Arsenal supporters are widely known as “Gooners.” The club itself carries the nickname “The Gunners,” which comes from Arsenal’s earliest roots.
Nicknames are an integral part of football culture, with almost every club around the world carrying one that embodies its heritage or identity. These names often originate from local industries, historical ties, or even the club’s kit colors.
For example, Stoke City are the Potters due to the region’s pottery trade, while Chelsea and Liverpool are known simply as the Blues and the Reds.
What makes nicknames particularly intriguing is their uniqueness and the stories behind them. Everton, for instance, became known as the Toffees because their early home ground was located near two sweet shops.
Arsenal, however, has two of the most famous nicknames in English football—The Gunners and The Gooners—each with a history rooted in tradition and fan culture.
The Origin Of “The Gunners”
The nickname Gunners dates back to Arsenal’s very beginnings. The club was founded in 1886 by workers at the Royal Arsenal munitions factory in Woolwich.
Their first chosen name was Dial Square, inspired by the sundial over the factory entrance, before evolving into Woolwich Arsenal and eventually just Arsenal FC.
Because the Royal Arsenal manufactured artillery and ammunition, the cannon became a natural emblem for the club. This symbol directly influenced the adoption of the nickname Gunners, which has remained tied to Arsenal’s identity ever since.
Even after the club relocated to North London’s Highbury in 1913, the cannon remained a prominent feature on the crest. Though redesigned multiple times, the cannon has always been at the heart of the Arsenal badge, representing the club’s origins.
Interestingly, parts of the original Royal Arsenal site are still standing today, though redeveloped into thousands of homes—one of the largest collections of converted Grade I and II listed buildings in the UK.
Why Are Arsenal Fans Called Gooners?
While the players are known as the Gunners, the fanbase proudly calls themselves Gooners. The roots of this term are debated, with a few prevailing theories.
One suggests that the name emerged during the 1970s, when a hooligan group called the Goon Squad became associated with the club. Over time, Gooners evolved by combining the hooligan label with Arsenal’s official nickname.
Another theory argues that rival supporters mockingly referred to Arsenal fans as goons due to their loud and sometimes erratic behavior. Instead of rejecting the term, Arsenal supporters embraced it and transformed it into a badge of honor.
A simpler explanation is that Gooners is just a colloquial variation of Gunners—similar to how Newcastle United’s Toon Army nickname is rooted in local dialect.
Alternative And Rival Nicknames For Arsenal
Officially, Arsenal’s nicknames are Gunners and Gooners, but rival supporters have coined others—often less flattering.
During George Graham’s managerial era, the club became known as Boring, Boring Arsenal, a reference to his defense-first approach, which, though effective, was criticized for lacking flair.
Another common taunt is Same old Arsenal, always cheating!, a chant rooted in the controversial promotion of Arsenal to the First Division under chairman Sir Henry Norris, which angered rival clubs—especially local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Do Other Clubs Share The “Gunners” Nickname?
In England, Arsenal uniquely owns the Gunners identity. However, several clubs in Europe have similar nicknames linked to their local history.
Spanish club SD Eibar is known as Los Armeros (The Gunsmiths), a nod to the town’s arms-manufacturing heritage.
The Russian side FC Arsenal Tula goes by Pushkari, meaning Gunners.
Ukrainian club Arsenal Kyiv is nicknamed the Cannoneers.
Despite these similarities, Arsenal’s nickname is one of the most iconic in world football, combining heritage, culture, and fan identity into one powerful label.
FAQs About Arsenal Fans
When Did Arsenal Adopt The Cannon As Their Symbol?
The cannon first appeared on Arsenal’s badge in 1888 and has remained central to the club’s crest through various redesigns.
When Did The Nickname “Gooners” First Appear?
The term “Gooners” was first recorded in the 1960s, appearing in a matchday programme in 1966. By the 1970s, it was widely used among supporters.
Is There A Difference Between “Gunners” And “Gooners”?
Yes. “Gunners” refers to the Arsenal team itself, while “Gooners” refers specifically to the club’s supporters.
Did The Name Come From The Goon Squad?
Some believe that the hooligan firm “The Goon Squad” in the 1970s helped popularize the name, though the word “Gooners” was already in use before then.
Do Arsenal Fans Still Embrace The Nickname Today?
Absolutely. “Gooners” is now a global identity, proudly used by millions of Arsenal fans around the world.
What Does The Word Arsenal Mean?
The word arsenal comes from military terminology, meaning a place where weapons and ammunition are stored or manufactured. This definition perfectly ties to Arsenal’s origins at the Royal Arsenal munitions factory.
Who Gave Arsenal The Nickname Gunners?
The nickname developed naturally when the club was founded by munitions workers. Since their profession was linked with artillery and cannons, the Gunners’ name became part of the club’s DNA and has been used ever since.