The difference between Hypocoristic and Nickname

When used as nouns, hypocoristic means a nickname, especially one indicating intimacy and formed through a shortening of the original name, whereas nickname means a familiar, invented given name for a person or thing used instead of the actual name of the person or thing.


Hypocoristic is also adjective with the meaning: relating to a nickname, usually indicating intimacy with the person.

Nickname is also verb with the meaning: to give a nickname to (a person or thing).

check bellow for the other definitions of Hypocoristic and Nickname

  1. Hypocoristic as an adjective:

    Relating to a nickname, usually indicating intimacy with the person.

  2. Hypocoristic as an adjective:

    Relating to baby talk.

  1. Hypocoristic as a noun:

    A nickname, especially one indicating intimacy and formed through a shortening of the original name.

  1. Nickname as a noun:

    A familiar, invented given name for a person or thing used instead of the actual name of the person or thing.

  2. Nickname as a noun:

    A kind of byname that describes a person by a characteristic of that person.

  1. Nickname as a verb (transitive):

    To give a nickname to (a person or thing).