What does the word nickname mean

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«Short name» redirects here. For the term as it applies to legislation, see Short title.

A nickname or short name is a substitute for the proper name of a person, place or thing. It is commonly used to express affection, amusement, a character trait or defamation of character. It is distinct from a pseudonym, stage name or title, although the concepts can overlap.

Etymology[edit]

The compound word ekename, literally meaning «additional name», was attested as early as 1303.^[1] This word was derived from the Old English phrase eac «also»,^[2] related to eacian «to increase».^[3] By the 15th century, the misdivision of the syllables of the phrase «an ekename» led to its rephrasing as «a nekename».^[4] Though the spelling has changed, the pronunciation and meaning of the word have remained relatively stable ever since.

Various language conventions[edit]

English nicknames are generally represented in quotes between the bearer’s first and last names (e.g., Dwight David «Ike» Eisenhower and Daniel Lamont «Bubba» Franks). It is also common for the nickname to be identified after a comma following the full real name or later in the body of the text, such as in an obituary (e.g., Frankie Frisch, «The Fordham Flash»). Any middle name is generally omitted, especially in speech. Like English, German uses (German-style) quotation marks between the first and last names (e.g., Andreas Nikolaus „Niki“ Lauda). Other languages may use other conventions; for example, Italian writes the nickname after the full name followed by detto «called» (e.g., Salvatore Schillaci detto Totò), in Spanish the nickname is written in formal contexts at the end in quotes following alias (e.g. Alfonso Tostado, alias «el Abulense»), in Portuguese the nickname is written after the full name followed by vulgo or between parenthesis (e.g. Edson Arantes do Nascimento, vulgo Pelé / Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé)) and Slovenian represents nicknames after a dash or hyphen (e.g., Franc Rozman – Stane). The latter may cause confusion because it resembles an English convention sometimes used for married and maiden names.

Various societal uses[edit]

In Viking societies, many people had heiti, viðrnefni, or kenningarnöfn (Old Norse terms for nicknames)^[5] which were used in addition to, or instead of, the first name. In some circumstances, the giving of a nickname had a special status in Viking society in that it created a relationship between the name maker and the recipient of the nickname, to the extent that the creation of a nickname also often entailed a formal ceremony and an exchange of gifts known in Old Norse as nafnfestr (‘fastening a name’).

In Bengali society, for example, people will often have two names: a daknam (pet name) which is the name used by family and friends and a bhalonam which is their formal name.^[6][7]

In England, some nicknames are traditionally associated with a person’s surname. A man with the surname ‘Clark’ will be nicknamed ‘Nobby’: the surname ‘Miller’ will have the nickname ‘Dusty’ (alluding to the flour dust of a miller at work): the surname ‘Adams’ has the nickname ‘Nabby’. There are several other nicknames linked traditionally with a person’s surname, including Chalky White, Bunny Warren, Tug Wilson, and Spud Baker. Other English nicknames allude to a person’s origins. A Scotsman may be nicknamed ‘Jock’, an Irishman ‘Paddy’ (alluding to Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland) or ‘Mick’ (alluding to the preponderance of Roman Catholicism in Ireland), and a Welshman may be nicknamed ‘Taffy’ (from Welsh Dafydd, David). Some nicknames referred ironically to a person’s physical characteristics, such as ‘Lofty’ for a short person, or ‘Curly’ for a bald man.

In Chinese culture, nicknames are frequently used within a community among relatives, friends, and neighbours. A typical southern Chinese nickname often begins with a «阿» followed by another character, usually the last character of the person’s given name.^[8] For example, Taiwanese politician Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) is sometimes referred as «阿扁» (A-Bian). In many Chinese communities of Southeast Asia, nicknames may also connote one’s occupation or status. For example, the landlord might be known simply as Towkay (simplified Chinese: 头家; traditional Chinese: 頭家; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: thâu-ke) Hokkien for «boss») to his tenants or workers while a bread seller would be called «Mianbao Shu» 面包叔 (literally, Uncle Bread).

