Why give nicknames

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The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox. Why do we give nicknames and what does yours say about you? Nicknames have been around as long as people have been talking. Judge urges siblings in battle over 'modest' estate to seek a compromise. More in this section. Season free: 10 ways to wear kaftans. The Skin Nerd: What exactly is psoriasis? Those who take note of how predictable even the most powerful people are in their domain, would be able to dance around their predictable behaviors.

It would make them feel uninteresting, unintimidating, and weak. If they were labeled to be predictable, a shift of behavior is rather easy to predict.

They would likely attempt to shed whatever label makes them seem predictable. In an effort to feel unpredictable, F1 Frank would be in a predicament. Though he may enjoy being labeled as a speedy driver, that label would make him feel predictable. Should he relax on the accelerator pedal?

As he weighs out which trait is better to be known as, over time, the trait of unpredictability seems to be picked over any good, but predictable, nickname. Giving people negative nicknames seems to work quicker in their desire to prove those labels wrong. Rather than predictability being the main factor at play, the simple desire to not be seen as whatever the nickname implies leads to quicker behavior change. Negative nicknames a re quick to lead to self analysis and adjustment.

The catchier, more truthful, and more widespread these nicknames are, the quicker their behavior would change. Other reasons for "why" include physical appearance Hugh Jackman used to be called "Sticks" because he was skinny or a personality trait. A quick look online will pull up some examples. Apparently one guy ended up being nicknamed "Bucket" , because he once stepped in one. Men will also go in harder on a nickname, because giving a term of endearment to another bro simply does not happen.

All of these factors mean the nickname is more likely to stick. Dr Gregory mentions the same idea in our conversation. One reason is that in the English language women generally have longer names than men.

Often female names end in an "ie" or "y" sound, so Elizabeth becomes Lizzy, Liz or Betty. Another reason is that historically, men have gotten away with being idiots far more easily, and still do today. Sign In Create Account. Bus wanker. Chicken legs. Golden Balls.