your comments
Graham from Cardiff
There were numerous nicknames in Llantwit Major in the Thirties and Forties. Here are some:Butcher who had a shop opposite the pub Dai In and Out
Another butcher Dai Lower Shop
3. A third butcher Dai Walla Bounce due to the way he walked
A man called Tulip as he walked on his toes
Ianto Full Pelt always moving fast
Tom Fire Dropper worked for the railway lighting the fires in the engines
Empty Handed Arthur always carrying home bundles of sticks
Maggie the Dribble collected for the Xmas club
David Griffith Jones from Abertridwr
Dai Up and Down
1. Because one day he was OK for money, the next he wasn't.
2. After a pit accident, one leg was shorter than the other [i.e. the way he walked].
G Goodman Cape Town
Anyone remember Dai Tin Leg of Pencoed and Bridgend? and Billy Two-thou - factory inspector for whom everything was two thou out? We also had in Pencoed Will Mary-Ann because he helped his wife with the housework! And Tadpole?
Mark - Pengam
My friend worked in Penallta colliery (sometimes) and was nicknamed Scooter because you had to kick him to start him.
Brenda Smith, New Zealand
When I grew up in Caerau we had a Jones the Overman - guess where he worked? Also Jones Commi - no need to guess why, also a lady Mrs Lewis Shortarm, a lady with a very short left arm. Also a friend's father sold fish on a flatback cart - Grif the Fish.
Mark Phillips, Caldicot
There was a guy who drank in our local pub. He drove a Porsche so he was called Pete the Porsche. When he got done for drink driving he was re-christened Pete the Feet!
Roy Sull -Machen
We had a few Dais' in our Rugby Club. Dai Phantom ghosted through gaps Dai Oil worked on the rigs, Dai Llandaf he came from Llandaff RFC. Steppes 6ft 7" when our hooker Tichy met him the first time he said "I need steps to talk to you" There was also Jones "the pill" he worked as a pharmaceutical rep selling Birth pills.
June Jones, Oakdale
My mother-in-law Betty Jones from Tredegar worked for Provident Finance Company. On her collections rounds was affectionely as 'Betty the Cheque'.
Lloydy from Ponty
The head of the Chemistry department at Swansea Uni in the 80s was a Doctor Wellington - known to many as Boots the Chemist!
Gareth Roberts Tonypandy
We had a guy at Lady Windsor called Em 18mths, cause due to an accident he only had a ear and a half
Ian Price from Abertillery
Fitter at Merton Containers who also played rugby for Abercarn was known for patching up jobs with brown tape - Derek Do-for-now.
Nichola Whitney-Williams, Abergavenny
My great grandmother 2nd husband's name was Richard Edwards and he worked as a sinker in the colliery so he was known as Dick the sinker. My husband name is Tom Williams (little Tom) whose father is Tom Williams and he worked in Oakdale colliery and his nickname was Tinker, not sure why, any suggestions?
Russell Lewis, Penrhiwceiber
David Jones worked in Mountain Ash Motors as a moto mech & used to buy old part exchanges, do them up & sell them. Unknown in village as David Jones, well known as DAI BANGER
Claire Lewis, Penrhiwceiber
There was a miner in the village called 'Dai sick note', apparently always on the sick!
cb trelewis
We've got John the Box, the undertaker and Dean Death his assistant!!
Michael Prynn, Birmingham
On a recent trip back to Kidwelly I was talking about building repairs to a neighbour who made a reference to asking 'Dai Disaster'. I think I'll look in the Yellow Pages!
Gill Rees, Milton Keynes
From my childhood in Abertridwr I remember Dill the Death (local undertaker) and an elderly gentleman known as Dai Full-Pelt.
Peter Trott, London
My father was Gwyn Trott born in Resolven. He had a friend Thomas Thomas nicknamed Tommy Twice. Also at one stage apparently there were so many Trotts working in the mine at Resolven that the level was nicknamed the Trott Level.
peter stockham
There was a man in Govilon who was called 'Tom the Lion' who would get drunk and fight anything including the lamppost at the bottom of Blaenafon Road. When he shouted his battle cry "when the lion roars Gilwern trembles" everyone including the police disappeared.
Rob Davies Merthyr (Aberdare Snake Originally)
I vividly remember two teachers from Aberdare Boys Grammar School in the '70s both who taught myself and my Dad (my Dad in the '30's by the way) Dai Cubed, his name was David Daniel Davies and Long Tom the famous Tom Evans he seemed to me to be 6'16" when I was in form 1. Fabulous guys, proper teachers.
Mark Simmons, Nelson
A man I know had an accident as a child, when he fell off a swing hitting his head on an oil drum in a stream. He recovered but was never quite the same afterwards. He became known as Billy Brain as those kids who were present swore that when he hit his head, his brain could be seen floating downstream.
David Towell, Melbourne Australia
When I lived in Pontypridd our street was full of Davids myself included.our next door neighbour who was also a David became Dai Next Door- and the name stuck
Clair - ex Merthyr
When my nan died the undertaker was known as Dai the box and the local vicar was known as John the book. My grampy has friends named Dai 6 kids and Dai Crackers. And my uncle was the milkman in Aberfan and was known as Will the milk.
