What Nicknames Do You Call Your Kids or Pets That Have Nothing to Do with Their Actual Names?
Renaming our pets and children is a common and fun practice, often resulting in some delightful and sometimes bewildering nicknames. Here are a few interesting and unique examples to inspire your own pet and child-naming quirks!
Unusual Nicknames for Kids
When our children are young, we might give them playful and sometimes quirky nicknames that have little to do with their actual names. For instance, when I was two or three, my parents called me 'Parrot' because I used to repeat everything said to me. Another time, when I was seven or eight, they dubbed me 'Fiddler' because I was always taking things apart to see how they worked, often ending up breaking them in the process. However, don’t worry, I do still have a perfectly intact penis!1
As a somewhat humorous side note, my eldest daughter is called 'Scritch,' and my younger daughter is 'Toad.' These names, while likely not initially intended for their adorability, have certainly grown on us. Our son is officially named Samuel, but he has a long list of nicknames, including 'The Slug,' 'Sausage Brain,' 'Miguel,' 'The Moomin Baby,' 'Piglet,' 'Fat Head,' 'Scrumptious Dumpling,' 'Cuddly Dudley,' 'The Chocolate Monster,' and 'Camembert,' a reference to his distinct farts!
Unusual Nicknames for Pets
Our beloved cat, Ryzhik, has a nickname that reflects a unique quirk he has. We call him 'Potato' because he imitates the way a potato moves, creating a cute and cuddly impression. Another cat in our household, Pepper, has a series of nicknames like 'The Great Round One,' 'The Fat One,' 'Fatty,' and 'Miss Rotunda.' These monikers were inspired by an old newspaper comic strip called 'Miss Peach.'
Our larger cat, who likes to stretch out on the landing or across a stair in the same color as the carpet, is known affectionately as 'Death Trap.' Our husband, however, has a rather humorous nickname for her. When she sits on the coffee table directly between him and the TV, he calls her 'Better Door Than.' If she doesn’t get her way, she might resort to pooping on the floor, and I have taken to calling her 'You Little ￡!!'
Additional Naming Examples
Our youngest child, whose actual name is not mentioned, goes by the nickname 'Spawn' and calls my husband's girlfriend 'Adopt-a-Spawn.' Our eldest son was named 'The Spawn' and 'Little One,' but now stands at an impressive 5′11″. Another child, 'The Spawn' and 'Little Bear,' is now 6′3″ tall. We even call them 'The Spawn' affectionately, and my youngest often answers to this nickname. My wife also has a little feline by the name of Ryzhik, who can only be referred to as 'Potato' due to his unique potato-like movements when stretching.
Conclusion
Renaming our pets and children, especially with names that have nothing to do with their actual names, can create memorable and endearing moments. These nicknames can evolve over time and become a significant part of the family story, often filled with laughter and love.