Thai Kids nicknamed Ball, Bank, Oil, Mafia, and Seven

The other day brought an interesting item about Afghans being named for days of the week. Today, Preeti Aroon of Foreign Policy explores the nicknames children are given in Thailand.

In Thailand, children are given playful nicknames that stick with them through adulthood. Traditional nicknames have included Yaay (Big), Moo (Pig), and Dam (Black).

But in a rapidly changing, globalized world, more parents want "modern" nicknames for their kids—names that derive from TV, Hollywood, and other foreign influences. Some kids have been nicknamed Mafia and Seven (as in 7-Eleven). One teacher has students named Tomcruise, Army, God, Kiwi, and Gateaux (yes, that's the French word for "cakes"). A survey of students in one city found that the most popular English nickname was Ball—possibly after famous Thai tennis player Paradorn Srichaphan—with Oil and Bank following behind.

I am enraptured by names like Preeti, or as I have heard it elsewhere, Priti, so this whole story fills me with a sense of wonder.

As for me, just like Johny Cash you can call me Sue, after John Edwards and the other big-time class-action lawsuit abusers who are wrecking industry in America.


Technorati Tags: Thailand, Names, Globalization, Good News