Harry Caswell, Dayton, Ohio.
As a child in Cwmgwrach, Wales I knew many people by their nickname only.Dai Buns, because he took buns in his lunch box every day.Sammy Sampson, known as Sam Bandit for his gambling habit. Tal Donk, because he owned a donkey, amongst others.
Walter Harris, Cwmbran
I was born in Llanhilleth in 1930 and remember several nicknames. Thomas Thomas was 'Tommy Twice'. Any boy with the surname Evans was 'Yanto'. The local dairyman like many other Davids was 'Dai' - 'the milk'. The local farmer who delivered milk was Mr Price Maescynew - the name of his farm.
Peter Williams, Creigiau
My grandfather worked in Cwm Colliery, Beddau, and was always talking about a bloke from Tonypandy called the Iron Man. Anyone heard of this bloke?
Ian Price Cwmparc
A few more come to mind. There was Dai Twp because he looked and acted odd. Another miner was called Satan - because of his looks. ( Imagine being in a remote heading in a mine when the tannoy called for Satan to turn up). There was another called Will Jingle Jangle because he was always shaking coins in his pocket and another called Yunker because he looked like a fledgling.
Glyndwr Gregory
I used to live in a street called the Bush Houses, in Clydach Vale, Rhondda. There was a wonderful character, a chap known as Harry Penny,(nee Francis). He owned a donkey and cart and each morning, he would travel to Tonypandy Railway station, to meet the cockles and mussels train that would arrive at 4.30am from West Wales. He'd take his collection home to be washed before going out on the streets to sell his product. He would sell the mussels and cockles in a pint jar, for a penny, and that's how Harry got his name. It was thought that Harry sired 22 children, most of whom I knew!
Kate Evans, Merthyr Tydfil
My Grandad who worked down Treharris Deep Navigation Pit told of a bloke who when he first came to Merthyr got on the bus. Not knowing how to ask for a return, he made the best of it and asked for a ticket back and front. From then on he was known as Dai Back and Front.
Jen from Glamorgan
Dai Hazard was so called because he was accident prone.
Mike Rees, Nwe Tredegar
Dai Bad Patch. A great singer but always going through a bad patch, still singing today.
John Harris, France
My father (1901-1958 ) was known as "Tom Jockey" in Crumlin Gwent, a title inherited from his father who used to take the mail on horseback in the valleys in the late 1800s.
Rob Slocombe - Pontllanfraith.
When I was doing my training at Oakdale training centre there was a training officer everybody knew as Dai Spangle, no prizes for guessing what sweets Dai liked.
Wayne, Porthcawl
I worked in Tower with Red Ray (communist) Dai Champ (ex-boxer)Willy four pans (?) Egg on legs (fat overman) and later I was called Wayne Postie as I ran a Post Office.
Bob from Pontlottyn
Big bloke in his early forties drinks in the local clubs called Jason 'Two Loafs' due to the fact he walks around with one under each arm and another called Holly-dot-com due to his computer work for local pubs and clubs
Jimmy, Monmouthshire
The tradition continues to this day - thank goodness. My son is in school with a boy called Tom Thomas so they call him Sat Nav (tom tom!!!)
Gwyn Lewis, Upper Cwmtwrch swansea
My dad ex-miner new a Dai Red Ink always subbed his pay before the end of the week, also a Dai Rail because he always walked on the rails underground and my cousin was called Harry Blackpat never new why. I had a carpet shop in Brecon and was called carpets i lived there for many years and no one new my proper name
Dave Glanville from Kuwait
My friend, Malcolm, was a Deputy in the Tower Colliery until it was bought out by the workers. He used to regail us all with tales of characters who were Tower Colliery face workers i.e - The Mole because he spent more time under ground than a mole, Flatnose - an ex boxer, Squeeky -he had a high pitched voice, and the Hawk because the man missed nothing and saw everything. The Hawk always referred to his wife as the Old Crow. My wife has a habitual cough and Mal nicknamed her Letric Lungs, he calls me El Sumpo because I am prone to drink any and everything, and a District Nurse friend he calls Doctor Death. An alcoholic friend is Mustafa - because she Must have a drink. Never ever did find out what Mal's nickname is. Compared to Wales, working in Kuwait for a Korean company is boring from the nickname point of view. Happy memories of the South Wales Mining Communities.
David - formerly of Mountain Ash
In Aberdare amongst several undertakers were Margaret Evans - known as "Maggie Box" and another was David Davies - known as "Dai Death".
Lisa, Cardiff
My grandfather worked at Tower many years ago and worked with Dai 6 months as he only had half an ear! And the local under taker was/is known as Cold Fingers. And a poor welder was known as Teflon as anything he welded didn't stick!
Catrin, Aberdare
My uncle used to work in the Tower Colliery offices and they used to call him 'Big Rob' because he was over 6 ft tall and built like a brick house! lolHe sadly passed away Christmas day. He will be sadly missed.
