Purdue University's mascot, the Boilermakers, originated from a newspaper taunt in 1891 after a football victory against Wabash College. The nickname "Boilermakers" was intended to be an insult, referencing Purdue's focus on engineering and agriculture, seen as working-class professions at the time.

In 1891, according to the Purdue University website: "Under accusations of recruiting athletes from boiler shops, the 'Boilermakers' name is adopted for Purdue’s athletic teams. An 85,000-pound Schenectady No. 1 Locomotive engine is purchased."