Nicknaming

Nicknaming is the informal practice of giving a nickname to a person or thing. A nickname is an informal name used in place of a person's given name or surname. Nicknames arise from attributes such as physical appearance, personality, occupation, origin, or notable incidents. They are commonly used by family, friends, teammates, colleagues, and fans, and may also be adopted by communities to identify a group or member. Nicknames can be affectionate, humorous, descriptive, or pejorative, and they can endure for years or be temporary.

Etymology: The term nickname is from Middle English eke-name, meaning "also name." The modern spelling and pronunciation with a k arose through misdivision and folk etymology; early forms include ekename and, in certain periods, spelled nikename. The word has since become standard, though some dialects still reflect the older form.

Formation and types: Nicknames are often formed from a given name (Bob from Robert), from physical traits (Red, Slim), from a habit (Smiley), from origin (Tex), from achievements (Coach), or from incidents (Wheelie). In many cultures, nicknames function as social signals within groups and may substitute for formal identifiers. Hypocorisms are affectionate diminutives that mutate a name into a warmer form.

Usage and risks: In personal contexts, nicknames convey closeness or belonging but can cause offense if inappropriate or unwanted. In formal settings or media, use may require consent or prefer the legal name. In online and in entertainment, stage names and handles function as public nicknames. Across cultures, conventions vary on what traits are acceptable as nicknames and how they relate to status, reputation, or privacy.