The nickNAME Game
Open Letter to the World:
Not everyone on this planet has a nickname. I know this comes at a great shock to you, but it is true. In fact, those who do have a nickname, may not use the one YOU think they use. For example, not all Elizabeths are “Beth”, not all Roberts are “Bob”, not all Johns are “Jack” (don’t even get me started on that odd nickname choice).
Because of this simple fact, it is RUDE to assume (let’s all go back to junior high and remember what happens when you assume) that someone has a nickname and what nickname they might use. It is NOT rude for the owner of the name to correct you, EVER. Under no circustances is telling someone that your prefered name is NOT what they called you RUDE.
Given my second point, it is not permissible for you, the offensive nicknamer, to be offended when I, the person you called by the wrong name, correct you with some level of politeness. Get over yourself, say you are sorry, and try to remember this lesson when you meet the next person with a name you THINK might need to be shortened.
Yours,
The Queen (most assuredly, NOT ‘Queeny’)Yes, this seems to continue my ongoing series in things that annoy me. You see I was given a name that can be shorten in too many ways. For a long time now, I’ve shunned shortening it at all because it seemed to be better received when someone (stupid) assumed I used a certain nickname and I just told them, “I’m sorry, but I don’t use a nickname.” Somehow that was better than, “You insensitive boob, how dare you NOT ask first, decide that YOU are the person who can pick my name, and then assume you are close enough to me to use it.” URGH.
Now, it has gotten to the point that this is a daily occurance and with every day that rolls I’ve been getting madder and madder about it. I’m almost to the point of finding out what it would take to legally change my name to something that can not be shortened at all. (Queen Mum, would you hate me forever if I did it? And if I do, how will I ever explain it to the throngs of people who know my name?)
I’m either having an early 30’s crisis; I’ve become increasingly less toleratant of stupidity; or I’m ready to take a step into something new. Wonder which? Hey, if we can completely change our careers in our 30’s, what would really wrong with changing our name — excepting of course having to deal with the credit card companies AND the social security office.
April 4th, 2007 at 10:56 am
My name is actually Margaret, my nickname is Meg, but you can call me either as you please. If one more person calls me Megan I may throttle them. My middle name is Elizabeth. Once people find that out it gets basterdized all to hell. I currenly have an old guy who works here who calls me Polly-Beth. And like the John/Jack issue who in the world decided that POLLY was a nickname for Margaret? There isn’t even a single fracking letter in common. NOT ONE.
So basically. I can feel your pain.
April 5th, 2007 at 6:34 am
That is why we gave the children names that could not be shortened….much.
My sister WAS actually going to name her daughter Queenie (after her beloved MIL) but was talked out of that…..she named her a version thereof called Cwen.
Americans are LAZY.
April 7th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
Even when you don’t think they can shorten them, they’ll find a way to change them. Trust me on this one. I personally have been called/spelled every variation in the world of Nicolle/Niki except the ones I actually use. Yes, they’re unusual. No, no C, no Y, no IE, and yes, there are really 2 Ls. And yes, I know it’s different. But it did definitely figure in when I named my kids. Their names can’t be shortened, but nobody can spell them right either. We’re all in it together!
April 7th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
Oh -and in the realm of what NOT to name your child, this week at the Charleston Aquarium we heard a mom chasing after a little boy named Davidson. Really.