History Matters Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse Nicknames can easily raise an eyebrow, but they have value to the historian beyond humour. Tristan Alphey | Published in History Today Volume 73 Issue 3 March 2023 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. MedievalLanguage Related Articles Here Be Monsters The 1600s Were a Watershed for Swear Words Popular articles Why Do Religions Decline? The Iron Amir: Britain’s Afghan Legacy