Andrew Jackson, the 7th United States president known for being tough
  • proper noun
translation icon : Viejo Hickory
  • Locals proudly claim that Old Hickory once visited their small town.

Examples

  • The nickname Old Hickory reflects Andrew Jackson's reputation for toughness during his presidency.

  • The policies of Old Hickory continue to be debated by historians today.

  • Many Americans remember Old Hickory for his victory at the Battle of New Orleans.

  • Andrew Jackson was famously known as Old Hickory.

  • Why do they call Andrew Jackson Old Hickory?

  • Andrew Jackson, known as Old Hickory, became a symbol of populist leadership in the early 19th century.

  • Historically, Old Hickory was admired for his determination to represent the common man in American politics.

Surface Forms

Old Hickory main

Morphology

old + Hickory

Although 'hickory' names a hardwood and 'old hickory' could metaphorically suggest toughness, the specific sense 'a nickname for Andrew Jackson' is a culturally specific proper-name reference that cannot be inferred from the constituent words alone. A B1 learner who knows 'old' and 'hickory' but lacks the historical/cultural background would not derive the MWE's referent or meaning.

Etymology

Old Hickory is a nickname that came from soldiers who said Andrew Jackson was as hard as the wood of a hickory tree. So calling him Old Hickory meant 'a strong, tough leader', and the name stuck.