Nicknames

Why do we give nicknames? To people, places, animals? This morning I called my dog Hazy-Boo. I don’t even know where that came from, it just slipped out of my mouth. I also call her Hazel-Basil, Big Bear, Hazy-Badazy and the list goes on. I guess we do it just to show that we know a person or an animal better? To show our relationship with them? My friend from elementary school, Laura, goes by Tabby, Ruesel, and a whole host of other nicknames (mostly given by her mom). Her mom calls Laura’s oldest sister Heiffer. Not too endearing.

My nickname from my husband is Sweet Pea (no explanation needed there, since I’m so sweet, right?). I call him Sweetie. My friend Adrienne (whose nickname is Addy), calls me Wee Wee, based off of my color guard nickname: Lee Lee. Adrienne also calls me Stinky Cheese, and I have no idea how or why that started. Let me reiterate: I do NOT smell like stinky cheese!

In 8th grade, my friend Wade and I decided we would give each other the longest nicknames we could think of. I was Leeannderthalpooster; he was Waderthaleethea. How the heck have I remembered those? I guess because nicknames are important to our identity over the years, and to our different social groups. Or, maybe because they are just fun.