An Outline and Classification of Lithuanian Nicknames

Abstract

Abstract

The nicknames of Lithuanian country people are investigated in order to determine the motivations for creating the nicknames and to develop a system of nickname classification based upon the motivations. More than 15,000 nicknames are included in this study and ten categories of nicknames are discussed; the category of nicknames referring to one's physical features accounts for nearly one third of all nicknames. A composite of a “typical Lithuanian” as shown by the nicknames is presented.