A nickname is “a familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name”.
After doing a little research, it is amazing how many nicknames there are and where they can be derived. A few examples are:
Family – to distinguish generations with the same names
First generation: Senior, Daddy, Big Daddy, Older
Second generation: Junior, Younger, Little
Third generation: Trey Trip (from Triple), Skip (skipped being a junior)
Surnames – to distinguish between those with the same last names
Mac for McCarthy, McDonald, etc.
Fitz for Fitzgerald, Fitzpatrick, etc.
Smitty for Smith
Place of origin – to distinguish where someone is from
Tex for someone from Texas
Big D for Dallas
Portion of names – I think these types are the most common
Dave for David
Tori for Victoria
Liz for Elizabeth
Nick for Nicholas
Unique
Dubya for W
Che Guevara
–revolutionary Che
–hipster Che
The word “nickname” is derived from the mid-15th century “eke name,” which means “additional name.” “Eke” derives from the Old English “eaca,” which means “increase.”
I guess I should tell you my nickname, which is fairly obvious. However, there are so many variations in spelling that it is good to just get it out here on the internet. My nickname is Neese. Or Neesie.
What is your nickname? What would you want your nickname to be? What is your favorite nickname? Pet names are not the same as nicknames. Just saying.
I don’t have one. Now I feel left out. 🙂 Some nicknames are fun. Interesting about the two Ches. I only knew of one, and it wasn’t the hipster, who looks very hipster-ish, indeed. And handsome. Silvia @SilviaWrites
We will have to think of a good nickname for you, Silvia!!
And yes, hipster Che was handsome!