Computing[edit]

In the context of information technology, a nickname is a common synonym for the screen name or handle of a user. In computer networks it has become a common practice for every person to also have one or more nicknames for pseudonymity, to avoid ambiguity, or simply because the natural name or technical address would be too long to type or take too much space on the screen.

People[edit]

Nicknames are usually applied to a person and they are not always chosen by the recipient themselves. Some nicknames are derogatory name calls.

Abbreviation or modification[edit]

A nickname can be a shortened or modified variation on a person’s real name.

• Contractions of longer names: Margaret to Greta.
• Initials: using the first letters of a person’s first, middle and/or last name, e.g. «DJ» for Daniel James.
• Dropping letters: with many nicknames, one or more letters, often R, are dropped: Fanny from Frances, Walt from Walter.
• Phonetic spelling: sometimes a nickname is created through the phonetic spelling of a name: Len from Leonard.
• Letter swapping: during the middle ages, the letter R would often be swapped for either L or D: Hal from Harry (which in turn comes from Henry); Molly from Mary; Sadie from Sarah; Hob, Dob, Rob, Bob, and Nob from Robert; Rick, Dick, and Hick from Richard; Bill from Will (which in turn comes from William); and Peg and Meg from Margaret. In 19th-century frontier United States, Mary and Molly were often given the nickname Polly.

Name portions[edit]

• Front of a name. Sometimes a nickname can come from the beginning of a given name: Chris from Christopher/Christina; Ed from Edward, Edmond, Edgar or Edwin, Iz or Izzy from Isaac, Isaiah, Isidore, Isabel, or Isabella; Joe or Jo from Joseph, Josephine, or Joanna.
• End of name: Drew from Andrew; Xander from Alexander; Enzo or Renzo from Lorenzo; Beth from Elizabeth; Bel, Bell, Bella or Belle from Isabelle/Isabella.
• Middle of name: Liz from Elizabeth; Tori from Victoria; Del or Della from Adelaide.
• Addition of diminutives: before the 17th century, most nicknames had the diminutive ending «-in» or «-kin», where the ending was attached to the first syllable: Watkin for Walter via Wat-kin; Hobkin from Robert via Hob-kin; or Thompkin from Thomas via Thom-Kin. While most of these have died away, a few remain, such as Robin (Rob-in, from Robert), Hank (Hen-Kin from Henry), Jack (Jan-kin from John), and Colin (Col-in from Nicolas).
• Many nicknames drop the final one or two letters and add ether ie/ee/y as a diminutive ending: Davy from David, Charlie from Charles, Mikey from Michael, Jimmy from James, and Marty from Martin.
• Initialization, which forms a nickname from a person’s initials: A.C. Slater from Albert Clifford Slater, or Dubya for George W. Bush, a Texan pronunciation of the name of the letter ‘W’, President Bush’s middle initial. Brazilian striker Ronaldo was given the nickname R9 (initial and shirt number).^[9]
• Nicknames are sometimes based on a person’s last name («Tommo» for Bill Thompson, «Campo» for David Campese) or a combination of first and last name such as «A-Rod» for Alex Rodriguez).
• Loose ties to a person’s name with an attached suffix: Gazza for English footballer Paul Gascoigne (though used more widely in Australia for Gary) and similar «zza» forms (Hezza, Prezza, etc.) for other prominent personalities whose activities are frequently reported in the British press (see also Oxford «-er» for a similar but wider phenomenon).
• Use of the second name.
• Use of the generational suffix, like «Junior,» or nicknames associated with a particular generational suffix, like Trey or Tripp for III.
• Combination of the first and middle name, or variations of a person’s first and middle name. For example, a person may have the name Mary Elizabeth but has the nickname «Maz» or «Miz» by combining Mary and Liz.
• Doubling of part of a first name. For example, forming «NatNat» from Nathan/Natasha or «JamJam» from James.

Relationship[edit]

A nickname may refer to the relationship with the person. This is a term of endearment.

• In Japanese culture, Japanese honorifics are designed so that a term of endearment conveys the exact status of the relationship between two people. Recipients are allowed to restrict use to a certain person.

