Americans often express a great love of informality when using nicknames. These are shortened forms of their given name at birth and reflect the casual relationships which exist among friends and co-workers. Family names are hardly ever used in daily situations and the use of one’s father’s name is saved only for rare and formal occasions. In many traditional cultures the use of the family name is seen as a sign of respect. For Americans, however, it’s the nickname which creates an immediate intimacy between two people upon which to build a relationship. This love for nicknames can create a sense of closeness between people who are otherwise not related. Even the presidents of the United States have borne nicknames. Abraham Lincoln was known as ``Honest Abe``, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was simply called FDR, Eisenhower was referred to informally as Ike, President Ronald Reagan was affectionately called ``The Gripper``, and John F. Kennedy was known as Jack or JFK.
Not every nickname, however, is a compliment and some can be downright rude and insulting. If someone should demonstrate a certain negative characteristic, a label will soon be attached to describe that person in a non-flattering way. Likewise a person’s dominant physical traits may lead to nicknames that are not necessarily to one’s liking or choice.
1. Why do Americans use nicknames when addressing one another?
A. Nicknames are easier to remember.
B. Americans are formal people.
C. Nicknames help to create a casual atmosphere.
D. Nicknames are never to be used in daily life.
2. When do Americans prefer to use their family names?
A. when they are working C. while in formal situations
B. when writing a business letter D. when they are in trouble
3. Which American president was known as ``The Gripper``?
A. John F. Kennedy C. Ronald Reagan
B. Richard Nixon D. Franklin Roosevelt
4. In a traditional society, how could the use of one’s family name be described?
A. rude C. intimate
B. respectful D. informal
5. Which of the following is true?
A. All nicknames have a positive meaning.
B. All nicknames have a negative meaning.
C. Nicknames are never endearing.
D. Nicknames can have positive or negative meanings.
