EXPRESSING NEGATIVE ATTITUDE BY THE USE OF NICKNAMES

Klerk and Bosch define nicknames as ―relatively impermanent informal names which allow users considerable linguistic licence in breaking the rules‖ (De Klerk, Bosch 1997: 1). As they point out, most nicknames relate to the personal attributes of the user, and as such, create expectations about the user, which, in turn, can contribute to both positive and negative views of self and others and are often inaccurate (de Klerk & Bosch 1996, p. 526). Algeo points out, that nicknames are given specifically to their bearer based on some assumed quality and only him/her. According to Leslie and Skipper, nicknames are frequently semantically transparent and their usage reveals insights into the characteristics (personal and physical) of their bearers, as well as into their role in society (Leslie and Skipper 1990). Starks and Taylor- Leech (2017) conclude that most nicknames relate to the personal attributes of the user, and as such, create expectations about the user. As stated by Mehrabian and Piercy, the impressions evoked by names can be positive or negative and have corresponding effects in social interaction. Crozier (2002) points out that negative nicknames are used by the speaker to express lack of appreciation or a negative attitude towards the bearer.A nickname can express endearment, make a mockery, or show disapproval. The paper deals with the way a negative attitude can be expressed through the use of nicknames. The following nickname patterns were observed: a negative adjective followed by a noun, a personal name followed by a noun with a negative connotation, and a rhyming expression. An example of a nickname formed by a negative adjective followed by a noun, is Meghan Markle‘s nickname ―Difficult Duchess‖ referring to her disagreeable character; a personal name to be followed by a noun with a negative connotation, is illustrated by the nickname given to the Pime Minister of the UK Boris Johnson- ―Boris the Menace‖, or the pejorative nickname sometimes given to the Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov ―Boko Tikvata‖ (Boko the Pumpkin).; a rhyming expression is sometimes added to a personal name, such as Waity Katy, nickname that Kate Middleton used to be called before she married Prince William, referring to the long period she had to wait get married to him, or ―Looney Clooney‖- the nickname George Clooney was given after defending Meghan Markel in public); in some cases, a personal name is missing and the nickname consists of a word or phrase that is associated with some negative notion. In addition, this way nickname can phonologically resemble the real name of the bearer.Nicknames that are aimed to express a negative attitude differ in their motivation. They could be used occasionally and sporadically when they aim to mock a specific single time action of the name bearer. However, it is possible to become well established and to continue to be used even though the occasion that led to their coinage is no longer topical. When nicknames are aimed to mock the character, or behavior of their bearer, however, they become well established. One of the main groups of nickname bearers that are object of negative attitude are political figures in both Bulgarian and English-language media texts.