We all have a name that identifies us. Many times this name has been with us since we are in our mother’s womb, since they have chosen it as soon as they find out the sex of the baby.
Sometimes this name is placed in honor of a relative, be it a grandfather, father, uncle, brother, etc. But, on other occasions, it refers to a character from a movie, a book or a famous singer.
Other names are the combination of the name of the parents, so they are usually very complicated and uncommon. We also often give names to our pets. Even objects have their names. So it is usually a very common trait that helps us identify ourselves and differentiate ourselves from the rest of the people.
However, it is not the only thing that identifies us. Sometimes, from when we are very young, depending on what our name is, we are accompanied by something that is commonly known as a nickname.
These nicknames are known as hypocoristic. This term is so little known that, if you are hearing it for the first time, you may associate it with the area of medicine. But, the truth is that it is related to our language and the way we use it.
Hypocoristics bring certain nuances to our language. It makes it rich and very varied. But, would you like to know more widely what a hypocoristic is? How is it formed? What is its importance? If that is the case, you cannot stop reading this article, where you will also find some examples that will make learning much more practical and simple.
But, without further ado, let’s start talking about hypocoristics. Let’s get to know them more closely, in order to be aware when we use them in our daily speech.
The word itself is much more complicated than its concept or definition. A hypocoristic is nothing more than a diminutive, abbreviated or childish name, which is commonly used in the family nucleus, in an affectionate way.
This word comes from a Greek word that means “to call affectionately or with caresses”. It is a nickname that we use instead of the real name. It is an affective distortion. In fact, many of the nicknames we use to name pets, family members, friends, or romantic partners are hypocoristic.
Although the most common way to use them is by proper name deformation, they can also be formed from other names. In some languages such as English, French or German, the most common is to shorten the original name. However, in other cases, the alteration is so great that it bears only a slight resemblance to the original name.
Its use implies a certain degree of familiarity or, at least, of informality. That is, they are not usually used to name people who are not close or who are unknown. And while they are commonly used to address children, they are also used to express affection between adults and to condescend or show approval. Thus, the way in which the name is used reflects greater affinity and empathy.
Perhaps we think that we can only use them in the case of people’s proper names. But, the truth is that they have extended to the names of objects. For example: tele, to name the television or peli, for a movie.
Hypocoristics abound in our language. Sometimes, we can use them without even realizing it. These words arise due to the repetition of the same syllable. However, we will be seeing in more detail how a hypocoristic is formed.
How are they formed?
Hypocoristics can form in the following ways:
- With suffixes: in this case, some suffixes are added to the proper name, in order to change the intonation with which they are pronounced. Some of these endings can be: ito, ita, in, ina, illa, illo, chi, chu or cho. Thus, we find Juancito for Juan, Pedrito for Pedro, among many other examples.
- With final syllables: they are formed with the use of the last syllables that form the proper name of a person. For example, the hypocoristic Nando of the name Fernando. In addition to this, in this case, a suffix can also be added to form Nandito.
- By deletion: They can also be formed by removing syllables from a name and giving a new position to a letter or syllable. Thus arises the hypocoristic Gabi from the name Gabriela. Where “riela” was eliminated and the vowel “i” obtained a new position.
- By syllable deletion: that is, by deleting or eliminating the last syllables that make it up. But, in this case, no letter or diminutive suffix is added or added. For example, from the name Valentina, the hypocoristic Valen remains.
- By union: This is a classic form in which it is given by the union of two names, with the purpose of making it sound more familiar or affectionate. For example, María Teresa has the hypocoristic of “Marité”.
- Due to phonetic change: there are others that present an alteration in their formation, which causes their phonetics to change and even the etymology of the original name. That is the case of Pancho, Francisco’s hypocoristic.
In this case, this type of change cannot be understood by a person foreign to the Spanish language, since the hypocoristic does not resemble the original name.
Now, since working with concepts is not always easy when it comes to making yourself understood, we will see some examples of the most common hypocoristics that we use in our language, Spanish.
Next, we will be sharing a list of names followed by some of their most common hypocoristics:
- Antonio: Tonito, Antonito, Toni.
- Juan: Juancito, Juanito, Juancho, Juanchi.
- Luisa: Luisita, Luisilla.
- Carlos: Carlanga, Caliche, Carlitos.
- Fernando: Fercho, Nando, Nandito, Fernandito.
- Alberto: Albertito, Beto, Betito.
- Ramón: Moncho, Ramoncito, Monchi.
- Susana: Susanita, Susi.
