Re: Nicknames that aren't names
in reply to a message by Alda
I must object to you terming Bud as a name that sounds more like a pet name than anything else.
My father went by the name Bud all of his life. Well, as a child, he was called Buddy, and this became Bud as he grew older. His actual given name was Joseph.
He didn't acquire the nickname by virtue of the fact that he was a character, though. It was used to differentiate him from his father, after whom he was named.
I just love Bud as a nickname. It always brings to mind a really nice, handsome guy.
I had a childhood friend whose father went by Red. His actual name was John, but he was called Red because he had red hair. I believe that this was once quite common.
I would put Red and Bud in a different category than the others you listed. The others DO sound like pet names, and I don't find them attractive. Especially Buck. No, Critter is worse than Buck.
My father went by the name Bud all of his life. Well, as a child, he was called Buddy, and this became Bud as he grew older. His actual given name was Joseph.
He didn't acquire the nickname by virtue of the fact that he was a character, though. It was used to differentiate him from his father, after whom he was named.
I just love Bud as a nickname. It always brings to mind a really nice, handsome guy.
I had a childhood friend whose father went by Red. His actual name was John, but he was called Red because he had red hair. I believe that this was once quite common.
I would put Red and Bud in a different category than the others you listed. The others DO sound like pet names, and I don't find them attractive. Especially Buck. No, Critter is worse than Buck.
Replies
I don't see "pet name" as being derogatory or anything. Maybe some people do.
I've known two Buds and I like it too! It's just such a friendly name. :) I understand that Red is fairly common, though I've never met one.
I happened to grow up knowing a Buck and a Critter so they've always seemed normal enough to me.
I've known two Buds and I like it too! It's just such a friendly name. :) I understand that Red is fairly common, though I've never met one.
I happened to grow up knowing a Buck and a Critter so they've always seemed normal enough to me.