Gareth from Oakdale
An Oakdale/Celynen North deputy was called 'Roy Scarf' because the men said he was always hanging around their necks
Michael Prynn, Birmingham
My mother, along with several other girls from the Kidwelly area moved to Birmingham during the war to work at the Castle Bromwich aircraft factory where they built Spitfires. As part of the training they had to have lessons in reading vernier gauges and micrometers. The instructor, Mr Richards, soon became known as Decimal Dick. On moving back to Kidwelly in 1980, my father wanted some manure to enrich the vegetable plot that had lain fallow for many years. He asked his mates in the Nelson who gave him the telephone number of a local stable owner. My mother told him to put it in the phone ! book. One day, when I was looking through the phone book I noticed the entry 'Thomas the ****' !
Roy Lewis from Treherbert
I remember trying to make a delivery in West Wales years ago. Recipient was a David Davies (really narrows it down eh??) After much knocking on doors someone finally referred me to the house of "Dai the Death". The delivery turned out to be a box of shrouds!!
Clive Fisher, Aberdare
I worked for the old Red & White bus company, which in turn became National Welsh, and almost everyone had a nickname. Among them was Dai Trousers, because his trousers always quarreled with his ankles; Legs and Bracers, quite tall and wearing the obvious; Head and shoulders, because he was of short stature, and that was all you could see of him when he was behind the wheel; Dai S.R, nothing to do with toothpaste, but he had a penchant to "release wind", these are just but a few.
Barrie Jones, Pengam
I was reared in Aberbargoed - my Dad was a coal merchant. He was known as Jack Jones the Coal. An elderly lady in the village used to wear a neck choker. She was Mrs Jones Black Velvet. Jim Howells was from the Forest of Dean and, because of the legend, was known as Jim the Bear - but not to his face. The local ironmonger would say 'Thank you'after every item you asked for. He was known as Jones Thank You. A local shopkeeper's brother had a limp, he wasdubbed Billy Jones 'Eck.
Hugh Edghill, Resolven
I worked in the coal mines with a "Bob-up-and-down". Yes his name was Bob and he had a pronounced limp.
Victoria in Washington DC, USA
My grandmother had a neighbor known as "Maggie Small Coals" because of her dark eyes and a man that was a little swishy was known as "Dai Handbag" (or more properly "Dai 'ambag"). There was also Vern Busses (drove a bus when young) who later became Vern Boring.
Jenny Winter, Cardiff formerly of Bridgend
When I got married in the 60s I lived in Pontycymer. One of my husband's drinking mates was called 'Dai bad back' because he was always on the sick!
L Roberts from Hengoed
My dad when he worked in Deep Navigation Colliery, Treharris was affectionally known as "Will The Splicer" as he used to splice the ropes underground.Love you Dad x
Peg leg ghoule, Caerphilly
I'm trying to find info re my (great)grandfather 'peg leg ghoule' - cos he had a wooden leg. There was a picture in a book about old times in Caerphilly when men were tarmaccing a length of road. Any info greatly appreciated. I don't even know his real name - sorry!
Glyn Smith, Abertillery
In Ogilvie colliery we had a ventilation officer called Billy Fresh Air.
Ruth Barclay, Ynysboeth
Two characters from Ynysboeth: N-N-N-Norman because of his stutter - lovely gent who walked around the Boeth with his hands behind his back. Also Terry Book'ew, so called because he was going to tell the police on us kids all the time when we played in the Boeth Park.
Martin Barclay now in Cardiff
Debra vonsaldern from Canada remembers an 'Apps Edwards'; I remember an Apple Edwards from Tynte [he was fond of the cider]. He would always be on the last bus down the valley, three sheets to the wind, on his knees in the aisle serenading the whole bus with Al Jolson numbers until we reached his stop.
Kathryn Powell formerly of Tredegar
This page wouldn't be complete without the infamous Trev the Milk of Tredegar. Or the pharmacist Dai the Pill.
Sian Willis, Llanelli
Throughout the sixties and seventies our local coal delivery man was affectionately known as Glyn y Glo. I worked at a large office in Swansea during the 1980s with a David Davies - he was known as Dai Twice.
Leslie Phillips (ex-Blackwood) now Barry
When working in Oakdale colliery there was a man who carried the ambulance box who fainted at the sight of blood- he was called 'Dr Faint-easy. He carried the box for the 5 shillings (25p)a week.When working in the Rockwool factory there was 'Echo' who when he started at Rockwool had a newspaper in his pocket. A 'Dicky Gums' - he didn't have any teeth. A 'Billy Whizz' because he walked so fast. There was an 'Egg-on' because he was short and fat. 'Spikey' for his crew-cut hair. It seems that just about everyone had a nick name and answered to them.
Boris J Crindau
We had 2 chaps at the PO in Newport. One had a speech impediment and stammered when trying to pronounce the letter H. So anything starting with what, where, who or when was always..wh..wh.. wh... wh.. Who? naturally he became Hot Chip. Another chap had a leg injury which gave him an odd walk, every other step he lifted his right leg and gave an involuntary kick downwards in mid air. He became Kick Start.
