The nickname comes from the fact that the area of Charlton was once known as "The Addicks" due to its association with the Charlton Hornchurch Addicks, a local cricket club that was popular in the 1800s.
The cricket club was known for its aggressive and often controversial play, and the term "Addicks" came to be associated with these qualities. When Charlton Athletic Football Club was founded in 1905, they adopted the nickname as a way to reflect the spirit and determination of the local people.
Today, "The Addicks" is a proud and well-established nickname for Charlton Athletic, and it is used by fans and media alike to refer to the club and its supporters.