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<\/p>\nThey’re the affectionate names we give to our closest friends.<\/p>\n
But it seems many of the most common nicknames aren\u2019t exactly endearing, according to a recent survey.<\/p>\n
Big Man was revealed as the most popular pet name given to Britons while Ginge and Spud also featured in the top three.<\/p>\n
Size-related monikers were also common, with Shorty and Wee Man fourth and fifth respectively. Tank and Big Foot also made the shortlist of 40 names.<\/p>\n
Animal names also featured prominently, with Chicken, Foxy, Spider, Donkey, Ferret and Turtle popular.<\/p>\n
The survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by chocolatier Lily O\u2019Briens, found that 39 per cent of adults have a nickname and 46 per cent possess more than one.<\/p>\n
But 10 per cent also admitted that they aren\u2019t keen on their pet names.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The survey of 2,000 adults, commissioned by chocolatier Lily O\u2019Briens, found that 39 per cent of adults have a nickname and 46 per cent possess more than one<\/p>\n
The study also showed there are multiple ways to make a nickname stick, with 41 per cent of respondents saying that monikers being easy to remember was key.<\/p>\n
Having a funny story behind a pet name (37 per cent) and it being only a few syllables (14 per cent) were also important to establish a name.<\/p>\n
Jo Hemmings, a behavioural psychologist and relationship coach, said: \u2018There are all sorts of reasons people give others nicknames, ranging from them having a catchy, amusing or memorable first name or surname, or a play on their name related to some banter.<\/p>\n
\u2018But they are all usually given with a sense of affection and endearment.<\/p>\n
\u2018They can express friendship, love or closeness. It creates both a sense of identity and belonging in relation to those that know them by that name as well as a sense of emotional bonding.\u2019<\/p>\n
The survey also found 42 per cent only give nicknames to the most important people in their lives.<\/p>\n
Another 51 per cent think the most appropriate situation to use a nickname is at home with family members.<\/p>\n
This was followed by in the pub, playing sports, or on a stag or hen party.<\/p>\n
But 39 per cent wouldn\u2019t dare give their boss a nickname and 29 per cent would shy away from giving one to an in-law.<\/p>\n
Some 53 per cent of all respondents reckon making up nicknames is a particularly British trait, according to the OnePoll.com figures.<\/p>\n
A Lily O\u2019Brien\u2019s spokesman said: \u2018Just like gifting a special box of chocolates, we give nicknames to the special people in our lives \u2013 the ones we really know.<\/p>\n
\u2018Giving nicknames is a very human thing to do \u2013 people will give nicknames to their friends, family, pets, cars, even their kettles.<\/p>\n
\u2018There were some unexpected and ingenious results from our research, like Spud, and our personal favourite, Giggles.<\/p>\n
\u2018Nicknames can be a great shorthand for showing affection, and when you\u2019re given a nickname that sticks and it\u2019s one you\u2019re happy with, it can really help make you feel loved.<\/p>\n
\u2018As with the nickname we give to our loved ones, chocolate is part of the human language of love for so many of us. They both bring us closer together and give us a feel good boost.\u2019<\/p>\n
1. Big man<\/p>\n
2. Ginge<\/p>\n
3. Spud<\/p>\n
4. Shorty<\/p>\n
5. Wee man<\/p>\n
6. Kiddo<\/p>\n
7. Sparky<\/p>\n
8. Chicken<\/p>\n
9. Sunshine\/ Sunny<\/p>\n
10. Rocky<\/p>\n
11. Tank<\/p>\n
12. Smarty<\/p>\n
13. Foxy<\/p>\n
14. Nugget<\/p>\n
15. Spider<\/p>\n
16. Beardy<\/p>\n
17. Donkey<\/p>\n
18. Ace<\/p>\n
19. Jesus<\/p>\n
20. Toots<\/p>\n
21. Big Foot<\/p>\n
22. Bobby Dazzler<\/p>\n
23. Mardy Bum<\/p>\n
24. Pickles<\/p>\n
25. Gizmo<\/p>\n
26. Boomer<\/p>\n
27. Chuckles<\/p>\n
28. Captain Obvious<\/p>\n
29. Giggles<\/p>\n
30. Gremlin<\/p>\n
31. Teapot<\/p>\n
32. Ferret<\/p>\n
33. Moustache Man<\/p>\n
34. Binman<\/p>\n
35. Guinness<\/p>\n
36. Scout<\/p>\n
37. Turtle<\/p>\n
38. Bibs<\/p>\n
39. Teacup<\/p>\n
40. Megatron<\/p>\n