Gareth Berry, Blackwood
Legendary Blackwood Town Rugby Club linesman is known to all as Dai 'Flag'!
Darren, originally from Maesteg
I remember a friend of my grandmother, had a reputation of hiding from the rent man whenever he came to visit. We called her 'May Under The Stairs'. And the singing barber Ivor Bing was my great uncle!
Graeme Jones, Treharris
There was an old miner who was an ex soldier in World War Two. He was always telling war stories so they called him Dai Tin Hat.
Toms, South Wales
There was a fitter called Bore Fore as he'd always put the job off till the morning. Another fitter called Flashing Spanners.
Ross Manning
My friend's dad worked in Tower Colliery and he always used to be on about Dai Magic. Apparently when there was work to be done he would disappear.
Kate from Yorkshire
Back in the 1950s there a retired bank manager lived in Llan: he was born in Vyrnwy and was known as 'Mr Vyrnwy Jones'.
Leanne, Resolven
One that always tickled me - Ray half day - was normally found in the pub half way through the working day.
Tara Williams from Blackwood
My great grandfather was from Cwm and he was also nicknamed Ike Pidgeon, which is a coincidence because there is a man called Dillwyn from Cwm who's claiming his father was nicknamed Ike Pidgeon. My other great grandfather was Pecker and I never actually plucked up the courage to ask him WHY!!!
Anna in Rome, formerly of Aberdare
My great grandfather was known as 'Shunko one-side' because he was born with some kind of deformity. My brother who went to the Boys Grammar School, Aberdare had a teacher whose nickname was 'Conch' because he had been a conscientious objector during the 2nd World War.
James Hughes
A miner in Elliots colliery in New tredegar had an accident where he had part of his ear taken off. His nickname was Van Gogh.
Karen, Littlehampton
There was a man called David who ran an upholstery business in Georgetown, Merthyr Tydfil, who became known as Dai the up.
Alan Watkins, Oakdale
We have a Dai Turbo, he shuffles along about two miles per hour. My favourite is Dai nose and glasses, for obvious reasons.
John Moore, Cardiff formerly of Markham
In Markham there was a chap called Dai Winding, named after his job of manning the winding gear for bring the cages up from under ground. And of course there was a Dai the Bookie, but that was probably a common name.
Mag from Merthyr
There is a local barber called Ricky Whoah, as in slow down. He gained this nickname by being over zealous with the electric clippers.
Ken Evans, Australia
John Evans (brother of my great grandfather) worked in the coal mines - his nickname was Hell Fire Jack (must have been a powder monkey) and ended up with one leg.
Mal George, Gwaelodygarth
A senior member of our community who walked with alternately raised knees and placing one foot directly in front of the other, known as 'Hecky-go-kick'.
Rich Lambert from North London (originally Aberdar
1. Bob 'Up and Down' - had one leg shorter than the other
2. Justin and Ashley Trout - their dad caught the record brown trout in the area
3. Tombstone Pete - had large, grey teeth
4. My grandfather, Dai the Ton - landlord of the Tonglwydfawr Inn, Cwmdare
Don Williams of Pontypridd
Over fifty years I worked at the Albion Colliey, Cilfynydd-so here's a few names...
1. Dai Sweat - always running with perspiration
2. Ronnie 'Braces' Hopkins - he always wore his braces over his vest. It was said his wife told him always to keep his braces on.
3. Billy the Bandit. He was always after extra yardage.
4. Evan Williams was known as 'Yanto Preacher' as he was a lay preacher and an elder at the local church.
5. Dai 'Book and Pencil'. He was a steel checker on the face and was always counting the steel posts to make sure non were lost in the gob.
6. Maldwyn the 'Hooker'. He played for Wales after the war, so his name stuck.
7. It was always said that there was more coal shifted in the Cilfynydd Inn than in the Albion Colliery across the road.
Sara Vaughan, Markham.
In Markham,they used to have a lovely gentleman called Dai Bags due to the fact that he collected all the sick and elderly's prescriptions in the village.
Mike, Saudi Arabia
Glyn Fold Arms, a miner at Mardy, who helped out at his brother in laws' funeral business.
Keith Richards of Blackwood
After World War II there was a window cleaner named Samuel "Shammy" Davies. After his son was demobbed from the army, he joined the business and was known as "Shammy" Davies Junior.
John Price from Rotherham
I used to work with a man in Resolven called Rhys Twice because his name was - Rhys Reese.
Rees Mansel, Penywaun, Aberdare
Dai Central (h)eating had one tooth in the centre of his mouth (Glyneath). Will cacs and Dai cacs two sewerage workers (Hirwaun). Dai Brew - his father worked in the Brewery (Penywaun). Dai Dust was N.C.B. Dust inspector.
Dai Short tape worked in Duffryn Colliery and mis measured a important piece of steel. Tommy Up-and-down worked on the OpenCast because he was always up and down in the driving seat of the 'navy' to see if the muck was building up in the machine.
