nickname

Everyday

1. A short or friendly name used instead of someone's real name, such as "Liz" for Elizabeth. tree →
2. A name given because of something about a person, place or thing: "the Big Apple" for New York. tree →
3. As a verb, to give a nickname. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, friends and families use nicknames. In feelings and bullying lessons, a nickname that someone does not like and that is used to hurt them is a form of teasing; always use names people are happy with. In geography, places have nicknames too. Phrases: give a nickname, called by a nickname, nicknamed after.

Examples

• My nickname is Bea. tree →
• Grandpa calls me by a funny nickname. tree →
• New York's nickname is the Big Apple. tree →
• They nicknamed him "Speedy" because he runs fast. tree →
• Don't use a nickname that hurts someone's feelings. tree →
• Ask your new friend which name they like. tree →
• His face was jolly and round, and because he had red hair he was nicknamed Rufus, or the Red. tree →

Note

Countable; one word. Regular verb: nicknamed. Kindness rule: a nickname is only OK if the person likes it. Online, a nickname or username should not show your real full name.