Alos Known As?? Essay, Research Paper

Nicknames are a substitute of a name given to a person in fun, affection, and belittlement, usually descriptive. They can also be used to shorten a person’s name, like “Dick,” for Richard. Nicknames, whether positive or negative, are only describing a person’s general characteristics. Although hurtful nicknames can lower a persons’ reputation and self-esteem, joyful nicknames give the person a sense of pride.

O.K., first of all people sometimes take a nickname way too far. People might be given a nickname for that one single little thing they did, and somehow it gets turned into a nickname that sticks for a long time. For example: One day my friend was at our lunch table, in high school, and someone asked him to borrow a quarter. Now, my friend had a lot of change, because he just grabbed it off the table before we sat down. He answered the kid “No,” and until this day we call him “Jew,” because he will not spend his money or give it away. I can tell that he does not appreciate the name when he either says or does something when called that, because he turns all red and usually curses.

People are sometimes insulted by a nickname, I know I am. My older brother would call me fatso, and it would bother me because I was a little bit overweight when I was younger. Other people are called this too, because they are usually “fat.” I know they do not appreciate the name, but what can they do? It lowers a person’s self-esteem and causes them to lose weight, retaliate, or cry. Girls are especially the ones who lose

weight and cry, and the guys almost always retaliate, but sometimes lose weight. I would always push or shove my brother for calling me that name.

People are also insulted by names such as scumbag, nerd, geek, shorty, loser, bitch, and jerk. People who dress bad, smell bad, or overall look bad, are sometimes called scumbags. There might be other reasons for the name that I do not know of. Sometimes the name can be meant in fun. My girlfriend would wear sweatpants to school, and ask me if she looks like a scumbag; I would say yes, but not really hurting her feelings. I have given people insulting nicknames such as: fatty, bitch, slut, loser, fag, nigger, and stupid. Granted, I have said some of these behind a person’s back, but other times in front of them to hurt or belittle them.

My friends back home have nicknames as well as me, thus these are positive ones. My one friend is called “Big Dog” because he is tall and muscular. Another is called “Dick” because his name is Richard. “Sulli” refers to ones last name of Sullivan. One got his nickname of “Kamala” because of his size and color of skin(referring to an ex-wrestler). “GoGo” refers to a stuttering friend. I have a few to tell: “Pugs”, “Pugsy”, “Kev”, “Fitz” (for a linebacker ’s name in college), and “Babe” by my girlfriend.

Each of these names, like “Big Dog”, “Sulli”, “Kamala”, and “Pugs” are positive in a way, because none of us gets insulted by them. Many people, besides my friends and me, give out nicknames for positive qualities. These are usually the names a person would like to hear rather than insulting ones. Names can go as far back as to when someone is a child. My father nicknamed my younger brother “cutie” when he was many years younger. He still calls him this to this day. My grand-father nicknamed me “kebetsko,” I do not know why, how, or even know how to spell it; but he still calls me it today. My football coach would nickname his players. He called me “Pugs” ’cause of my last name. He gave a kid the name of “Preemie” for premadona. Another one got the name of “Cubby-bear” because he was an overweight running back who looked like a little bear. More positive nicknames are those of people’s names. Nick for Nicholas, Pat for Patrick, Ang for Angela, Jill for Jillian, and so on.

Nicknames, whether desirable or undesirable, everyone has either had or has now. Parents, coaches, family, and friends give out nicknames in all aspects surrounding that person or person’s. Apart from the insulting nicknames given, I have found that the persons’ do not really mind after a while. When making fun of or giving a compliment, nicknames come in handy.