Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Soubriquet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🧑‍🎤
Add to dictionary

soubriquet

[ˈsoʊbrɪkeɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

nickname usage

A sobriquet is a nickname or an affectionate or humorous name given to a person. Unlike a formal name, a sobriquet often reflects a person's personality or an aspect of their character. Combining a degree of familiarity and creativity, sobriquets offer insight into the social relationships between individuals. They are particularly common in literary contexts and cultural references. The use of sobriquets can also denote endearment or a special bond between the person delivering it and the recipient.

Synonyms

alias, epithet, moniker, nickname, pseudonym.

Examples of usage

  • He was known by his sobriquet 'The Whiz' for his exceptional speed.
  • In literature, many characters are given sobriquets that highlight their traits.
  • Her friends affectionately called her 'Sunny' as a sobriquet.
  • The boxer had a famous sobriquet that was used in promotional materials.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous authors, like Mark Twain, often used soubriquets to create memorable characters or to satirize societal norms.
  • In literary circles, a pen name can be a type of soubriquet, allowing writers to express themselves distinctly.

Culture

  • In modern culture, celebrities sometimes adopt amusing soubriquets, adding to their persona and marketing appeal.
  • Sports teams often create soubriquets for players, enhancing their fan image and triggering fan loyalty.

History

  • Historically, a soubriquet might have been used to denote social status, where nicknames could reflect one's occupation or traits.
  • Famous historical figures sometimes had soubriquets that highlighted their accomplishments, such as 'Richard the Lionheart' for King Richard I.

Psychology

  • Using a soubriquet can help individuals create a sense of identity or psychological distance from their true selves.
  • Nicknames can influence group dynamics, often establishing bonds or friendly relationships among peers.

Origin of 'soubriquet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'soubriquet,' meaning a little name or nickname.
  • It is derived from the Latin word 'subrica,' which refers to a name given under certain circumstances.

The term 'sobriquet' originates from French, deriving from the verb 'soubriquer,' which means 'to call by a nickname' or 'to add a name.' The word was adopted into English in the late 17th century, reflecting the French affection for playful or descriptive identifiers. Over time, its use in English has expanded to encompass a wide range of informal titles or nicknames that express familiarity or endearment. Initially seen in literary and social contexts, sobriquets have found their place in modern usage, ranging from the workplace to friendships. The evolution of this term illustrates the dynamic nature of language and how cultural exchanges between languages can enrich vocabulary and expression.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,514, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.