Do you have a nickname? Nicknames, which are shorter, descriptive names people give to others, are not uncommon for children in the West. More often than not, friends are the ones who give you a nickname, which they then refer to you as. From my knowledge, they may be seen as embarrassing for some.
Thai nicknames are a bit different, however. They are used much more often and have more significance too. So what is it that makes them unique? That is what we will be looking into today.
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What Are Thai Nicknames Like?
Just for the purposes of clarification, nicknames, known as “chʉ̂ʉ lên” (ชื่อเล่น) in Thai, play a slightly more prominent role in Thailand. Sure, many of us have a few friends which we have given nicknames based on certain characteristics.
However, in Thailand, nicknames are generally given by parents or relatives when the child is born, alongside their ‘real’ name.
There are a number of historical and cultural reasons for the prominence of Thai nicknames. However, we won’t be covering them all today, as there are a number of different theories as to why this occurred.
Nicknames are often used more frequently than their real names. Parents, teachers, friends, and more will refer to them by this name. In fact, you may be referring to many of your Thai friends by their nickname rather than their proper name.
I imagine that even in some formal situations, their nicknames may be used. Some people may not even know their close friends’ real names!
If you remember back to when we discussed Thai names before, they tend to be quite long. As such, shorter nicknames were given as a shorthand way of referring to people. They generally are not related to the ‘real’ name in any way, instead of being an extra name.
To contrast with the length of given names in Thai, nicknames are often one or two syllables long, making them much quicker to say or write.
There is a meaning behind Thai nicknames, however. Whether they relate to the personality or something desirable, they are chosen specifically for each person. Even as they grow and change, the nickname will usually stick with them for life.
What Are Common Thai Nicknames?
When it comes to Thai nicknames, there are actually quite a few examples that you will come across often. This can be a nightmare when searching for your friend’s name on a social media site, as hundreds of people with that exact nickname will also appear. Anyhow, let’s focus on these common Thai nicknames and the meaning behind them.
There are some common categories from which Thai nicknames are derived. In the past, the names of colors in Thai were used. These include the likes of “dɛɛŋ” (แดง), “dam” (ดำ), or “sôm” (ส้ม), which mean red, black, and orange, respectively.
Thai food names are a popular choice too. “Chomphûu” (ชมพู่), meaning rose apple, is one you will come across quite often. The same can be said for “taan” (ตาล) – sugar palm – and “tɛɛŋmoo” (แตงโม), which means watermelon.
Even Thai animals, technology, and planets in Thai are also considered when naming. It all really depends on the individual’s characteristics or what the name-giver hopes for in life. Males and females typically do not have the same nicknames, though there is some overlap.
Female nicknames tend to sound more feminine or have meanings that are seen as feminine. The opposite applies to male nicknames.
Below are some common Thai nicknames:
Are There English Thai Nicknames?
Pretty confusing title, right? These are Thai nicknames that happen to be English words. This is where things can get kind of strange for English speakers, as Thai people like to take regular nouns and verbs and use them as nicknames for their children.
As weird as it sounds, it again draws from the same beliefs behind the Thai nicknames. They are said to have some sort of impact on the person and provide them with different attributes depending on the name.
Much like their Thai equivalents, the choices for nicknames in English are often meant to convey some part of a person’s personality. However, you will also come across common English names but in Thai form too.
While they can be quite funny, it is often quite obvious the reasoning behind the choices. For example, you may come across brand names like “Benz” (เบนซ์), which is likely meant to reflect wealth and status. Names like “Art” (อาร์ต) are chosen to bring about artistic skills and beauty.
You may have noticed some names that sound particularly unflattering. This is actually intentional. There is a belief that the use of nicknames deters ghouls and demons from identifying children by their true names.
Similarly, if they are given an unflattering name, they will be more likely not to kidnap that child when they are born. I don’t know about you, but I find this belief fascinating.
Here are the nicknames you can choose:
Common English Thai Nicknames To Choose From
How Do You Say “Nickname” In Thai?
The word for “nickname” in Thai is ชื่อเล่น (chue-len) . It’s composed of two parts: ชื่อ (chue), meaning “name,” and เล่น (len), meaning “play” or “fun.” They’re often used informally and tend to be shorter, playful, or easier to say than a person’s full name.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Nicknames
1. How Do Thai People Get Nicknames?
In Thailand, nicknames are generally given by parents or relatives when the child is born, alongside their “real” name. Thai nicknames can come from a variety of inspirations, such as one’s physical characteristics, personality traits, popular items, animals, or even English words.
2. What Are Cute Nicknames In Thai?
Some common cute nicknames in Thai are: Som (ส้ม), Dao (ดาว), Noon (นุ่น), Ploy (พลอย), and Fon (ฝน), among many more! Cute nicknames are usually simple and reflect an affectionate or sweet quality.
3. Are Nicknames Common In Thailand?
Nicknames are extremely common to have in Thailand. Nicknames serve as informal, easy to remember alternatives to a Thai person’s given name, which tend to be long. In fact, many Thai people are better known by their nicknames than their full given names.
Vocabulary Related To Thai Nicknames
The Future of Learning Thai Is Ling!
While this topic does seem quite boring, it does allow for some perspective into the culture of Thailand. It shows what people value and, of course, how people refer to each other.
During your time in Thailand, as you get to know people, you will discover many different nicknames and learn Thai eventually. This is probably for the best, as they will be easier to say and remember than the much longer given names.
What nickname would you give yourself or a loved one? Use the Ling app to improve your Thai abilities and find the perfect name that fits you perfectly. The next time you visit Thailand, let people know your Thai nickname, and you should fit right in!
