Nicknames !


Across the globe, most of the proper names bear an affectionate secondary reference which serves as a substitute to the main name itself. This additional name which synonymously binds to the original proper name is termed "nickname".

A nickname gets easily associated with the characterization / individual and in some cases gains more popularity than the origin name. The best part is that the recipient does not get to choose his / her own nickname and is instead conferred upon them by their closest circle. A nickname which is well within the line of conduct without any ridicule is always welcome (the 'acceptance' bandwidth should not be breached).


Nicknames for a person can arise from either of the following (common examples associated with cricket / Bollywood) :

1. Concatenation of the initial letter from first & last name (Dinesh Karthik - DK ; Suryakumar Yadav - SKY)

2. Derivative of the first name (Yuvraj - Yuvi ; Gautam - Gauti) / Derivative of the last name (Ashwin - Ash; Gilchrist - Gilly)

3. Improved version or loose ties to a surname (Jadeja - Jaddu)

4. Geographical origin / native associated with a person (Kapil Dev - Haryana Hurricane)

5. A secondary skill set that a person possesses (Former English Cricketer Alastair Cook was known as the 'Chef' for his extraordinary culinary skills)

6. In remembrance of the position / power held by the individual (Dhoni, the captain of CSK franchise in IPL is fondly called as "Thala" which means Head / Chief while his long serving deputy, Suresh Raina is known as "Chinna Thala")

7. The role carried out / specific trait exhibited in a task (Rahul Dravid was nicknamed as "The Wall" as his role in the Indian Test Team was to stand long and tire out the opposition bowlers in the longest format of the game; the side arm slinging action of Lasith Malinga got him the name "Slinga")

8. An affectionate attachment towards a person can lead to a nickname as well !! (Sourav Ganguly was known as "Dada" which means "Elder Brother")


Nicknames for a place is usually derived from :

1. Geographic location of the place (Kochi - Queen of Arabian Sea ; Nagpur - Heart of India)

2. The local festival it celebrates on a pomp and grandeur scale (Thrissur - Land of Poorams)

3. Mythological significance (Kurukshetra - Land of Mahabharatha)

4. Characterised by the regional commodity  / product (Salem - Steel City / Mango City)

5. Reference to similarity with a place's contemporary / parallel (Chennai - "Detroit of Asia" : in reference to the auto / auto ancillary developments; Bengaluru - "Silicon Valley of India" : in reference to IT sector hub establishments)


Apart from people and places, nicknames are also used against :

1. A team of people with a common goal (Indian Cricket Team : Men in Blue)

2. A phrase in regional language for a sporting team (Les Blues for French Football Team - 'The Blues')

3. Abbreviation of the organization's name (General Motors - GM; Volkswagen - VW)

4. Shortened notation of a brand's name (Coca-Cola is popularly known as Coke; McDonalds is most colloquially referred to as McD)

Nicknames are wonderful to have as it almost creates a second identity for an individual / place / brand.


Nicknames drive fondness or closeness between people thereby building a healthy relationship (An senior person at the work spot is usually referred to as "Bhai" / "Bhaijaan" thereby connecting his identity to "brother"). A place gets more popularised through its nickname (Jaipur is known world-wide as "Pink City). Also, when a test cricketer debuts for Australian Team, he gets the "Baggy Green" (international cap) from a former legend of the game.

The use of nicknames has been the only constant over the dynamic and ever changing scenarios since the 16th century !!

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