Nicknames / Apodos

Question

A few years ago, my friends from Michoacan gave me the nickname Chuvi Duvi. I asked why they called me that, and was told it was because I joked with them so much. I knew the term from watching Despierta America on Univision. It seemed every one of them had an "apodo". Is this a fairly common thing to have a nickname more in Spanish speaking cultures, or just in some areas?

I ask because I think of the people I knew from there, I cannot remember even one of them that did not go by their nicknames.

Answer 1

I'm always shocked when I hear certain nicknames in Spanish-speaking countries.

Common in Guatemala were: Gordita (little fatty), Flaquito (skinny), and Negrito (little dark one).

Imagine calling a child "Fatty" in the U.S.? You'd be reported for child abuse.

Yes Marianne or in England too - FELIZ77, Apr 7, 2011

Haha yes some of the names they used would not be accepted in my culture. Lots of Gordos. One I remember was Marijuano. His name was Juan, and he had no problem with it. - dc-alien-z, Apr 7, 2011

However, I get the feeling these nicknames are just used among friends not to address complete strangers lol - FELIZ77, Apr 7, 2011

Good point, Feliz. I was not given one until we had been friends for almost a year. - dc-alien-z, Apr 7, 2011

Answer 2

Well, not sure if this is applicable, but in my run-ins with the "gangbangin'" world, they always have funny/odd names... it's rare that anybody uses their real name it seems. Jaja, in fact I run into people from school and don't even know their names until I call them the ol' nickname and they laugh and say "naw man, just call me..."

Smiley

Scarface

Flaquito

Huero

Joker

Casper

Gordo

Lil Loco

Negro

Delgado

Of course, these are common amongst Latino/Chicano groups... the list goes on depending on characteristics, personality/attitude, and nationality.

Delgado is actual last name - BellaMargarita, Apr 7, 2011

Thanks for posting this. I was hoping to see more apodos listed. I never had pictured you as a gang banger jaja. - dc-alien-z, Apr 7, 2011