Geography[edit]

Placenames[edit]

Many geographical places have titles, or alternative names, which have positive implications. Paris, for example, is the «City of Light», Rome is the «Eternal City», Venice is «La Serenissima», and New Jersey is the «Garden State». These alternative names are often used to boost the status of such places, contrary to the usual role of a nickname.
Many places or communities, particularly in the US, adopt titles because they can help in establishing a civic identity, help outsiders recognize a community or attract people to a community, promote civic pride, and build community unity.^[10] Titles and slogans that successfully create a new community «ideology or myth»^[11] are also believed to have economic value.^[10] Their economic value is difficult to measure,^[10] but there are anecdotal reports of cities that have achieved substantial economic benefits by «branding» themselves by adopting new slogans.^[11]

By contrast, older city nicknames may be critical: London is still occasionally referred to as «The Smoke» in memory of its notorious «pea-souper» smogs (smoke-filled fogs) of the 19th and early 20th centuries, and Edinburgh was «Auld Reekie» for the same reason, as countless coal fires polluted its atmosphere.

Residents[edit]

Besides or replacing the demonym, some places have collective nicknames for their inhabitants. Many examples of this practice are found in Wallonia and in Belgium in general, where such a nickname is referred to in French as «blason populaire».

See also[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

Asked by: Adelle Wyman

Score: 4.5/5
(32 votes)

A nickname, also moniker is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment, and sometimes amusement, it can also be used to express defamation of character, particularly by school bullies.

What does nick name mean?

1 : a usually descriptive name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to a person, place, or thing. 2 : a familiar form of a proper name (as of a person or a city) nickname.

Why is it called nickname?

Etymology. The compound word ekename, literally meaning «additional name», was attested as early as 1303. This word was derived from the Old English phrase eac «also», related to eacian «to increase». By the 15th century, the misdivision of the syllables of the phrase «an ekename» led to its rephrasing as «a nekename».

What is a slang word for nickname?

sobriquet. familiar name. moniker or monicker (slang) handle (slang)

What is a cute nickname for a boy?

75 Cute Names to Call Your Boyfriend

36 related questions found

Oshirina: This Japanese nickname is a word coined from «oshiri» (butt) and «Rina», the first name of actress/model Rina Akiyama. ❋ Unknown (2007)

Plus, he says his nickname is short for «Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everyone» which is quite the opposite of what we see on the album cover, it must have been something misleading with it. ❋ Unknown (2010)

His nickname is Spanish for «cinnamon blond» because of his red hair and light skin color.

The Ecuadorean’s nickname translates as «street dog», but Benitez’s display was that of a striker intent on being top dog by the time McLeish uses Carson Yeung’s cash to bolster Birmingham’s squad. ❋ Unknown (2009)

If I ever have a mother-in-law, I guess my nickname is the abnormal one. ❋ Jerine (2007)

Funny how the nickname is actually longer than the real name ❋ Unknown (2007)

Has anyone else pointed out that your nickname is an anagram for Karl Rove? ❋ Unknown (2006)

Already, his nickname is as synonymous with his identity as «Air Jordan» is to Michael’s and «Magic» is to Earvin Johnson’s. ❋ Unknown (2003)

Some nicknames such as Stretch, Red, and Groucho are direct labels of personal characteristics, the term nickname coming from an eke name, which «ekes out» the spirit of the named person. ❋ Unknown (1984)

That nickname is already taken by the legendary Gale Sayers. ❋ Tracee Hamilton (2010)

With a modesty so admired by his friends, Coco — because even his nickname is humble — has made the Sakharov Prize seem much more important. ❋ Yoani Sanchez (2010)

His nickname is «Kung-Fu Panda,» a reference to the animated movie about an overweight panda who aspires to be a kung-fu master. ❋ Conor Dougherty (2010)

Remind me again why fat KKKarls nickname is turd blossom??? ❋ Unknown (2010)

The video had been available elsewhere before, but when Tatsiana — whose LJ nickname is Zmagarka, “Female Warrior” — posted it on her blog, the reaction of the Cyrillic blogosphere was unprecedented. ❋ Unknown (2009)

And so, on the eve of the first anniversary of the war, LJ user cyxymu — whose nickname is a latinized version of the Russian spelling of Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia — became a celebrity of sorts. ❋ Unknown (2009)

