It’s a lively Saturday afternoon in late March 2025 in the heart of Newcastle. The camera zooms in on Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, surrounded by his teammates on an open-top bus. Isak is grinning, chanting “Toon! Toon!” with a clenched fist raised high. As the camera pans out, we see thousands of fans below, waving their smartphones and chanting back, “Black and White Army!” in perfect harmony.
It’s the day Newcastle United celebrates winning their first Carabao Cup (EFL League Cup) in years, and the streets are alive with excitement. But as the celebrations unfold, a question often arises: Where did the name “Toon Army” come from? Let’s dive into the origins of this iconic nickname.
The Toon: A Local Twist on "Town"
Anyone familiar with the north-east of England, especially Newcastle, will know that the locals speak with a distinct accent—affectionately called Geordie. If you’re curious about how it sounds, just check out an interview with former AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson, who’s got a thick Geordie accent.
The term “Toon” comes directly from the way locals pronounce “town.” It’s a unique feature of the Geordie dialect that sets it apart from other accents. Newcastle fans embraced this pronunciation, and soon “Toon” became a symbol of pride for the city. Over time, the term evolved into “Toon Army”, a nickname that fans adopted for themselves. Now, whether at home or away, you’ll hear the unmistakable chant of “Toon! Toon!” echoing throughout the stadium, followed by “Black and White Army!”
The Magpies: A Nod to Tradition
Newcastle United also has another famous nickname—The Magpies. When the club first started out, they wore red and white shirts, but they later switched to the now-iconic black-and-white striped kits. Some say the colors were influenced by Notts County, who wore similar stripes—and, interestingly enough, also inspired Juventus’ famous kit.
But the black-and-white stripes also reflect the plumage of a magpie, a bird found across the UK. Hence, Newcastle fans proudly adopted The Magpies as another fitting nickname for their club, in line with the team's distinctive kit.
Newcastle: The City Behind the Name
As for the name “Newcastle” itself, it’s almost self-explanatory. Newcastle United is named after the city of Newcastle, which, in turn, was named after a castle built by the Normans. Parts of the castle still stand today in the city center, serving as a reminder of the city's rich history.
So, Next Time You’re Watching a Game…
Whether you’re at St. James’ Park or watching from afar, listen out for the roar of The Toon Army in full song. It’s a proud, passionate tradition that’s been part of the club for generations.
And if you’re interested in more fascinating nickname stories, check out these posts: