German word

Spitzname

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃpɪtsˌnaːmə/

Meaning

  • masculine nounnickname

Example

Viele Leute haben Spitznamen.

Many people have nicknames.

Illustration for Spitzname (nickname)

More examples

Man kennt ihn unter dem Spitznamen in der ganzen Nachbarschaft.

He is known by his nickname throughout the neighborhood.

Core concept

A familiar label replaces the full name in everyday interaction while still identifying the same person.

Common phrases

  • einen Spitznamen verdienen

    deserve a nickname

  • unter dem Spitznamen bekannt sein

    be known by the nickname

  • jemandem einen Spitznamen verpassen

    give someone a nickname

Similar words

Rufname: The name used to address someone in everyday conversation.
Vorname: A personal name given at birth, used in family life and official records.
Kosename: A special affectionate name used between people who are close.

Definition in German

Spitzname ist ein umgangssprachlicher Name, den man einer Person statt ihres vollen Namens aus Zuneigung oder zum Scherz gibt.

Word origin

The compound Spitzname joins Spitz, meaning pointed or sharp, with Name and uses the first element figuratively for a marked or striking name.

Usage tips

  • The usual verb pattern is jemandem einen Spitznamen geben, with the person receiving the nickname in the dative case.

Other meanings

  • pet namenoun
  • bynamenoun

Opposites

  • amtlicher Nameofficial namenoun

Word lists with this word