She later told me it was that moment when she coined her nickname for me, her “fairy godfather.” ❋ David Tutera (2011)

Friend: «[I need] a new nickname [Snugglethug]!»
Snugglethug: «[How about] Two-Dipp?!» ❋ Ryukh (2007)

[Huh]… so your name is [Robert]… boring name, your nickname is now Bob! [Hi Bob]! ❋ You Think I Would Really Tell You? (2008)

[oh my god] [libby] you’re name is so [nicknameable]. ❋ Angel Is Zaddy (2021)

[Jonathan’s] friends gave him many nicknames including [Tubby] due to this large [size]. ❋ Musicalqt (2009)

«[Thanks] for [the first] *[Nickname]!» ❋ R3g (2013)

My [full name] is [Richard], but you can call me Dick. That is my [nickname]. ❋ Urbanupdater1 (2015)

A nickname: [Suzy] [you bitch].
OR
[nerd alert]!1!11!! ❋ Lоris (2019)

«I’ve got [no nickname] and don’t need a nickname because [I’m not] [a NERD].» ❋ Magenta Pikachu (2009)

[Betty] nicknamed herself [Charlotte] because she wanted to appear [more mature]. ❋ ShortieFlower120 (2007)

Hym «You know, speaking of [Elon], I feel bad that he doesn’t have a nickname of his own. He had to steal Zuckerbergs ‘Eye of Sauron’ thing. Don’t worry Elon! I’ll ce up with one… Hmm… Let see… Well, in the context of you fucking all of your friends wives and humiliating them, I, as the King of Cursed Spirits, hereby dub the ‘Elon the [Slutmaker].’ in the spirit of the Reverend [Jesse Jackson]. Because anyone can be a Slutmaker, but you are THE Slutmaker. That will be 1 billion dollars.» ❋ Hym Iam (2022)

What does the nickname mean?

Nicknames are nicknames. …a nickname is a nickname or one’s pet namePeople or friends who are dating often have nicknames like « Sweetie » and « Schmoopie ». Some nicknames are an abbreviation of your name, such as « Ed » or « Eddie » for « Edward. » Athletes and other celebrities have many nicknames.

What does the nickname mean?

Definition of English Learner Nicknames

: first name or nickname.

Are nicknames slang?

or mon nick ll

noun slang. A person’s name, especially a nickname or alias.

Why is a name called a nickname?

– Originally meant a mark left by a homeless person on a building or fence indicating that he/she has been there; Hence, the Tramp’s nickname identifies him/her as a signature. See also the terms of the signature.

What is the purpose of the nickname?

nicknames can be used Start or connect to objects on the same computer or network. Nicknames are often used to create network connections.

How did US states get their names?

28 related questions found

What can be a nickname?

Nickname is « a familiar or humorous name for a person or thing, not Nicknames are often considered desirable and symbolize acceptance, but they can also sometimes be mockery. Nickname also means nickname or personal name.

How can I come up with a nickname?

Use your first two initials (or two if you don’t have a middle name) to make a nickname. For example, someone named « Thomas James » might be « TJ », or someone named « Mary Katharine » might be « MK ». Not all initials can be used as nicknames.

How do you write a full name with a nickname?

What is the correct style for inserting a person’s nickname into his or her full written name?Most style books specify Put the nickname after the first name and enclose it in quotation marks. Some style books say that parentheses can be used instead.

What does Monica slang mean?

Slutty and do something with a kidnapped man. That slut pulled a Monica.

What is Nick’s nickname?

Nick is a masculine name.It is also often encountered as an abbreviated form of a given name (hypocorism) NicholasNicholas, Nicholas, Nicholas, Nicholas or Nicodemus.

How do you use the word nickname?

Nickname Sentence Examples

1. After letting her stay for a while, the group of friends gave the new girl a nickname.
2. Andrew Jackson’s nickname was « Old Pecan ».

What’s your name?

An entity identified by a name is called its reference..the name of a particular entity is sometimes called a proper name (although the term also has a philosophical meaning) and is a proper noun when it consists of only one word. Other nouns are sometimes called « common names » or (obsolete) « common names ».

