But these nicknames stemmed from more than just a reference of self-indulgence; they also stemmed from a time when vigilantism and vindication were taken into the hands of the streets.
These self-appointed policing acts led to a many deaths; some justifiable and some not so much. Here's one such story where the line of right and wrong is not so distinct. Even things done with the best of intentions could result in the wrong outcome. Here's another Old New York murder mystery that could have easily taken place like this.