 The Thompson submachine gun was also known informally as the "Tommy Gun", "Street Sweeper" ,"Annihilator", "Chicago Typewriter", “Trench Broom”, "Chicago Submachine", "Chicago Piano", "Chicago Style", "Chicago Organ Grinder", "Drum Gun","the Chopper", and simply "the Thompson".The Thompson was favored by soldiers, criminals, police, FBI, and civilians alike for its fully automatic fire, while still being relatively lightweight, portable and easy to use.It has since gained popularity among civilian collectors for its historical significance.