Alun Parker, Magor
My grandfather who worked at Navigation colliery Crumlin was known as Billo Top Note for his singing (in)ability. At other times he was Kettlehead because of the way his bald head would steam in cold weather when he removed his cap. I also have an uncle who was nicknamed Cabbage - I presume after his naivety or 'greenness' at some point in his life.
Phillip, Merthyr Tydfil
In Merthyr Vale colliery we had a good guy whose name escapes me now but we called him Domestos cos he was very strong and very thick!!!!
Graham Thomas from Cwmbran
My father worked at Abergorki Colliery, Mountain Ash. Two of his friends were known as Mr Tate and Mr Lyle - they both suffered from sugar diabetes. Others were Dai Black and White - he delivered milk in the morning and coal in the afternoon. Dai Spitfire belonged to the ATC (Air Training Corps). Dinah Pop made and sold what she called lemonade. Tommy Buckets had a big head.
Dillwyn from Cwm
When I was a 15 year old screenboy working at Marine pit in Cwm we boys were forever trying to sneak off a few minutes early to be first to bath. But we were terrorised by a timekeeper who wasn't averse to hiding between the wagons in the sidings to catch us. From an injury recieved he was minus one arm so hence his nickname "the one arm bandit". Conversely the other timekeeper was called "the crook with the book". Then we had Dickie Butterballs for whatever reason and my grandfather from his expertise with racing pigeons was Bill Pigeon and my father who worked with him as colliers was Ike Pigeon. The list was endless - when I moved on to the steel industry at Ebbw Vale we had one young lad about six stone soaking wet who always seemed to be getting things wrong and when challenged would raise is arms up and state "it wasn't me". So he soon became "Hands Up".
Ian Price from Cwmparc
A baker became known by different nicknames as his business and social standing increased. First he was known as 'Dai the bread' and soon became known as 'Dai the Rolls' after purchasing a large car to demonstrate his wealth. Finally he was known as 'Dai upper crust' when he received a knighthood. There was a local miner called 'Bells' because he was always complaining he was wringing wet after a shift. Another was called 'Gary Banana back' because he constantly complained about his back being like that fruit after a shift. There was another called Dai Piano who was constantly cadging cigarettes as he had left his at home - on the piano. Lastly there was 'Dai Rob the Dead' who reputedly claimed a dead man's fully coal laden tram as his own in order to boost his wages.
Eric M, Newport
My in-laws were from Tredegar and regularly referred to a local villain as Ivor Ball and Chain.
Zoe De Luca, Brindisi, Italy
Dai Central Eating 'cos he only had 1 front tooth, which was set in the middle of his top jaw. He name didn't change even when he got dentures!! Dai Vatican - surname Pope and he was a Catholic. Evans the Milk (milkman) and he traded under that name. Jones the Bus they ran/drove the local bus company. Jenny Rotten due to poor dental hygiene. Dotty Datestones (never knew her real name) cos her teeth had discoloured to the colour of dates. Dic Oil Slick, Mechanic, real name Richard Jones. My Uncle William who lost half an ear in a pitfall was known ever after as "Bill 18 months". My father told me of the man of 6'3" who jumped from Crumlin Viaduct, the highest in the world and was said to only measure 3'6" on landing, was post-humously always refered to as "Dai Pwt" - Dai Short. Tragic. Oh and what about "Shioni Onion" - these chaps were Bretons and arrived from France every year to sell their strings of onions garlic and shallots. Always carried on an ancient black bicycle and Shioni always wore a beret and a neckerchief. Today, in our politically correct society, it is no longer the done thing, as it is now seen as being derogoatory or emotional abusive, but people were proud to be given and to bear these names.
John W of Treowen, Newbridge
Nicknames derived from the mining industry - Dai Six Months (lost part of an ear in an accident), Blackdamp (named after the deadly creeping gas found underground) Sprag (named after the sprag of wood used to slow up the coal drams when on a downward slope) and so on. These nicknames are a wonderful record of life in the pits and should be preserved. Does anyone have other names to add to the list? Perhaps the mining museums at Big Pit or in the Rhondda would be interested in compiling a register.
Janice Truscott
Dai Book and pencil? You've guessed it - the local traffic warden in Brecon. Red-faced, glasses ... they must have used the mould for traffic wardens throughout the UK.
Will Lloyd from Llantwit Major
I have a friend who used to be Dai the milk because he sold milk but now he's Dai the phone (career change). Another friend who can recreate music exactly with his voice is called Dan the beats. A lad in school was Sion Bilko because of his military hair style. Hugh Williams or Rin is named after his double Rinat Desiev, a fromer Russian goalkeeper. My dad is still known as Shaft for various reasons but he did have a perm that resembled an afro in the late eighties.
Huw, Bryncethin
My mate Peter, is 6ft 4 and we call him Two-metre Peter !
