nickname

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A casual, often affectionate or teasing name that people use for someone in place of their real name.

   Grammar: Usually followed by for or of: a nickname for a tall person.

   Patterns

   • a nickname for someone
   • have a nickname

   His nickname at school was Tiny, even though he was the tallest boy.

   Her nickname comes from her love of cheese.

   Everyone in the office uses a nickname for the manager.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To give someone or something an informal name.

   Grammar: Takes an object and often a second name: they nicknamed him Shorty.

   Patterns

   • nickname someone something

   The press nicknamed the hurricane Big Bertha.

   Her teammates nicknamed her Rocket because she ran fast.

   They nicknamed the old car Betsy.

Word forms

Common combinations

earn a nickname

He earned the nickname Lucky after surviving three accidents.

affectionate nickname

Grandpa has an affectionate nickname for each grandchild.

go by the nickname

She goes by the nickname Jo.

stuck with the nickname

He's been stuck with that nickname since school.

give someone a nickname

Friends gave him a nickname after the camping trip.

Synonyms and how they differ

pet name

Pet name is warmer and used between partners or family, while nickname can be teasing.

moniker

Moniker is a lighter, jokey word for any name, including a real one.

alias

An alias is a false or alternative name, often used to hide identity.

handle

Handle is slang for a name, and also means an online username.

Word family

name noun

the word by which someone is known

nicknamed adjective

having been given a nickname

nicknaming noun

the practice of giving nicknames

Commonly confused: nickname or pet name? nickname or alias?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “nickname”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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