The Magpies, an affectionate term for Newcastle United, stems from the iconic black and white kit, mirroring the colours of a magpie bird. Of course these weren’t always Newcastle’s colours. Post-1892, following the merger of Newcastle West End and Newcastle East End, their kit was red and white, or red and black. The shift to black and white only happened later, solidifying their Magpie identity.
Why are Newcastle called the Magpies?
Tracing back to the late 19th century, the inception of the Magpies nickname aligns with Newcastle adopting black and white strips.
The iconic kit looks exactly like the Eurasian magpie with its distinctive black and white plumage. These colours are thought to help camouflage the birds as the pattern breaks up their outline – making them less visible to predators. Meanwhile the striking colours are also used in social signalling among the species, aiding attracting mates and territorial displays.
While Newcastle’s current crest doesn’t feature a magpie, the bird graced their emblem from 1976 to 1983 and again from 1983 to 1988.
Between 1976 and 1983, the badge had a circular design showcasing the full club name, a magpie in front of the River Tyne, and Newcastle’s historic keep in the backdrop.
In 1983, the club introduced a simpler design that included the initials ‘NUFC’ with a small magpie inside the “C,” laid out horizontally. This design was used until 1988.
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What other nicknames do Newcastle United have?
Besides “The Magpies,” the club is often referred to as “The Toon.” This nickname arises from the local pronunciation of “town” and reflects the local dialect. The Toon Army, Newcastle’s passionate fans, takes the nickname a step further.
Of course, with Newcastle locals known as Geordies, this is another nickname you’ll often hear for the club.
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The Toon Army: a linguistic legacy
The term “Toon Army” highlights the unique linguistic heritage of the Geordie dialect, a remnant of Old English. The preservation of the ‘oo’ sound in “toon” is a direct consequence of the dialect’s resistance to the Great Vowel Shift. This linguistic identity has become a symbol of local pride, particularly within the football community.