Viv Gregson, Portsmouth
Back in the sixties in Cardiff I remember so many nicknames, nearly everyone I knew had one. Mine was Pretty Boy Shultz because I always wore a suit with all the accessories I think the name was a mix up of the gangsters Pretty Boy Floyd and Dutch Shultz. There was Jimmy the Pig whose father had a pig farm, Benny the Belly, Dai the Whip who used to drive the horse and cart for his dad who sold salt and vinegar, Joey the Runner was always starting fights and then running off, Titchie Davies and Nipper Eedy because they were small, John the Block because he was a bit thick, George the Cockney, Freddy the Fly who was Spanish, Prick Finger a Black bus conductor who had huge hands, Deaf Geoff, Norman who said he wanted a normal name became Normal Norman, Felix because he was a scardy cat, Happy Smith, Bongo Kelly a drummer, Dog Turd Tommy who came into the juicer (pub) with dog crap on his shoe, the three short fat girls Lumpy, Dumpy and Stumpy, Moonface she had a round face, Olive the Owl because she had big eyes and a pointy nose, Bootnose the ex boxer, Peek a Boo Palmer who was caught looking through his neighbours window.
Ron Thomas, Pontypridd (ex Penrhiwceiber)
There were so many Tommy Williams's in 'Ceiber that there had to be some way of differentiating them, and the local Tommy who rang the bell in St Winifreds Church on Sundays was called 'Tommy Ding-Dong'!
Derwyn Williams from Figtree, Australia
Out of respect for the person concerned, the above reference to Dai Coffin is incorrect. He was the undertaker from Williamstown and not Penygraig and his son Gareth, who inherited the business, was knicknamed "Nailer" as a child and still carries that name. Other notables from the area are, "Trefor the Milk" (the milkman from Penrhiwfer), "Davies the Post" (of Williamstown Post Office) and Dai Twitch (originally from Tonyrefail) who had a severe nervous twitch!
Lewis Jones from Church Village, Pontypridd
My father in law is always reminding my wife -who hails from Rhydfelin, Pontypridd- of the local resident who one day decided he'd had enough of being referred in the traditional way as 'Dai'. His retort was that he was born 'David' and that's how people should refer to him. Thereafter, he was known locally as 'Dai Call-Me David'.
Steve Lindon, Pontllanfraith
In Springfield, Pontllanfraith there are many nick names for the locals, Dai Top House, because he lives in the highest house in the village. Fag and Purse, a lady whose name I will not mention always walks with a fag and her purse in her hands, and someone called Phlem, for obvious reasons.
Gary Edmunds from Tredegar
On the first morning of starting work as an apprentice in Ebbw Vale steel works I was told when I boarded the bus at Tredegar bus station not to sit on the front seat behind the driver because it belonged to Jimmy Oddsocks. Sure enough two stops on an man in his mid 40s boarded the bus with you guessed it,wearing odd socks. From that day on everytime I seen him he brought a smile to my face.
Vincent Neale, New Tredegar
Local rag & bone man was known as Tommy Tanner because that's what he gave you for your junk.
Emma Davies, Caerau, Cardiff
My grampy was known as Ivor the driver as he worked in the transport yard on Culverhouse Cross!!!!!!
Angela Coles, Wrexham
When I attended Training college in Swansea during 1969 - 1971, there was a student who earned the nick name 'John Williams Undecided'. When asked which course he was opting for ... well you don't need me to tell you what his reply was, do you? The name stuck throughout college.
In the village I grew up in, Gowerton, we had a number of Jones's, Jones Ty Rhos and Jones Ty Rhiw (neighbouring cottages), Ken Jones the Milk (milkman), Mrs Jones Gas and Mrs Jones Waterman (named for their husbands' trades). Fond memories.
BT, Ebbw Vale
There used to be two Joneses who were managers of a chemist shop - one was known as Jones Chemist and the other Jones Boots because he managed Boots the Chemist.
Janis Pembridge from Spain
When we lived in Abercarn, my husband worked for the Forestry Commission and we lived in Commission houses. He was known as "Terry Trees" and his boss, who lived nearby, was "Roberts the Wood".
Darren Williams, Markham
My grandmother Margaret A'Herne (nee Evans), a Markham girl born and bred was, at one time, a post woman (delivering letters) and has for ever more been called "Magg the Post." A gentleman, Aeron, who lived in the same street as my family, had a 50cc motorcycle and was known as "Aeron Put-Put" due to the noise of his bike. And yet another gentleman was known as "Dai Over the Wall" due to having a propensity for nosiness (looking over other people's back walls).
Keith Richards of Blackwood
Back in the 1950s in Oakdale Colliery, I worked with a first- aid man, who they called 'Doctor Kildare'.
Keith Richards from Blackwood
No.1 In Oakdale Colliery there was a young miner who wore glasses, he was known as: "Dai Windows". Some years later he was prescribed much thicker lenses, and he became: "Dai Double-Glazing."
No.2 Another work mate was due to get married on Saturday, but an iron bar fell across his feet on the Wednesday before and swelled up so much he couldn't get on his shoes, so he had to resort to wearing his slippers. From that point on, he was known as: "Dai Quiet Wedding"
No.3 There was a young lad from Argoed who done everything at full speed, he was known as: "Ianto Full-Pelt."
