How would a Medieval Ruler come to be nicknamed? Why were 'mean' names like "the lame", "the lisp", "the lisp and lame" allowed? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

How would a Medieval Ruler come to be nicknamed? Why were 'mean' names like "the lame", "the lisp", "the lisp and lame" allowed?

by undyingLiam

In a slight aside/ side-question; would nicknames be during the time or posthumous? I would imagine that every King would like his court to call him 'The Great', and would likewise not enjoy his court teasing him with a name.

vinethatatethesouth

Because this is about royal nicknames, I have a related question if OP doesn’t mind me tagging along. I read that Edward the Black Prince was nicknamed such because he wore black armor at a battle. Is this accurate? Would black armor have been rare and why would he have worn it?