Why was the P-47 Thunderbolt really nicknamed "The Jug"? Neither of the reasons I have researched, "shaped like a milk jug" or "Jug was short for juggernaut" seem true. I haven't been able to find a container from that era that resembles

 I don’t want to detract in any way from the extremely clever, interesting and elegant responses as to the true origin of the nickname “Jug” for the P-47, and from my personal perspective, I knew Robert S Johnson rather well and was a good friend of “Gabby” Gabreski who, on different occasions told me, (as did the pilots of the 56th FG themselves) that they both accepted the joke about being called “Juggernauts”…although “Gabby” was a master of messing with you on occasion …

jug·ger·naut

/ˈjəɡərˌnôt,ˈjəɡərˌnät/

noun

a formidable and formidable institution or force.

P-47: Giant, mighty, overhwelming power, 2000-2800 hp, war’s most rapid piston diver, 8 .50’s, total 3400 rds. 3000 lbs of bombs and up to ten 5″ HVAR rockets, at 426-500 mph, 38000 feet and doing it still with that turbo one of the last “boom & zoomers”—“Juggernaut”.