No.4 When I worked at Penalta Colliery in the early 1950s, the pit bottom overman was known as: "Dai the Bobby." I was informed that he was a special constable during World WarII.
No.5 I can recall a friend from Libanus School, Blackwood who's name was John John. He was simply known as: "J.J."
J.R. New Tedegar
We were called "Jones Lampost" because of other Jones in the street - we were by the lampost. In our village we had a "Mrs Knocker back and front" - I wonder why? Across the valley there was another Jones called "Jones Bread and Butter" - guess why?
Andrea, Newport
When I was young we lived in a street that had two women called Shirley. To distinguish which Shirley my mother was talking about one was called "dirty Shirley" and the other "clean Shirley". We also nicknamed the local shopkeeper Scanky John because of the rip-off goods and out of date items he would try to sell us! Fond memories...
CT Davies, ex Bridgend
My grandfather's cousin married a baker and the family became known as the Bara Heddi's (bread today?) I have also heard about a Wil Slack-wire, a Wil Slurry who used to work on the roads in the Garw before tarmac was in use, and one or two others I dare not mention here!
david williams newport
he was called"tommy chocolate",so called
as he loved himself so much that had he
had been "chocolate", he would have eaten
himself.
G, Newbridge
Two Malcolm Jones's live in the same road,
the inevitable names of "Malcolm top house", and "Malcolm bottom house", is how they are known. Another chap here who is about five feet tall is known as "little legs".
Simon Pontypridd
My Grandfather was known as Dai Tread as he created a pathway across the mountain from the pit to his house.
Locally there was also:
Michael the Milk
Brian the Baker
Dean Death (worked for the undertaker)
Debra vonsaldern Canada
I grew up in Penrhiwceiber,
We had a Harry from Barry, I am not sure how he got his nickname.
Apps Edwards, Ma Roffi, who used to let all us kids hang out at her house.
Cowboy, who always thought himself to be one.
There are too many to list.
Anonymous from DERI
Dai 'tighten-up' the food portions were too generous at the soup kitchen.
Dai 'Ten-ton' a small man in stature with a big ego.
Melanie Sandel, Bedford
I'm a girl from a Valleys village and the man who digs the graves is called- Brown Boots cos he always has mud on his boots. I don't know his real name !!
Norman Williams, Abercarn
I worked with a man at the Celynen north pit who was called Dai One-eater, because he only had one tooth!
Glyn Smith, Cwmtillery
A ventilation officer called Billy Fresh Air.
Bob David, Pembroke.
My cousin from Morganstown is named David David, and was known as "Dai Squared."
Dai Williams
I was known as Dai piece of cake, because I was always eating cake.
Thelma Morgan, Lara, Victoria, Australia
My grandfather drove a horse and cart and sold Parafin Oil so he was known as Morgan The Oil.
My maternal grandmother had a friend that was alway called Mrs Thomas the Milliner.
Guess what she made?
oddy from barry
i know a lad from swansea was a foreman and he always said don't let me down boys - he's now known as the balloon. and another who had a twitch in his shoulder who's called the bowler from the gasworks end.
J R New Zealand
Loose women in Tredegar were called Marge because they spread easy.
Anthony Perkins in Cascade
Growing up in Phillipstown, Creative nicknames were a way of life. Here are just a few I can remember: Ricky Tin - Metalwork teacher, Tommy Stamp - Post Office owner, Dai-Half-Inch - Headmaster (Smaller than most of his pupils), Dai Green-Machine - Local motorcyclist. And my personal favourite, Woodwork teacher Lenny Plank!
B Davies, Blackwood
One of the locals from the old Plas pub in Blackwood (now the Monkey Tree) was called Roger Openheart after he had heart surgery.
Marion Short from Newbridge
My grandfather served in World War I. His regiment was called "the Bantams" because they dug the trenches on the battle front. When he came home he had the nickname Davies Bantam, because there was another chap who was called Davies too - his nickname was Davies Miner, who lived in the same street as him.
William Mordecai Bryncethin
The Workingmen's Club on the main road in Heol-y-Cyw, Pencoed is known locally as the Waxworks. Why ... the regulars are sensitive concerning their 'own' individual seats and favourite bar positions and indulge in little conversation. When re-entering it is deathly quiet and it seems as if there has been no movement amongst the patrons since the last time you visited. Eerie .....!
julie from newport
My uncle was from swansea and was a miner, his nick name was Dia small coal, no need to explain why.
Geraint Evans-Hackney
I am from a village outside Llanelli called Llangennech. My brother, David Evans is known as Dai Abu-Dhabi and has been ever since working in the United Arab Emirates over 20 years ago.
Louise, Woking
My parents knew loads of these sorts of nicknames
Dai 'Lectric - because he was so fast
Dai Banger - because he always drove old bangers
Dai Soldier - because he was a soldier
The Jones-Forester family - they originally came from the Forest of Dean
Jones-Belgium - the woman married a man from Belgium
Those names always made me smile when I was little and still do even though I left Wales years ago.
