1878. Trollope, South Africa, II., p. 206. Bluebacks, as they were
called, were printed. Ibid, p. 222. The bluebacks as the Orange
Free State banknotes were called.
Blue Bellies.—A nickname bestowed by Southerners, during the Civil War,
upon their opponents of the North, whose uniform was blue. They were
also called boys in blue, yanks, etc. The Southerners, on the other
hand, received such names as the secesh, rebs, and johnny rebs, the
latter being sometimes shortened to johnnies. The grey uniform of the
Confederates likewise caused them to be styled boys in grey and
greybacks, the latter epithet cutting two ways, as the Southern
soldiers not only wore grey uniforms, but ‘greyback’ in America as well
as England signifies a louse.
1883. Daily Telegraph, Feb. 9, p. 5, col. 4. The Confederate armies
during the great Civil War in America ... were known ... as
‘Greybacks,’ whereas their Federal opponents, from the light-azure
gaberdines which they wore, were dubbed ‘blue-bellies.’
Blue Bills, subs. (Winchester College).—The tradesmen’s bills sent home
to the parents and guardians of students. [So called from the colour of
the envelopes generally used.]
Blue Billy, subs. (pugilistic).—1. A handkerchief (blue ground with
white spots) sometimes worn and used as a colour at prize-fights.—See
Billy, sense 1.