I'm a little late, I hope not too late, getting around to this week's assignment. The kids started school today so the week has been a little hectic around here. Anyway:
Weekend Assignment #229: Tell us about a nickname - yours, or someone else's. Did you come up with it, or was it bestowed by someone else? Is it still in use? And most of all, has it benefited the nicknamed person, or caused them grief, or both?
At first when I read Karen's assignment asking about nicknames, I couldn't think of one. Sure, I grew up being called by my last name, that's what I get for having a popular first name I guess, but that's not a nickname. It's just a way of being differentiated between 35 other people named Mike in a room.
So, I thought I was going to have nothing. Then I remembered. I don't know how I forgot, to be honest. See, I was the youngest child in my family. You know how it is, you get away with a lot of stuff, get your siblings in trouble by making the slightest whine, etc. What I'm saying is that being the youngest had it perks. But, I was the baby for a long time. And that was my name in the house, The Baby.
Now, that wasn't such a big deal in some ways. I wasn't called that directly by my mom, it was more of a third person type thing. You know, it starts off with, "Shh, the baby is sleeping." Then it becomes, "The baby scored two goals this week." It's sad when it becomes, "The baby isn't coming home from school this weekend."
The real sad part is that it went longer than that. Like the first time Jenn heard it. I'm not sure who said it, it could have been anybody, but she had no idea who they were talking about. Yes, it was me. Yes, we were engaged, at least, and I was well into my 20's. I believe my brother said it as a joke when we announced we were expecting our first child. "The baby is having a baby." Ugh.
The name still gets dragged out on occasion, yes I am almost 40 thank you, but it is very rare now. I think I have finally shaken it at this point. (Until my sister reads this post, that is).
So, this may not be your average nickname, since it was a third person thing, but it stuck for a very long time, and was relatively embarrassing. I think that counts.
Oh, I almost forgot, my entire dorm floor called me "Dude." Yes, I said it a lot, what can I say? I didn't mind that one too much.
Extra Credit: Have you ever tried for a nickname that just didn't take off?
T-bone? Oh wait, that was George Kostanza. No, I guess I haven't really tried.
9 comments:
Interesting. I hope your sister doesn't use this post as an excuse to revive the nickname. I like the Dude one, though.
I've had a couple of nicknames. Nothing that ever sticks around too long term. Actually my blog handle is a nickname. 'DC' are not my real name initials at all. There's a whole story behind that one...and it doesn't have anything to do with Washington either, lol.
I also have a friend who calls me 'stats' because I'm such a sports, mainly football, fanatic.
I remember that Seinfeld episode with T-bone. Hilarious!
Karen: I'm glad I made it in time. I should have said my nickname was Duuuuuuuuude, since that's how it was often said.
DC: Hey, stats! That has a nice ring to it. So, what does DC stand for anyway? :)
The 'DC' story is too long to post in a comment. Besides, if I told it here then everyone would know, and I can't have that! :P
DC: If by everyone you mean 5 other people, then yes everyone would know. :)
Dude, if you live with a teenager in Southern California, eventually everyone's nickname is "Dude." Dude, I'm totally serious, dude. :-D
OK, sorry, I had too much fun with that one.
Obviously, I didn't have the issue of having a very common first name and therefore being called by my last name instead, but my son did, so I'm kind of familiar with that one. One of his best friends had the same first name, so it got interesting.
Glad you finally shed "The Baby," but hope this post doesn't bring it back!
Florinda: Yeah, the group I hung out with in high school, most of whom I still do, had 3 Mike's and 3 lisa's. It was confusing.
We'll see what happens when my sister reads this. She is the only one in my family that will.
Mike,
I am sorry you will always be the"BABY".Also the favorite Baby to be sure.. This is to funny! Mom actually said the other night when I took her to dinner the Baby was Over with the Kids and the Baby looks tired.You were always the "Special One" and you were always treted like the BAby! That's Great! Be proud! I was just alwaays the bad one coming home late Being bad and eating Ice Cream and being Chubby to be sure!
Lori: I was thinking of you the whole time I wrote this. I've been waiting for you to read this.
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