Essay on nicknames

A person may use his given name in business settings and use his nickname in social settings. The name-giver assumes a role of power in the group, and bullies are often quick to take advantage of that position. Nicknames connote a deviation from the usual, and thus they separate those who are in the group and those who are outside the group.

Nicknames can affect a child's self-esteem positively or negatively. Care-givers should observe the group dynamics, how the child responds to a nickname and whether the name-givers are bullying or covering up feelings of inferiority. Pals called one of my friends "Mini-Arab" and later "Mini."

The given name parents call their child carries with it stereotypical associations that will last a lifetime. Several studies have researched attributes that are associated with Western given names. Nicknames, on the other hand, reflect how others see the person.

Several studies have researched attributes that are associated with Western given names. Nicknames, on the other hand, reflect how others see the person. Nicknames originate within small groups and become very powerful symbols of how the child is viewed within that circle.