The Tradition of Nicknaming in Ereğli Country of Zonguldak

Abstract

The tradition of nicknaming has been a notable element of Turkish folklore since ancient times. While a name is a word or group of words that is used to refer to a person or a thing, nickname is the name that is added to or substituted for the proper name of an individual or family reflecting their distinctive characteristics. These nicknames necessarily point out the qualities of the individuals. Thus, they have a major function as being the easiest way of introducing the individuals to the society. The individuals' different characteristics, socio-economic status, professions, socio-cultural status, salient physical features, manners and behaviors as well as ethnical origins and the like are obviously among the important factors of the act of nicknaming as they are often addressed to distinguish a person from the others in society. This study is carried out using on-field review method and focuses on the tradition of nicknaming in Ereğli County of Zonguldak. These compiled nicknames are classified and examined in line with the specific reasons behind their assignments to the relevant people.