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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Making up a new nickname for myself?

114 replies

Keane900 · 29/10/2021 13:14

Hi, my name is Patrick. I've been thinking of introducing myself as Pax the last few months, however it is not a common nickname for Patrick where I'm from (Ireland). Has anyone ever encountered a Patrick ever going by Pax or not? I'm just not fond of the other shortenings of Patrick. Thanks.

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Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 13:16

I'm also 28 years of age if that makes any difference.

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lynntheyresexpeople · 29/10/2021 13:20

I mean, it's up to you ultimately, but you aren't supposed to create your own nickname, you just get given one. And to be brutally honest, pax is naff and reminds me of stuffing. Sorry 😬

5128gap · 29/10/2021 13:25

You can call yourself what you like. It works better if you're starting sfresh and can jntroduce yourself with the new name, but I suppose you could just ask existing people to start using it. They might laugh at you a bit though so I'd start with family and close friends so people get used to you being called it. I've never heard it before, but quite like it.

SkiingIsHeaven · 29/10/2021 13:26

You don't give yourself a nickname.

I knew a guy called Gordon who wanted everyone to call him Flash. I never did.

SkiingIsHeaven · 29/10/2021 13:28

I hate my nickname

SoniaFouler · 29/10/2021 13:28

The only Pax I “know” is Angelina Jolie’s son and as far as I know that’s his real name and nothing to do with Patrick.

I think Patrick is a much nicer name than Pax.

SquatBetty · 29/10/2021 13:33

Pax just sounds weird - isn't it 'peace' in Latin or something? And yeah - you don't give yourself a nickname, they get bestowed upon you by others for good or bad!

Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 13:34

Guess I'm just going to have to stick with Pa then. Brilliant

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SapphosRock · 29/10/2021 13:35

Go for it, just be prepared you'll probably get re-nicknamed Tam-pax

Ameanstreakamilewide · 29/10/2021 13:38

What's wrong with plain old Pat, these days??

Pax is slightly laughable, i must admit...

Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 13:42

Pat is kind of an old man name. I'm not too fond of it.

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evilharpy · 29/10/2021 13:43

All the Patricks I know in Ireland (which is quite a few) are called either Paddy, Packie (like Bonner), Pat or Patsy. I've never met a Pax but whoever said Paxo is spot on, that's what it would inevitably become.

evilharpy · 29/10/2021 13:44

Maybe you could be a Paudie if you're not keen on Pat and all its variations?

Disneyvillain · 29/10/2021 13:44

Pax is a furniture range from IKEA isn’t it? I actually quite like it but only if someone else was to start using it on you (not you using it in yourself).

Snowdropsandbluebells · 29/10/2021 13:46

You don't have to go with PaGrin

You cant make up your own nickname but it you must

Rick ?

GlitteringFeeling · 29/10/2021 13:48

As someone else said, I think it’s easier with new people but that’s not to say your existing friends/family won’t adapt.

I have a friend who I met in our first jobs as graduates, and he said early on he wanted to be known as AJ and not Alex (not actual names) and we just called him AJ from that point. He said he always wanted to be AJ and seized the opportunity with a new social group! Over time more of his ‘older’ friends now call him AJ too. So I think it can work, just be prepared to stick to your guns a bit!

GlitteringFeeling · 29/10/2021 13:51

Sorry also meant to say I think you can make up your own nickname if it’s linked to/ derivative of your full name.

“Chuggs” who got his nickname from downing pints in the student union couldn’t really call himself that, that comes from someone else…

but Stephanie who wants to go by ‘Steph’ can decide that for herself! I think Pax and Patrick is fine… can’t be fun to be called something you don’t like, so go for it OP!

5128gap · 29/10/2021 13:52

I think its fine to start it yourself because its not really a nickname. Its your preferred diminutive of your actual name. It would be weird to make up a jokey name for yourself like the flash Gordon example, but you are basically trying to prevent an inevitable shortening of your name to something you don't like by offering something you do. My friend is called William and started introducing himself as Billy when he went to uni because he hated Will. Now only his family use Will.

HallowedKitchen · 29/10/2021 13:54

I think it's absolutely fine to start saying to new acquaintances 'you can call me Pax' but existing friends might find it harder.
Another suggestion - Patch. I know a Patrick who always goes by Patch.

ZingDramaQueenOfSheeba · 29/10/2021 13:57

you: "hi I'm Pax"
me: "Packs of what?"

the end

Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 13:58

I thought Paudie was short for Padraig?

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Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 13:59

Pax of Cigarettes

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Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 14:00

Ha, yeah I was thinking of introducing myself to new people I meet

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Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 14:01

I don't mind Rick but it's just not common at all in Ireland. Maybe in the States it is?

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Original poster
Keane900 · 29/10/2021 14:04

I've never really come across Patch before? Would that be acceptable for a grown man?

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