A nickname for England is Old Blighty. The term has been around since the British held India as a colony. Blighty is derived from an Indian word that means Britain- bilāyatī.
The soldiers slurred the word into Blighty. Kind of like the area of London known as Elephant and Castle which was a corruption of Eleanor of Castile’s name. She was the queen of Edward I.
The term became popular during WWI when men would hope for an “old Blighty” wound- one not bad enough to kill you, but bad enough to be sent back home to get well. A number of songs were written with the term in the lyrics.
Jillian Chantal 
Thanks for the new info, Jillian. Edward and Eleanor was one of the few real love stories of English monarchs. Rita
By: Rita Bay on January 6, 2012
at 7:57 am
They were indeed. Her cousin made the match when she was 10, I believe. But even though it was a dynastic match, they fell in love. Had quite a few children as well. She died after trying to travel to aid him after the birth/death of # 15.
By: Jillian Chantal on January 6, 2012
at 8:02 am
I’d never heard this before. I love Friday Facts and learning new stuff. THANKS
By: Darlene Henderson on January 6, 2012
at 8:14 am
Glad you learned something new!
By: Jillian Chantal on January 6, 2012
at 8:46 am
Another new piece of information for me, too. Old Blighty, huh? That sounds like a name England might try to tamp down and not use much. Sort of like our football stadium here. It was Qwest Field until Century Link bought quest. Some sports guy shortened the name and, much to Century Link’s dislike, I’m guessing, it caught on. It’s now quite often called the “Clink”. lol
By: Laurie Ryan on January 6, 2012
at 10:51 am
Hehehe. I love the Clink. FUN! Actually, one of my British friends says Old Blighty quite often. They don’t seem to mind it.
By: Jillian Chantal on January 6, 2012
at 11:10 am
That is fascinating. I never knew where that term came from.
By: Ciara Knight on January 6, 2012
at 12:52 pm
I looked it up a few years ago when I was curious.
By: Jillian Chantal on January 6, 2012
at 12:57 pm
Love these facts. I can’t say I particularly the term though. Old Blighty sounds like something that has a blight. Sort of an ugly visual.
By: Lavada Dee on January 6, 2012
at 8:15 pm
I know. It does sound awful doesn’t it?
By: Jillian Chantal on January 6, 2012
at 8:28 pm