Name Shortening

[renegadefm]

Why are we obsessed with name shortening?

 

I've often wondered why we give someone a name, only for people to shorten it. 

 

I remember my Father used to get really angry when anyone addressed my Mum as Mon instead of her full name Monica. 

 

I recently noticed a guy who works in B&Q who is head of the showroom section who is called David, but hates being called Dave. He even corrected me and said sorry but my name is David not Dave.

 

My partners daughter was Christened Kimberly but hates being called that and prefers Kim. 

 

Not sure if anyone on here are touchy about name shortening, but why do we do it?

 

It happens in everyday words too, like in hospital nurses might say op instead of operation, or obs for observations. 

 

I know it's nothing new, name shortening is ancient, but are we the only country that does it? I imagine in some languages it wouldn't work. 

[elliemay1]

Initials are worse e.g BJ or TJ

[DTCwordfan]

one of my goddaughters is 'BJ' and she has had plenty of ribbing....

[douglas9401]

For extra pleasure, as the ad goes?

[jno]

it's okay to hate your name and prefer a shortened version - or just give yourself a completely new name; you only have to do it officially if you want it changed on passports etc.

For other to people to change it for you is common but can be annoying; so David is right to complain, though I don't know if it will have any effect.

As for other languages - well, Natasha is a shortened form of Natalya, but they've become separate names in English. 

[barry1010]

Our friend Irene hates her husband calling her I. Don't blame her

[DTCwordfan]

Barry, better than calling her René, visions of 'Allo 'Allo coming to midn.

[zebo]

When we were staying with my parents here during our overseas spell I told Dad that a friend would be phoning to leave a message.  When we returned I was surprised that there wasn't a message from them.  Luckily the phone rang and I answered it, it was very puzzled friend who couldn't understand why Dad had denied knowing me!  It transpired that friend had asked for my shortened name which Dad had never heard used.

[elliemay1]

Eileen's partner on Corrie calls her 'eyelash' which is cute. (Hope no one minds me calling it Corrie!)

[newmodarmy]

🎵Just walk away, Rene

[Old_Geezer]

No, I've come across those who opt to take offence. They have a right to a preference but it's sad they should choose to come across as uptight & unfriendy. Still, each to their own.

[weecalf]

Tottenham Hotspur shortened to Spurs  sounds okay ok 

[andy-hughes]

Being po-faced shows an inflated sense of self-importance. 

I loathe being called Andrew, but if anyone does it, I wouldn't bat an eyelid, because I am not attention seeking, at least not about that anyway!

[jno]

Arsenal were shortened from Royal Arsenal. I look forward to the next shortening.

[jno]

"andy", you're fully entitled to tell people that's not your name.

[Hopkirk]

It's a bit awks if you shorten someone's name and they don't like it.

 

I suppose that's obs.

[Togo]

Michael Hunt does not lend itself to any shortening of the Christian name. 

[jno]

the Hopster is correct!

[TheWinner]

soz, had to do it. . . 

[Peter Pedant]

but if anyone does it, I wouldn't bat an eyelid, b

well thank god for that Andy

Do you remember that awful fellow who wd go ape-shot and inarticulate if I called them Andie?  Scream? Jesus, you would think I had taken a sweet from them ! overbreathing jellied mass on the floor

thank god you came along er Andy

[Peter Pedant]

A frenz ma called her sons Guy and Hugh because they cdnt be shortened. We wd playfully say - Ghee and Oog - yes Hugh in French is oog

Mama showed her teeth