Toward a Theory of Nicknames: A Case for Socio-Onomastics

Abstract

Abstract To develop a form of analysis for nicknames and nicknaming, we propose a theoretical construct, using our empirical knowledge of nicknames, and posit a uniquely sociological perspective that describes and explains nicknames as aspects of the process of social action. Our approach is couched in terms of a theory of naming potentially useful to all scholars of names, whether they study human nicknames, the names of post offices in Kentucky, pet names of body parts, or the religious toponymsof Guatemala.