What does the last name mean?

your last name is The name you share with the rest of your family. In English-speaking countries and many other countries, this is your last name. She never knew his last name. Although they share the same surname, they are not related by blood. Synonyms: More synonyms for surname, surname, paternal, maternal surname.

What’s another word for a nickname?

synonym for nickname

• alias,
• by name,
• cognition,
• nickname,
• deal with,
• Nick name,
• nickname.
• (also trumpet),

What is the nickname of technology?

In general, a nickname is a name or nickname, and in the simplest terms it is in computer terms. A moniker is an object (or component) in Microsoft’s Component Object Model (COM) Refers to a specific instance of another object.

What is the full meaning of Monica?

significance. uniqueadvise, alone, nun, alone.

What does munecas mean in Spanish?

Muñeca is also a Spanish word toy doll. Posted by Nicole-B. 0. Tickets. Muñeca means « doll » or « wrist ».

What does the name Phoebe mean?

Phoebe (/ˈfiːbi/ FEE-bee; Ancient Greek: Φοίβη, Romanized: Phoíbē) is a feminine, feminine form of the masculine name Phoebes (Φοῖβος), an epithet of Apollo, meaning «  »bright« , « Shining ». In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titan associated with the power of prophecy and the moon.

Can I legally use my nickname?

yes, As long as the nickname is enough to indicate that you are a party to the contract, but usually a full legal name would do better. Example: Brian James Smith is easier to identify than BJ Smith.

Can you use a nickname on your resume?

Can a nickname be used on a resume? … Nicknames are perfectly acceptable as long as they are not too informalUsing « Dan » as a shortened version of « Daniel » is fine, but shortening « Benjamin » as « Jamster » is not (even though, God forbid, that’s how you like to be called).

Can you give yourself a nickname?

How to Make a Self-Proclaimed Nickname

Nicknames better be damn good – people can really get behind. Nicknames shouldn’t boast too much. …give the rationale behind the nickname. Instead of just saying « start calling me Scooby-Doo, » explain it to everyone.

What’s your favorite cute nickname?

75 cute names to call your boyfriend

• Honey.
• Stud Muffins.
• Boo Bear.
• Mr Man.
• baby.
• candy.
• Bubba.
• team leader.

How to get a cute nickname?

You can use standard nicknames like « boo », « Honey, » or « Baby, » or come up with your own. Create a name based on what you find most attractive to your significant other. For example, call your boyfriend « Sweet Lips » if he’s a good kisser, or « Angel » if your girlfriend is pretty and kind.

English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle English nekename, alteration (due to a rebracketing of an ekename as a nekename) of earlier ekename (“nickname”), from eke (“also, additional”) + name (“name”).^[1] Compare Old Norse aukanafn, auknafn, auknefni (“nickname”), Faroese eyknevni (“nickname”), Danish øgenavn (“nickname”), Swedish öknamn (“nickname”), and German Low German Ökelname (“nickname”).

For other similar cases of incorrect division, see also apron, daffodil, newt, orange, umpire.

Pronunciation[edit]

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɪkneɪm/

• Audio (Southern England)

  (file)

Noun[edit]

nickname (plural nicknames)

1. A familiar, invented name for a person or thing used instead of the actual name of the person or thing, often based on some noteworthy characteristic.

   «The Big Apple» is a common nickname for New York City.

2. A familiar, shortened or diminutive name for a person or thing.

   My name is Jonathan, but I go by my nickname, Johnny.

Usage notes[edit]

Nicknames are often given in quotation marks between the first and last names. For example: Sammy «The Bull» Gravano.

Synonyms[edit]

• (familiar invented given name): handle, hypocoristic, moniker, nick, sobriquet, pet name

Descendants[edit]

• → German: Nickname
• → Japanese: ニックネーム (nikkunēmu)

Translations[edit]

Verb[edit]

nickname (third-person singular simple present nicknames, present participle nicknaming, simple past and past participle nicknamed)

1. (transitive) To give a nickname to (a person or thing).

   Gerald, nicknamed «Jerry», was usually a very cheerful person.

Translations[edit]

References[edit]