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  3. Nicknames You'll Only Hear in the South

Nicknames You'll Only Hear in the South

Southern Living May 2021 Cover
By Southern Living Editors Updated March 11, 2022
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Boy
Credit: Getty/di4kadi4kova

Nearly every Southerner has found himself or herself sitting on the groom's side as the wedding march begins thinking, "Well, now I didn't know Beau's name is Robert Merriam, III and I've known him since he was in kindergarten with my Celia." It's amazing what secrets a wedding program can hold. We take our nicknames seriously in the South and rightly so—formal names sometimes only make an appearance on a few momentous occasions (i.e. birth, baptism, wedding, and funeral). Whether it's a well-thought-out choice that's deliberated for months on end before the baby's arrival, or it develops out of a quirky personality trait of which only his nearest and dearest know the true origin, nicknames are commonplace down here.

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Nicknames You’ll Only Hear in the South

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Ace

Ace
Credit: Getty/Constance Bannister Corp

Typically, an Ace is a little too quick-witted for his own good. Also, if you've ever known someone that's seemingly good at everything, you've known an Ace.

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Beau

Beau Southern Nickname
Credit: Getty / Johner Images

While Beau can be used as a shortened form for Robert, Beaufort, or Beauregard, it's also a given name in the South. Or, can be used to refer to a devilishly handsome boy.

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Boo

Boo
Credit: Getty / ArtMarie

Boo and Booboo are nicknames that can be used for both boys and girls. While pop culture has made it a popular choice for a significant other, in the South, we're more than likely referring to a baby or child—or really any adorable creature (pets included).

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Bubba

Bubba
Credit: Getty/Constance Bannister Corp

Northerners might poke fun at this one, but Bubba is often used to refer to a most beloved father or grandfather.

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Buck

Buck
Credit: Getty/ George Marks

Buck means—you guessed it—male deer. If your little tyke is energetic, lively, and all-around spirited, Buck might be just the nickname he needs.

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Bud

Bud
Credit: Getty/D. Sharon Pruitt Pink Sherbet Photography

Can't remember someone's name? In the South you can just call them Bud. Saying, "Hey, how are you, Bud?" sounds casual and friendly—and unlikely to insult the person whose name you just can't recall.

Bud is short for Buddy or brother. It can also be used as a nickname for Robert, William, or Donald.

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Bugs

Bugs
Credit: Getty/Constance Bannister Corp

Tag "bug" on to the end of any given name (i.e. Sarahbug, Tommybug, Susiebug, Henrybug, etc.) and you'll have your very own Southern nickname. Oftentimes the Bugs combo name evolves simply to "Bugsy."

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Captain

Captain
Credit: Getty/George Marks

No, he doesn't need to be captain of a vessel to earn this moniker. If he's a natural-born leader—or even if you just happen to like the name—Captain is a suitable choice.

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Doc

Boy
Credit: Getty/di4kadi4kova

No surprise that anyone who bears this name is likely (or at least once was) a doctor, veterinarian, or dentist. Think it might get confusing? Hardly. There's no need to call your doctor by his surname if your small town's only got one of them anyway.

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Junior

From Son To Father:
Credit: Orlando/Stringer/Getty Images

We certainly didn't invent the concept of a hand-me-down name. But where we depart from the usual convention is neglecting the inherited name altogether. We'll skip the confusion of father and son sharing the same moniker and just call him Junior instead.

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Lou

little girl painting
Credit: Kenneth Rittener/Getty

As with "Bug," you can make any name sound more Southern and familiar with the addition of "Lou." Is her name Grace? Just call her Gracie Lou. Around here, nicknames don't actually have to be shorter than someone's given name.

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Mimi

Mimi
Credit: Getty/Constance Bannister Corp

While Mary is already quite brief, a Southerner won't pass on the opportunity to bestow another moniker. But, of course, a Southerner won't stop at just one nickname—Mim (pronounced meem) is a nickname for this nickname.

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Minnie

Minnie
Credit: Getty / H. Armstrong Roberts

Mary and Amelia are common given names associated with Minnie. It's also used to refer to a daughter if she shares the same name as her mother.

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Missy

Missy
Credit: Getty/George Marks

Sure, it can be used as a nickname for Melissa, but more commonly it's used to catch the attention of a daughter when she's caught herself in a bit of mischief. Southern girls are all too familiar with, "Excuse me, Missy. Now where do you think you're going at this hour?"

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Precious

Blonde boy pouting, sticking out his lower lip, ready to cry.
Credit: H. Armstrong Roberts

This term of endearment is a go-to nickname for little ones who need comfort, consolation, or encouragement. It also makes for a classic grandmother name.

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Sass

National Middle Name Pride Day literary figure
Credit: Getty/Lambert

Sometimes shorthand for "sister," this one works particularly well for young women with a little extra fire in their personalities.

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Sissy

Sissy
Credit: Getty / H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock

Sissy traditionally refers to the oldest daughter in the family. It's also a nickname for Cecilia.

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Sugar/Shug/Shuggy

Shug/Shuggy/Sugar
Credit: Getty/Constance Bannister Corp

This is one of the more popular nicknames south of The Mason Dixon—and one that you're not likely to see gaining popularity up North anytime soon. It's a Southern original.

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Toots/Tootsie

Thanksgiving Carving the Turkey
Credit: American Stock/Getty Images

While Toots and Tootsie was a popular vintage name, it's still holding its own as a popular nickname in the South.

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    1 of 20 Nicknames You’ll Only Hear in the South
    2 of 20 Ace
    3 of 20 Beau
    4 of 20 Boo
    5 of 20 Bubba
    6 of 20 Buck
    7 of 20 Bud
    8 of 20 Bugs
    9 of 20 Captain
    10 of 20 Doc
    11 of 20 Junior
    12 of 20 Lou
    13 of 20 Mimi
    14 of 20 Minnie
    15 of 20 Missy
    16 of 20 Precious
    17 of 20 Sass
    18 of 20 Sissy
    19 of 20 Sugar/Shug/Shuggy
    20 of 20 Toots/Tootsie

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