Nickname Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
A nickname is a short, clever, cute, derogatory, or otherwise substitute name for a person or thing's real name, (for example, Nick is short for Nicholas). As a concept, it is distinct from a pseudonym, though there may be overlap between the two.Etymology: In Middle English the word was ekename (from the verb to eke, "enlarge"; compare Swedish öknamn). Later, an ekename developed into a nickname.
In Viking societies, many people had nicknames heiti, vi
Types of personal nickname:
1. A nickname may relate directly to a person's first name. Examples:
5. Nicknames, whatever their original basis, may become cultural norms. 'Sis', (slang for 'sister') for example, is often picked up and used by all the members of a family, their friends and society at large. Similarly, 'Chip' (off the old block) and 'Junior' can be used for any youngster and the nickname may follow the person into adulthood.
6. A nickname may relate to the person's calling. Examples:
People and their Nicknames
2. A nickname may relate directly to a person's surname. Examples:
3. It may also relate indirectly to a surname. Examples:
4. A nickname may reflect a national or cultural style. In the United States, for instance, rhyming contractions or plays on a person's name are common, as in:
Calling a person by their initials is also common.
7. It may relate (offensively or otherwise) to a person's nationality or place of origin. Examples:
See also: List of British regional nicknames
8. It may relate to a person's physical characteristics. Examples:
- Tubby for a fat person
- Lofty for a tall person
- Four-eyes for a person with glasses
- Blue for a person with red hair
- Shorty for a very tall person
- Slim for a fat person
- Grumpy
- Swotty
- Romeo
Many fictional characters have nicknames relating to events: Examples include the Red Comet, White Tiger, Desert Tiger and Hawk of Endymion.
11. It may compare the person with a famous or fictional character. Examples:
11. A famous person's nickname may be unique to them:- Tippecanoe for William Henry Harrison
- Dubya for George W. Bush, a president who uses and has acquired several other nicknames as well. Dubya is from the Texan pronunciation of 'w', Bush's middle initial.
- Jack The Dripper for painter Jackson Pollock who created many of his works by dripping paint over horizontal canvas
- Spithead for Paul Wolfowitz.
See also: list of city nicknames for a more comprehensive list.
Cities and their Nicknames
Some Common Items and their Nicknames
Professions and their Nicknames
Military Nicknames
See also: List of nicknames of British Army regiments
Sporting clubs are often given nicknames. These may or may not be incorporated into official names or be used by the club. The names of animals or colours are popular. Examples:
This is an Article on Nickname. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Nickname Sports clubs and their nicknames
Soccer
Rugby Union
See also
List of nicknames used by George W. Bush