Giving Nicknames is not always flirting. In many instances it’s used as a bonding ritual between groups of friends.
Although, depending on the nature of the nickname, you can make a good guess whether the other person is flirting with you.
This situation requires them to give you nicknames that are also terms of endearment or with suggestive tones, gestures, and glances.
Overall, you should always consider the context in which the nickname was given and the relationship between the name caller and you.
When nicknames become flirting, it’s done as a means of showing you affection. You will be called names like honey, bee, and sweetheart.
Other times, Nicknames can be used as a means of joking or teasing around with your friends. Friends can call you goofy, oddity, etc.
If you are unsure whether someone is flirting or not by giving you a nickname, it’s best to allow space for another point of view.
You may be only thinking they are flirting with you because you are attracted to them.
Also, don’t rush into giving nicknames to other people especially those you have an interest in. This may be seen as pushy or too forward by them.
It’s best to understand how the other person feels before giving them nicknames. This can be a discussion with them or seeing the reaction you get from them.
What You Should Consider Before Giving Someone A Nick Name
You should consider many things before giving someone a nickname.
This is because some folks don’t take kindly to other names than those they identify with.
If you notice someone reacting differently to a given nickname, it’s usually a sign that they are not comfortable with the nickname.
1. The Relationship Between You And The Other Person
If you consider the relationship between the other person and you, you will know if giving a Nickname is the right thing to do.
A partner or significant other will accept a nickname from you, especially if it’s something sweet, thoughtful, and interesting.
This applies to almost giving any nickname to anyone.
Always know that giving nicknames to persons who aren’t close friends with you can be seen as offensive or inappropriate by the other person.
2. Analyze The Context Of The Situation
A keen eye should be given to such situations or circumstances. It’s important to analyze the context present before deciding on a nickname for someone.
It’s rude to attach a nickname based on some negative thing or action that has happened to someone.
Causal meetings and gatherings are great for nicknames, events such as sports, movies, festivals, and games are fun moments where everyone is relaxed.
Circumstances like interviews and formal settings are the wrong places to give someone a nickname.
By taking this into account, you will know the right cues to take notes into account.
This is a very important consideration before giving anyone a nickname. The right nickname is accepted and relatable by the person and others.
It’s marked by its ability to be a secondary name that is almost as popular as its first name.
3. The Reaction They Displayed
Anyone who is given a new nickname will display one form of reaction or emotion to this new nickname.
Watch out for this reaction to see if it’s positive or negative. A positive reaction means they are happy with the new name. It’s a sign they appreciate the name you have called them.
It’s often associated with pet names or those associated with a significant other.
A negative reaction, however, means they do not find it funny you have called them by this nickname. It’s a sign you should back off and apologize for the comment.
Understand that an acceptable nickname will make them comfortable while the opposite reaction is expected from an unliked one.
4. The Nickname Itself
A nickname should be easy to pronounce and means something meaningful too.
When ascribing one to someone, ensure that is something easy to pronounce. It helps to find something that is an abbreviation of their real name.
Additionally, it is important not to choose a nickname that means something wrong or negative. Find out what it means in other languages. This will save you from an embarrassing situation with them.
To make things better, choose a nickname that has meaning that’s deep, thoughtful, and acceptable to the other person.
When all these are covered, you have a high chance of your nickname being accepted by the other person.
What to do when someone gives you a teasing nickname
A nickname that is meant to be a tease often comes from a close friend or colleague. In instances where you aren’t comfortable with such a nickname, there are things you can do to help with this.
Below are some things you can do when someone gives you a teasing nickname.
1. Acknowledge the nickname
When someone gives you a teasing nickname, you want to confront them and acknowledge the name, this should happen whether you like the name or not. Ignoring them calling you such names will only allow them to continue such teasing.
When you acknowledge the nickname, you get to decide what you are going to be called. This brings you to do this on your terms while preserving your identity.
Say, “You recently called me biggie and I don’t appreciate being called that way. Kindly refrain from that moving forward”
2. Tell the person how you feel
If you are being teased by someone with a nickname you do not like, tell them you do not appreciate them doing such.
Telling them is important because it is improper for anyone to get off from causing you discomfort.
The most effective way to achieve this is by expressing yourself in detail about how such names make you feel.
When you express your thoughts this way, you will ensure they will stop teasing you with that nickname.
Sometimes they want to make fun of and tease you as a way of having fun or playing. It is important to keep your feelings first in your relationship.
Say, “it hurts me when you call me a fatso, I feel insecure about my weight and would like you to stop using such terms with me.”
3. Ask the person to stop using it
A teasing nickname can be annoying, and easily gets out of control. When this happens, first ask them to refrain from using it. This tells them you are not going to accept any kind of teasing from them.
Asking them to stop using the nickname will get you the desired result. Anyone who doesn’t adhere to your desires should be reported to the appropriate authority.
Whenever you are not okay with the way someone treats you, it’s always best to inform them immediately.
4. Walk Away
Walking away from an unwanted situation is one way of dealing with anyone who teases you with a nickname.
When you are not available to be called upon it sends a message to them that you are not okay with such a nickname.
If you walk away from such things, you have confidently shown you can not tolerate any of such behavior from them.
As you walk away avoid making any comments towards them. This will take the power from them, and they will not tease you again.
Learning to walk away is one of the best ways to de-escalate any situation where someone has given you a teasing nickname.
5. Report the behavior to a trusted person
Some teasing can border on bullying and abuse, which is not acceptable in any situation. If someone refuses to stay away from you and continually gives you a nickname you do not want, it is okay to report them to the necessary authorities.
This is the last resort when all other diplomatic means have been exhausted by you. If you are in a school or workplace, there are trusted figures who can help address this situation.
In a family or neighborhood parents, guardians and community leaders can be brought in to confront them about them giving you a teasing nickname.
Always remember that you do not have to put up with any form of bullying or teasing. Anyone who teases you with an unwanted nickname should be expressly told to stop.
Refusal means you have to report them to the necessary authority figure.
Wrap Up
Nicknames are fun when they are shared between friends and family units. They are also a way to bring people together or show how much affection you have for them.
When you have been given a nickname, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. You can tell if it’s from a romantic place or a platonic one.
Do not read too much meaning into a nickname and where you are confused about one, ask for clarification. Also if you are giving a nickname to someone else, it helps to ensure it’s something other people find pleasant too.
Always stand your ground whenever someone tries to tease you with an unwanted nickname.
