Why are foxes called charlies?

Question

Why are foxes called charlies?

Answer 1

This is a tough one!

At etymoline.com, I found a reference dating from 1857 when "charlie" was another word for a fox.  In this instance, maybe fox means an attractive person?

I've also seen "charlie" used as another word for "jester" and I know historically, people have thought of foxes as "tricksters."  I don't know if it's a real correlation there, or if it's just me.

Answer 2

Just as many present day people associate fox hunting ( essentially now banned in England ) as being the 'sport' of 'toffs and 'country gentlemen' a similar attitude existed in the 18th Century. The political party then known as the Whigs ( forunners of the present Liberal Party ) had a Prime Minister called Charles James Fox. The Whigs made fun of the fox hunting supporters who were mainly found amongst their political opponents ranks, and abused them  calling them 'toffs'. As a result of this the inevitable link between hunting a fox was linked to the Whig P.M and 'charlie' got his name. Please, I take no sides in the debate about the practise of hunting, merely try to give an historical explanation.

Answer 3

Here male foxes are called reynards and females are vixens.

If they are called Charlies where you live it is a local dialect.