Nicknames are sometimes matters of convenience. We frequently see this in cases of intergenerational names such as Sr., Jr., III, IV and so on. Nicknames are necessary for keeping the relatives organized. Imagine being in a room with four or five Arnold’s!
But typically family nicknames are affectionate terms used to refer to family members. They can be based on a person’s name, personality, or other characteristics, such as Shorty, Red, Curley, and Blondie. In my family, many of my cousins, aunts, and uncles have nicknames all coming from my mom, Jeanette, also known as Katza (German for “cat”).
Family reunions are always a lot of fun, when I get to see her visit with Bullfrog, Pooch, Joanie, Dootsey Lady, Little Olsha, Bitsey One, and Bugsy. When I was a child, I even thought my aunt’s name was Slugsy! I asked her once where she got these names from. Her brother Poochy Boy’s name was a response to him naming her Katza. Little Too Late was so named due to being born after her expected due date. But things like Tubsdy, Kack Kack, and Hoopsie are things she just thought sounded funny at the time.
Is there someone in your family who loves dishing out nicknames?
Do you have a special nickname yourself?
I found this blog post about nicknames very interesting. Check it out!