- Giovanni: Gio, Giova.
- Theodore: Theo.
- Sebastian: Sebas, Seba.
- Maria Eugenia: Maruja, Marujita, Maru.
- Jose: Joseito, Pepe, Cheo, Cheito.
- Juan Manuel: Juanma.
- María José: Marijó.
- Conception: Conce, Conchi.
- Rosario: Rosarito, Charo, Charito.
- Vicente: Vicentico, Chente, Chentico.
- Sofia: Sofia.
- Paula: Paul, Paulita.
- Rodrigo: Rodri, Rorro.
- Roberto: Roberto, Bob.
- Rafael: Rafa, Rafita, Rafaelito, Rafo.
- Pamela: Pam, Pame, Pamelita.
- Luis Miguel: Luismi.
- Patricia: Patty, Patty, Patty.
- Magdalena: Magda, Madi.
- Miguel: Miguelito, Michi, Miqui, Migue.
- Carolina: Carola, Carola, Carito.
- Manuel: Manuelito, Manolo, Chema, Manolito.
- Jesus: Chechu, Chucho, Suso, Chus, Chuito, Jechu.
- Guillermo: Memo, Guille, Little Guillermo.
- Xavier: Xavi.
- Gonzalo: Gonza, Chalo, Gonzalito, Lalo, Lalito.
- Ignacio: Nacho, Nachin, Nachito.
- Gustavo: Gustavito, Tavo, Gus.
- Estefanía: Tefa, Tefi, Estefa, Estefi, Fefi.
These are just a few examples of the many hypocoristics that we use in our language. Which ones have you used? What do they use to name you? It is very likely that your relatives call you more by the hypocoristic of your name than by your name itself.
However, keep in mind that depending on the way we use them, they may not sound so affectionate. Let’s see in what contexts.
Tips
When the hypocoristic of a person’s name is used, in less familiar contexts, it is considered a rude, condescending and even offensive gesture. In some languages, depending on the context, diminutives can be used as an insult. That is the case when it is not a friendly context.
In these cases, when addressing someone in the children’s version of their name, it denotes contempt or contempt. The person to whom the hypocoristic is being directed is considered weak, unimportant, or even unworthy of respect.
On the other hand, the inappropriate use of a version of a woman’s name, in a formal environment, is considered in many countries as sexist and as synonymous with contempt for the female gender. So you have to be very careful with the way you use them, as we could get into serious trouble.
They can also be used to name certain objects, as we have highlighted above. Some of these names are based on the way small children speak or the simplified way of naming them.
Now, perhaps some confuse them with the so-called “nicknames”, how are they different? Which seem to be more appropriate? Which are more common? Let’s see it right now.
Hypocoristic or Nickname?
When the variant we use to call someone comes from a distortion of their original name, we are faced with a hypocoristic. But, if this name is completely separated from that which is proper to the person and is used to refer to a physical characteristic or an anecdote with which it is wanted to be linked, then it is a nickname.
It must be borne in mind that hypocoristics arise from the family, in the privacy of the home, so they have an affective connotation and are interpreted as a sign of affection and closeness. In fact, this is how its etymology lets us see, which refers us to a Greek word that means to caress.
However, the case of nicknames is another matter entirely. It is true that some denote affection, but seek to embarrass the person or mock the person. Proof of this is that the most common nicknames are related to body characteristics, such as fat, skinny, black, etc.
Its use can be considered as a simple name. However, it can also be discriminatory or aggressive, this will be determined by the context and the person who uses it. For example, if one friend says to another, “Hello Fatty!” the expression is unlikely to sound offensive. The person receiving the nickname, regardless of what it is, may take it positively, indifferently, or with annoyance.
In addition, nicknames that are offensive can have serious psychological consequences for the person who receives them, especially if they are in the developmental stage of adolescence. These can damage their self-esteem and self-image, making them feel insecure and affecting their social functioning.
On the other hand, since the advent of the Internet, it has become a practice to adopt a nickname to communicate with other people and even to identify ourselves to companies with which we are related.
We use them to talk in a chat room, for our bank account, for the email box, for our social media profiles and for many other things. In these contexts, the nickname allows us to present ourselves in the best possible way, highlighting our virtues, our needs and our tastes.
They serve to refer to our hobbies, our favorite artists and even to publicize the professional activity we carry out. Nicknames can be qualified as good or bad depending on the eye that looks at them.
Now that you know the difference between nicknames and hypocoristics, you’ll be more aware of the correct way to use them. That way, you won’t offend anyone when you use them.