Mark Dixon, Porthcawl
We have an undertaker in the town called Duncan the Box !
Rhymney
Dai Cem - He Dug The Graves By Hand
Greg Mansion - Has a Big House
Sid from Cwmtillery
In the thin Garw seam in Cwmtillery colliery Dai Williams would always pick the thinnest wooden props he could find. He soon became known as "Dai Pea Prop". Also Charlie Thomas whose wife worked in the local bakery and would give him cake to bring to work was known as "Charlie Doughnut".
Charlie, Portsmouth
My dad informs me of a man who lived in his village in south Wales called Dai the Peg because he had a wooden leg.
Terry from Fleur
My father who was a miner all his life told me of a character he used to work with called "Dai the Fly" - he came about the nickname because he was sure someone was pinching or opening his sandwiches from his tuck box underground, so he'd put a fly in his sandwich box everyday. Not very hygienic. If the fly was missing from the box at lunch time he knew someone had opened it that morning as the fly had escaped. Hence he became known as "Dai the Fly". My father never did explain to me how he caught the fly in the first place!
Glyn J Evans formerly of Bridgend
When my father, David Edwin Boyt Evans lived in the Caerphilly area he was known as DEB EVANS. On moving to Bridgend and working in the Garw colliery Blaengarw, he picked up the nick name DAI SNUFF. This was a result of being a habitual snuff taker and always having his snuff box handy in case someone needed a quick sniff.
Jim Evans, Norwich
When I was growing up in Aberbargoed there was a barber who always had a few days beard growth and everyone nicknamed him Gillete-o.
Florence from Long Island, New York
I recall my mom and dad mentioning a friend called Dai Bach. Why I could not tell you, but I have always remembered this name. I think I have the right spelling. My parents came from Merthyr Tydvil.
David Dwyer from Tongwynlais
I remember an old steel-fixer from Cardiff, Tommy Half Inch (under 5'0")... but when metrication arrived he was renamed Tommy Ten Mil....
Ian from Maesteg
We had a barber when we were kids who sang all the time. Everybody called him 'Ivor Bing'.
E Hughes, Brisbane, Australia
I recall a local club & pub performer from Blackwood named Hadyn Munday - who went by the name of 'Whit' Munday. He could always be relied on for a good performance. The Woodbine Club was one of his haunts.
Hannah Callaghan
My nan told me there was a man lived by her when she was a child called Dai Fullpelt because he was always racing about.
Bill Thomas in Newport
My Grandfather who worked in Pochin Colliery was name Dai the Fan
Brian Williams langley berks.
In Maerdy/Ferndale in 1950s there was a man called DAI GRABB owing to the fact that he would not refuse any extra work even after finishing his stint at the coal face.What a worker.
Alun from Pencoed
Student on his first rugby trip vomited over the captain of the Firsts on the coach. Always known since as Dai Puke!
Janet Thomas from Tonypandy
Not a person's nickname, but working men's club opposite Trealaw Cemetary known locally as The Resurrection
Roger Evans, Oakdale
My grandfather, whose first name was Edward, was said to be a loud talker (a bell in every tooth). He earned the nickname of 'Teddy the Bell'.
Richard Williams in Aberbargoed
Our local photographer is universally known as Dai Click.
Martyn Pontypridd
Maggie Small Coal used to collect coal from the tip.
Amanda, Llantwit Major
My mother reliably informs me of a Thomas Thomas who was called 'Twm Twice' and a Richard Richards caled 'Double Dick' both of whom lived in the Rhondda!
Howard from Macclesfield
My grandfather used to mention a guy who these days may be described as vertically challenged; his name was Dai 'Alf-Inch'
Barry Carter from Penarth
My Maerdy-born mother-in-law told me that when yet another Jones had moved into the village there was a discussion with him in the pub as to what he should be called. He said,"Well, I don't mind what you call me as long as it's something substantial." So he was Substantial Jones for the rest of his days.
Alan from Aberdare
I heard of a pit official in Aberdare known as, Gwilym Bad News, because his was the task of having to inform relatives of pit accidents. Also, Dai Quiet Wedding, because he got married in his daps!
Gareth Lewis, Australia
I remember hearing of a Dai Back Way, apparently he was not allowed to enter the house through the front door.
Jonathan Handy
In our local Labour Club there is a man nicknamed Dai Bungalow - 'cos he's got nothing upstairs!
Peter Vaughan from Machen
A guy at our rugby club was called 'Peter Peter' on account of his deafness - everyone needs to say his name twice.
Peter Couch, Minneapolis USA
I remember one of the committee members at the old Naval Club in Tonypandy was known as Dai Eighteen Months. This was due to the fact that he was missing half of one of his ears - ear and a half!
Mike Aherne in Newport
The local undertaker in Penygraig was known as Dai Coffin. And I once heard of a shopkeeper in Tredegar during the war who was fined for selling underweight groceries and was for evermore known as Dai 14 ounces.
