Nid

Nid is a term that can refer to several distinct concepts across language, geography, and modern acronyms. In historical and linguistic contexts, Nid or níð (Old Norse) denotes a concept of insult, disgrace, or social stigma. The term appears in medieval Icelandic and Norse literature and law, where níð could mark shame, outlawry, or social censure. Related terms include níðingr, meaning a person of dishonor, and the figure Níðhǫgr, a dragon associated with gnawing at the world-tree Yggdrasil in myth.

Geographically, Nid is used as a place name in Europe. It is the name of at least one locality in the European context, and it is also used for various small settlements and administrative areas in regions where Germanic or Romance linguistic influence is present. In Switzerland, Nid is documented as a toponym in the French- and German-speaking parts of the country, reflecting the common cross-border use of short, simple names across cantons and municipalities.

In modern usage, Nid appears as an acronym in several domains. National Institute of Design (NID) is a prominent design education and research institution in India. National Identity Document (NID) is a generic term used in some countries for government-issued identity cards. The acronym appears in other sectors as well, depending on the local naming conventions for institutions or documents.

See also: Níð, Níðr, NID (acronym variations)