Accrinton Shotheads
 

In 1971, I compiled a book 'Lancashire Nicknames & Sayings' after a few years of researching and collecting them. The entry for Accrington reads:

Accrington Shotheads: A shothead is a name for the small fish with the big head better known as the Bullhead or Miller's Thumb. It is a sarcastic allusion to the imaginary largeness of the Accringtonian's head and refers to the 'bigheadedness', inn the boastful sense, possibly occasioned by the Accringtonian's intense pride in the town. I should know - I am one.

When I wrote that, I had not actually heard the term being used, but had read it and I confirmed its use with a couple of local historians. Neither have I heard it used since. Have you ? Any comments ?

The nickname fits into a common pattern in that it is humourous and derogatory. There are many animal-related nicknames.

Re: Accrinton Shotheads
 

Shothead? Not heard that one, Bob.
Are you sure you haven't got the spelling slightly wrong? And the meaning quite a lot wrong?

Re: Accrinton Shotheads
 

Same here i reckon mistaken identity, should be sh1thead, loads of em in accy.:D