I’ve always been sort of intrigued with the idea of nicknames. The unique ones out there. The stories behind them. Why people love — or hate — them. What they’d change their nickname to if they could. It’s all pretty fascinating, don’t you think? Have a question? I’d love to hear it, so feel free to email me (mellow1422 [at] aol) or ask me on Facebook or Twitter, friends! Today’s question is…
Did you ever have any nicknames?
Nicknames are a funny thing, aren’t they? They can feel so random at first, but then once they stick, it’s almost like they’ve been there your entire life. They become such a part of your identity. One of my favorite nicknames? Mel. My family started calling me that years ago, and it just sort of hung around. Another one — one that I almost like more — is Mellie. It’s got a certain old-fashion charm to it.
And speaking of family, did you ever have any nicknames for your siblings? My sister and I have always called each other Sister or Sister Bear. Even though we’re adults, we still find ourselves calling each other on the phone and greeting each other with a “Hello, Sister Bear.” It’s a nice way for us to stay connected and to have something that is just between us. It’s become part of our special bond, something I’ve come to cherish and something that just makes me smile.
In fact, I’ve grown so accustomed to my new monikers that I sometimes do a double-take whenever anyone addresses me by my real first name? It just seems so…unnatural. And too formal and uncomfortable. Does that make sense?
Do you have any nicknames, friends? Do you like them, or would you like to change them? What nicknames have you given others? Would you rather people call you by your real name or your nickname? xoxo
My Diaries (The Remix): Reading #38
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suburban prep says
I do not have a nickname. Some people try to call me Mo because my name is Maureen but I do not like it and my response has always been (I am not one of the three stooges). I am not saying that there is anything against it I just do not like it for myself.
I have a sister who is 16 19 months younger than I am and my father and a few other relatives call her Mugs. She has always seemed to be fine with it though the majority of people call her by her actual name.
I have a young nephew (3 yrs old) whom we call Marco. His name is Mark but that is also his Father's name. The little guy does not respond to Mark. I have a 9 yr old niece who is usually called by her middle name of Katherine except by my husband and myself. She is Katie or Missy May. She says that only my husband and I can call her those names.
ashley nicole catherine says
i like "mellie"! my mom still calls me "pajarito," which means "little bird" in spanish 🙂
xoxo
Rachael says
My nickname is Rayray – it's a play on the nickname I had in high school which was Radiant because I was always go lucky happy smiley. when I told my now husband my old nickname he changed it to Rayray and he calls it just as much as he called me Rachael. Maybe more so!
sofia says
I know a Melissa who is a Mellie (well, actually Meli). It's a name given by her sister- I always think it is so cute!
nicole says
Mel and Mellie are so cute!
I have many! My nieces, nephews and my godson call me "Coco." My dad calls me "Nic." My grandmother calls me "Nickel." 😉
Lena at A Crimson Kiss says
Growing up, my parents called me "Laine"–I knew a boy wasn't right for me when he wouldn't use it! These days, John and I almost always use nicknames for each other, but I'm touched whenever a close friend uses my family nickname!javascript:void(0)
THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE says
Love Mel & Mellie! My only nickname is D which is silly really. And not Dee either, just plain old D.
Oh and when I was little my cousin called me Dawnister which was just weird too.
Well J does have a bunch of nicknames for me but they're too silly to mention. I just answer to whatever really 🙂 xoxo
Caitlin says
Mine's KT. My cousin started writing it on all the cards he'd send me when I was a toddler 🙂
Jacquelineand.... says
People I'm close to, and I know are comfortable with nicknames, always end up with -boo appended to their names. My husband gets called the Great Scot frequently, unless he's being a smartypants, in which case he is the 'Merely Good Scot'.
I have friends who call me Red or Smily but I've always hated being called Jackie or any version thereof…prolly because it usually morphed into something unpleasant when I was younger.
Melissa Blake says
Awww, that's so cute, ashley!! 🙂
Melissa Blake says
Glad to know there are other Mellie's out there, sofia!! xoxo
Melissa Blake says
Lena, that's a perfect "test" for a guy, isn't it? 🙂
April says
I have had several people call me Ape (short for April). I never really like it. My bestie calls me Friend, like it is my real name. I think that is way cuter than being referred to as a hairy animal. Ha ha!
My oldest son's name is Maddox – when he was a baby, we called him Bubba Bear. Now he is referred to as Bubba, especially by his little brother. He likes it as long as you are approved to use it. Friends and strangers are not allowed to call him this – per his 8-year-old self! :o)
Carmella says
Mella! Short for Carmella, if my mom calls me by my real name…even as an adult, I feel like I am in trouble! Kinda like using the middle name, haha!
April says
My family and close friends that I've known since middle school called me Ape or Apie haha. I don't mind since I'm close to all of them–if someone I don't know well calls me that I'd be annoyed probably cause its special! My little sister called me "pril" when she was still learning to talk and couldn't pronounce her A's 🙂
Liesl says
I love the discussion of nicknames, and have never minded them! I have quite a few…the first is Tinkerbell, given to my by my extraordinary dad, and then, Schmiesl, given to me by my uncle, and then, Lee Lee and LaLa from friends! 🙂
Anonymous says
I have special names for my parents (although I call them Mom & Dad sometimes). I tend to call everyone else by their full names, though: Melissa, Rebecca, etc, not Mel or Becky. Unless they ask of course.
Most of my friends from high school call me by my last name, actually. Not sure why. 🙂
My entire family has a silly nickname for me that's way too embarassing to share but, it's nice to have one, lol.
I call my boyfriend T (the first inital of his name), nobody else does. I don't know why, I just started saying it. I like that I'm the only one who calls him that.
My sister and I do call each other "Sissy" sometimes. 🙂
laurenjeanallece says
I know what you mean about how weird it is when people DO call you by your real name! My friends all call me "Lairen" or "Lahren" and when one calls me "Lauren" it freaks me out! But we're all about nicknames in my little gaggle of friends… Indy, Shamoo, Moshboy, Campfire Kid, Michull, Doozer, Deaner, Jacobo (real names: Jared, Justin, Ryan, Matt, Mike, Katie, Dean and Jake)… I love nicknames!