Nicknames

@ElsaElsa (323)
United States
October 27, 2009 11:31am CST
Are nicknames slowly disappearing? I was at the grocery store today and saw a cute little boy. I asked his mother what his name was and she responded Thomas. I then proceeded to say Hi Tom at which his mother replied it's Thomas. I apologized and started thinking that even the kids in my son's play class named Nicholas, Michael, Benjamin aren't called by nicknames by their parents. So are nicknames disappearing? Why is that?
2 responses
• United States
27 Oct 09
Funny you should start this topic, I have been thinking about this lately as well. I have also felt like nicknames are disappearing. I am not sure why but maybe parents are more concerned with a childs name now. I know when I chose my sons names I carefully considered the nicknames they might get and avoided the names I did not like. I have an Anders which may be called Andy. I do not personally call him that but I would not correct someone if they did. I also have a Wylder and have no idea what he might get for a nickname. We call him the Wyld one...
@ElsaElsa (323)
• United States
27 Oct 09
Could it possibly be that people get offended by nicknames these days? Like others are taking over their authority of naming their children? Anders and Wylder are harder to attach nicknames to and you are right about not liking certain nicknames and avoiding the true name to prevent the nickname. Interesting thought.
• United States
28 Oct 09
That is a very possible conclusion. People are more possessive of the name they have chosen and want it to remain their own way. I have been called many nicknames and could care less. Perhaps there are those out there who are just less able to adapt to change and newness and want their little Jeffry to be just that Jeffry...
• Philippines
27 Oct 09
Oh.. I love nicknames! Me and my family, friends, and even almost everyone from my hometown love nicknames. I also noticed this. I noticed it first with people with authority, and/or money. Then it began to spread amongst common people. At first I was thinking it is just being formal. Now, I kind of think that it is somehow a statement of status. I am not pretty sure. I don't have anything against the rich and famous, its just that this is what others make me feel.
@ElsaElsa (323)
• United States
27 Oct 09
It might be an issue of making a statement. You might be right on. With regards to rich and famous calling Brad Pitt Bradley Pitt might sound funny but then again calling Robert DiNiro Bobby might sound offensive. Good thought.