Nicknames in the Sandoval dictionary

Laura Martin, PhD.
Last revision August 2006

The use of shortened names, nicknames, and pet names is extremely common in Guatemala. Many people have more than one nickname, with different names in use among different sets of relatives, school or work mates, or acquaintances. Nicknames may be temporary, as when a man loses a bet and has to shave his head and suddenly becomes known as El Colocho ‘Curley’ or, when his hair grows out a little, Huisquil, after a vegetable with prickly short spines on its skin. This same man may have a childhood nickname and also be called by a shortened form of his given name by those who do not know him well enough to use his childhood name.

The most common ones are based directly on the source name and involve various processes of shortening and phonological alternation. Sandoval includes a large number of forms labeled “diminutivo” or “apócope hipocorístico” in his entries and examples, usually indicating the full source name as well. Because the nicknames display interesting patterns of phonological process and distribution – and because the names themselves are intriguingly entertaining – this summary list from the dictionary is provided here as a convenience for interested users. In particular it is worth noting how many nicknames contain the palatal affricate or fricative. The palatal generally arises from /s/ as in Chalo < Gonzalo or Che < José, but may also arise from /j/ as in Cheché < José, from /r/ (or /d/?) as in Chofo < Rodolfo, or from /ks/ as in Mancha < Máxima. These patterns suggest a phonological process that may be related to the retention of [š] in Guatemalan Spanish (see related essay). Recently attested nicknames (or given names that appear to be nicknames) with [š] include Shosho for Eduardo, Teshita (perhaps for Teresa), and Xeny (perhaps a variant of English Jenny and also spelled Sheni). (Attested spellings are retained in these examples.)

To see the nicknames list, click here.