Nickname
'nɪk.neɪm
Definitions
2 meaningsA familiar or humorous name used instead of or in addition to someone's real name.
'nɪk.neɪm
A familiar or humorous name given to a person or thing instead of or as well as the real name.
Her nickname at school was 'Sparky' because of her energetic personality.
💡 Simply: It's like when your best friend calls you something different from your regular name, like 'Sunshine' instead of your actual name. It's a fun, special way of calling someone!
👶 For kids: A special name that your friends or family call you, that is not your real name!
More Examples
He prefers to be called by his nickname, 'Mike', instead of his given name, Michael.
The city's nickname is 'The Big Apple'.
How It's Used
"Friends often call each other by nicknames."
"The team's nickname is the 'Tigers'."
To give someone or something a nickname.
'nɪk.neɪm
The kids quickly nicknamed their new puppy 'Lucky'.
💡 Simply: To give someone a special, different name that's usually funny or friendly. Like, if someone is always wearing red, you might nickname them 'Red'!
👶 For kids: To give someone a special, made-up name!
More Examples
They decided to nickname the new product the 'Zoomer'.
He was often nicknamed 'Shorty' due to his height.
How It's Used
"The students quickly nicknamed their new teacher 'Mr. Smiles'."
"She was nicknamed 'Speedy' because she was always in a hurry."
Idioms & expressions
to call someone names
To insult someone by using offensive names or language.
"The bullies were calling him names and making fun of him."
From a Middle English term, likely from 'an eke name', meaning 'an additional name'. This evolved into a term of endearment or familiarity.
Used in written form from the 14th century. Initially it might have referred to a name given in addition to a person's proper name, often with a derogatory connotation.
Memory tip
Think of your closest friends. What do you call them? That's probably their nickname!