What's in a name?

In print media, Conservatives are often called "Tories" and Liberals referred to as "Grits," all of which seems drearily old-fashioned, but that is not the point of this item. Our Etymological Department thought it instructive to report on the origins of both terms. 

"Tory," it was found, derives from the Old Irish "toruighe," meaning "a robber." At least, that's what it meant in 1566.  

"Grit" is much younger, dating from the 19th century when a Nova Scotia/New Brunswick political movement called the Clear Grit Party was formed. "Clear Grit" was meant to indicate the real thing, the absence of fakery.

Previously, Liberals were often dubbed "Whigs." This may have come from the Scottish "whiggamore," and was used to describe horse thieves and cattle rustlers.

Make of these word origins what you will. We're off for tea with Elizabeth May.