Nicknames You’ll Only Hear in the South

By Southern Living
Getty / H. Armstrong Roberts/ClassicStock

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

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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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Toots/Tootsie

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

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Sugar/Shug/Shuggy

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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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Captain

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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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Bugs

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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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Bubba

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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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Mimi

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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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Boo

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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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Minnie

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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

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Sure, it can be used as a nickname for Melissa, but more commonly it’s oftentimes 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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Bud

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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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Buck

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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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Boy

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Short, sweet, and to the point, this nickname is a fit for just about any little guy.

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Beau

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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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Sissy

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

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