Recollections of schoolteachers' nicknames

Abstract

AbstractAn investigation of schoolteachers’ nicknames recalled by a sample of 103 students showed that the majority of nicknames were negative in tone and directed mostly at disliked and unpopular teachers. Distinctive physical characteristics and variations on the teacher's name were the main sources of nicknames, a finding that is consistent with previous research into nicknames that are used openly as forms of address. The functions that names play in the life of the school and the contribution of wit to the effectiveness of names are discussed.