nickname

The word “nickname” means an informal, often affectionate or descriptive name used instead of someone's real name. In plain terms, a casual alternative name for someone or something, usually based on a trait or joke.

“Nickname” is pronounced NIHK-naym (/ˈnɪkneɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “nickname” used in a sentence: “His nickname at school was "Ginger" because of his hair.”

Words with a similar meaning to “nickname” include byname, moniker, nick, to-name, sobriquet and handle.

Depending on how it is used, “nickname” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “nickname” comes from Middle English. From Middle English an ekename ("an additional name"), which was misheard and re-divided as "a nekename" — the same kind of slip that gave us "an apron" from "a napron".

“Nickname” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Nickname” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal, often affectionate or descriptive name used instead of someone's real name.

A "nickname" is an informal name used alongside someone's real name, often affectionate or descriptive. A "pseudonym" is a false name chosen to conceal a person's true identity, such as a pen name used by an author. A nickname adds to the real name, while a pseudonym replaces and hides it.

A "surname" is a person's official family name, shared with relatives and used in legal records. A "nickname" is an informal, unofficial name used instead of a real name. A surname is fixed and formal, whereas a nickname is casual and often given by others.

Both are affectionate, informal names, but a "pet name" is usually private and used between close friends, family, or partners. A "nickname" is broader and may be used publicly, including by acquaintances or the wider community.