Tyson's father was a Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University. Whilst there he earned the nickname "Lucifer" for his ruthless attitude and harsh marking, this nickname came from both students and teachers. He is now deceased.

This was funny to the students and some of the professors, but they didn't have the same context as the Delaney family. Their family is ethnically and religiously Jewish, the nickname left a bad taste in everyone's mouths.