Most monarchs inherit a crown, marry into a royal family, or take power after a major political upheaval. A remarkable group of real people chose another route and simply announced that they were emperors, kings, or princes. Some became beloved eccentrics, while others used their new titles to reinforce very real political power.
Some of the most ordinary labels in English began as jokes, slurs, sneers, or deliberately dismissive nicknames aimed at people considered foolish, radical, uncultured, or threatening. Over time, many targets embraced the insult, while other words simply became so familiar that speakers forgot anyone had once meant them to sting.
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