Colombian Guide to Nicknames (III)

By: Lugo | April 9th, 2008

Did you think I forgot about this? No way. It’s just that I finally have some time to complete it. So here’s what you’ve been waiting for.

Envigado F.C.

Known as “Los Naranjas” they were the first team ever to be promoted from the second division. Orange is the color of their kits but I have the feeling that “The Oranges” just won’t work. So I went with “The Acids”. Waddaya thing?

Seguros La Equidad:

I’ve been using “Insurance Sellers” because I got positive feedback on it. But I suggested “The Peacemakers”. I cannot explain the relation but it just sounded Ok on me. But I think i’m getting used to this Insurance business…

Independiente Medellin:

“El poderoso de la montaña” has been the traditional nickname for this team,which in English translates “The powerful one from the mountain”. Does that make any sense? Not to me, since “la montaña” is a reference to Medellin, which isn’t the highest placed major city in the country, that being Bogotá. So I came up with “The Highlanders” which sounds way better than “The Powerful Ones”.

Millonarios:

This was the best team in the world (i’m being serious) in the 50’s when it featured such glories as Madrid idol Alfredo Di Stefano and Adolfo Pedernera. And since it traveled worldwide playing friendlies and competitions, it came to be known as The Ambassadors. It’s other nickname, also because of that era, is “El Ballet Azul”, but in order to avoid mental images of footballers wearing tu-tus, i’m sticking with Ambassadors.

Once Caldas:

Playing in an All-white uniform, in spanish they are known as “El Blanco Blanco” wich has a nice ring to it. But in English plain repetition doesn’t make much sense. So i’m borrowing New Zealand’s NT Nickname. I hope the kiwis don’t get mad.

Independiente Santa Fe

The first team to be crowned champions in Colombian football, has always been known as The Cardinals. And they have the red color to prove it. That red kit, nevertheless, was inspired in none other than Arsenal, a.k.s. The Gunners.