Where does the nickname "Red" like in red Auerbach comes from?

Question

Where does the nickname "Red" like in red Auerbach comes from?

Answer 1

Hair colour, unless this is a trick question.

Answer 2

I always thought it was from having red hair.

Answer 3

In Auerbach's case, it came from his red hair and fiery temper when he was young.  Of course, later when he went bald, it became rather ironic.

Answer 4

My Uncle "Red" got the nickname because his first name was Edward and he had red hair.

Answer 5

In the "Shawshank Redemption", it's because Morgan Freeman's character (in the book) was Irish, which made it a funny question in the movie.  But typically it's hair or face color when they get excited.