London's most well-known nickname is The Big Smoke.
The Story Behind "The Big Smoke"
This nickname arose in the 19th century when London was frequently covered in smog due to coal burning, an issue exacerbated by the Industrial Revolution. The reference states that the nickname "The Big Smoke: This nickname dates all the way back to the 19th century, when smoke covered the city of London - largely caused by the burning of coal and worsened by the Industrial Revolution." This widespread pollution led to London being referred to as "The Big Smoke," a name that has persisted to this day.
