Whether it's "Bubba," "Smalls," "Slim," or any other of the countless clichs, chances are you have a nickname. Maybe it's something quirky you do, or thanks to your favorite hobby, or just a friendly jab at your size, a nickname is something special that helps define who you are as a person. But why does "Nick" get all the credit for coming up with the new names?
The compound word "ekename" literally means "additional name" and was used as early as 1303. As most words do over a course of time, it evolved thanks to the misdivision of syllables into a "nekename."
There's even a special word that refers to the nickname two people in love have for another, though it doesn't sound cute or endearing. It's known as a hypocoristic, but you'll probably just keep using the terms "baby name" or "pookums."
Nicknames are actually often sought after and desired. They are considered a form of acceptance, though many times they can be the weapon of ridicule and teasing. Finding the right group of people to create your new special name is the tough part.
