13 JULY 2002, Page 29

A word from the Tsar

From Mr Jerry Tutunjian Sir: Regarding the origin of the word 'hooligan' (Mind your language, 6 July), during a visit to Britain Tsar Nicholas II attended a popular new play which featured a criminal named Hooligan (I guess relations with Ireland were less friendly then). On his return to Russia, the Tsar used the name frequently as an epithet for domestic political dissidents. 'Hooligan' eventually bounced back to Britain with a slightly different meaning.

Terry Tutunjian

Toronto, Canada