Dick

Dick is a masculine given name and nickname, most commonly a shortened form of Richard. It is also used as crude slang for the penis. In addition to being a given name, Dick appears in various cultural references and personal names.

Origin and use: Dick originated as a diminutive of Richard in English. Medieval and early modern usage produced various nicknames from Richard, including Rich, Rick, and Dick. Over time, Dick became a widely used informal form, and some people continued to use it as a given name into the 20th century before its popularity declined in favor of other variants. In modern times, many people named Richard still go by Dick as a familiar or nostalgic form, while others prefer more contemporary nicknames such as Rich or Rick.

Slang usage: In informal English, Dick is also a coarse term for the penis. Its use is typically non-technical and considered inappropriate in formal writing or polite conversation, although it remains common in casual speech, humor, and certain media contexts.

Notable people and cultural references: Notable individuals named Dick include Dick Cheney, an American politician and former vice president; Dick Van Dyke, an American actor and entertainer; Dick Cavett, an American television host and journalist; and Dick Gregory, an American comedian and civil rights activist. In fiction, the name Dick appears frequently, including Dick Grayson, the original Robin in DC Comics.