Vol. 60 No. 3 (2012)
Research Article

Nicknames in Australian Secondary Schools: Insights into Nicknames and Adolescent Views of Self

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  • Donna Starks,
  • Kerry-Taylor Leech,
  • Louisa Willoughby
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1179/0027773812Z.00000000019

Published 2012-09-01

Keywords

  • character names,
  • metaphor,
  • popular reading culture,
  • myth,
  • occultism

Copyright (c) 2012 American Name Society 2012

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Abstract

Although it is widely known that language practices can significantly affect adolescent self-image, research studies on adolescent naming practices are surprisingly scarce. The only study to date on nicknames in Australia was undertaken by Chevalier (2006). Her study provides a comprehensive analysis of morphological and semantic features of names but makes no reference to adolescent language practices and their role in society. Our exploration of initial responses to questionnaire data administered to secondary students in Victoria and Queensland schools considers: (i) common adolescent nicknaming practices and (ii) attitudes of adolescents to nick-names used for others and towards nicknames. We end with suggestions for raising awareness of naming practices to promote cultural and linguistic sensitivity amongst high school students.

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