Small Talk Tips: English Language Names and Nicknames You Need To Understand - EP. 11

EPISODE SUMMARY

Business English language names and nicknames: a brief guide so you don't go crazy trying to understand why your colleague "Robert Jones" is called "Bobby" or "Jonesy". Learn why many people from English-speaking countries have formal first name plus a shortened "nickname". Remembering nicknames is crucial for improving your small talk skills when conversing with clients and colleagues. Review of nicknames will make improving English conversation easier and help you be fluent in English.

EXAMPLE CONTENT

My first name is William. My family calls me by a nickname. My family nickname is "Billy". The phrase "nicknames comes from the word "nick" (to cut or slice in English) so a nickname can be a shorter version of a first name.  Other nicknames for men named William are: Will, Willy and Bill.  The lesson also shows how last names/family names can be shortened. The lesson explains why people from English speaking countries (The UK, Ireland, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia) have three names on their birth certificate or driving license or passport.

Episode Details:

Western first names can have many forms. The most formal form is how the name is spelled on a person's birth certificate, driving license or passport. Their friends and family might call them by a nickname. "Nick" means to cut or trim, so the nickname is a shorter version of the formal and legal name.

The Top Names and Nicknames for Americans

The most popular American male names:

Format is Formal Name: Nickname(s)

James: Jim, Jimmy

John: Johnny, Jack

Robert: Rob, Robby, Robbie, Rob, Bob, Bobby

Michael: Mike, Mikey, Mick

William: Will, Willy, Bill, Billy

David: Dave, Davey

Richard: Rich, Richy, Rick, Dick, Dicky

Charles: Charley, Chuck

Joseph: Joe, Joey

Thomas: Tom, Tommy

Christopher: Chris

Paul: Paulie

Mark: Markey

The most popular American female names:

Format is Formal Name: Nickname(s)

Mary: Mare

Patricia: Pat, Patty

Linda: Lin

Barbara: Barb, Babs

Elizabeth: Liz, Lizzy

Jennifer: Jen, Jenny

Maria: Mary

Susan: Sue

Margaret: Margie, Mags

Dorothy: Dot, Dotty

Family Names:

A formal family name / last name might have "-sy" added to it - it a playful and friendly nickname, especially for the most common family names / last names. 

Format is Formal Name => Nickname(s)

Jones => Jonesy

Clark => Clarky

Smith => Smithey

Brooks => Brooksy

Scott => Scotty

Why Do Westerners Have Three Names:

Most Westerners (from English speaking countries) have three names on their birth certificate and passport. This is their legal name registered with their government. For example, My first name is William. I was named after my grandfather's brother William as a sign of respect. My middle name is Parker. This was my grandmother's maiden name before she got married to my grandfather. It is included to show respect to my grandmother's family. My family name is Pitts. It is also my father's family name and grandfather's family name. 

FREE PDF OF THE LESSON WITH BONUS CONTENT

You can download the PDF of notes for the episode. The PDF's include detailed notes on the subject, a quiz and lyrics to the songs (I write songs using words and phrases from the podcast for some of the topics).

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