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AIBU?

To be annoyed when people refer to shortened names as ' nicknames'

7 replies

Lola247 · 27/05/2017 11:37

Is it just me or does anyone else hate it when a shortened version of a name is called a 'nickname'. Elenor being Ellie for instance. Or Christopher getting Chris. Yes they're a shortened name of their full name but it's their name nevertheless. Not a nickname. In my day nicknames were 'teabag' and 'boffer' or am I over thinking this?

OP posts:
AntigoneJones · 27/05/2017 11:40

I would say you are over-thinking tbh.

DonkeyOaty · 27/05/2017 11:42

Chris from Christopher is indeed a contracted form of the personal name, but who is going to say that when they can say nickname?

Yabu.

honeylulu · 27/05/2017 11:47

The term for a shortened version of a name is diminutive (I believe). But I wouldn't say it in general conversation as it would make me look like a pompous twat.
A nickname can be any name other than your actual, given/birth certificate name, so can cover diminutives and more random nicknames. No?

MyWhatICallNameChange · 27/05/2017 11:53

I agree OP. I don't think of my name as a nickname, it's my name, just happens to be the shortened version of my name that I never ever use.

Whatever happened to proper nicknames? No one seems to have them anymore.

VladmirsPoutine · 27/05/2017 11:55

It's a diminutive as a PP pointed out.

Anyway, it's Saturday. Have a a cup of tea and chill out Smile

echt · 27/05/2017 12:04

Ahem. Nickname comes from the Old English nekename, meaning additional name. "Eke" means also.

So, yeah they are nicknames.

Though I see you might wish to distinguish Edward's "Teddy" from his more intimate "Mr Floppy."

harderandharder2breathe · 27/05/2017 12:08

I know several of people with nicknames that aren't shortened forms of their names, most of them are men though although I do as well (I'm a woman)

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