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Monikers: meaning, definitions and examples

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monikers

 

[ˈmɒnɪkəz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

names for people or things

Monikers are informal names or nicknames given to people, places, or things. They are often used as a form of endearment or to create a sense of familiarity.

Synonyms

alias, handle, nickname.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nickname

Commonly used in everyday life to refer to a familiar or affectionate name given to a person, especially one that is shorter or derived from their real name.

  • His nickname is 'Tommy' even though his real name is Thomas.
  • She earned the nickname 'Speedy' because she runs so fast.
alias

Generally used in legal or formal contexts to indicate a false or alternate name used by a person, often for deceptive purposes.

  • The criminal was known by the alias 'John Doe'.
  • He traveled under an alias to avoid detection.
handle

Frequently used in online and informal settings to refer to a person's username or identity on social media, forums, or chatrooms.

  • Her Twitter handle is '@booklover101'.
  • He chose 'TechGuru' as his handle for the forum.

Examples of usage

  • He was known by various monikers such as 'The King of Pop' and 'MJ.'
  • She earned the moniker 'Queen of Soul' for her powerful voice.
  • The city of New York has many monikers, including 'The Big Apple' and 'The City That Never Sleeps.'

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'moniker' originates from the 19th-century American slang, possibly derived from the phrase 'my nickname.'
  • It is believed to have roots in the French word 'mon nom,' which means 'my name.'
  • The term became popular in the United States, reflecting the influence of cultural slang.

Pop Culture

  • Famous personalities often adopt monikers; for example, musicians like 'Lady Gaga' or 'Snoop Dogg' are more recognized by these names.
  • In social media, people frequently change their handles or usernames, creating new monikers for online identities.
  • Movies like 'The Prince of Bel-Air' feature characters with memorable monikers that shape their identities.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often have monikers that reflect their personalities or roles, like 'The Boy Who Lived' for Harry Potter.
  • Authors use monikers to create memorable and relatable figures, helping readers connect with characters.
  • Monikers can enhance storytelling by encapsulating a character's essence or journey in a single word or phrase.

Psychology

  • A person's moniker can influence how they are perceived by others, shaping their identity socially and personally.
  • Studies in psychology suggest that people connect more with others based on their chosen names or nicknames.
  • Unique monikers can boost self-esteem, as they often provide a sense of individuality.

History

  • Throughout history, influential leaders and figures have been known by monikers that define their legacy, like 'The Great' or 'The Conqueror.'
  • Monikers have played essential roles in tribal cultures, where names often signify status, achievements, or lineage.
  • In various forms of documentation, such as legal records, monikers have historically been used to identify individuals distinctly.

Translations

Translations of the word "monikers" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apelidos

🇮🇳 उपनाम

🇩🇪 Spitznamen

🇮🇩 julukan

🇺🇦 прізвиська

🇵🇱 przezwiska

🇯🇵 あだ名

🇫🇷 surnoms

🇪🇸 apodos

🇹🇷 takma adlar

🇰🇷 별명

🇸🇦 ألقاب

🇨🇿 přezdívky

🇸🇰 prezývky

🇨🇳 绰号

🇸🇮 vzdevki

🇮🇸 viðurnefni

🇰🇿 лақап аттар

🇬🇪 მეტსახელები

🇦🇿 ləqəblər

🇲🇽 apodos

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,364, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.