I have had the good fortune of growing up with a nickname. It has defined me in a way my given name will never have the capacity of doing. There is not a single person in my life that can recall how it originated, but I have nonetheless been called Tooie since I was a young child.
There have been many theories developed in an attempt to come up with the birth of the name, but none have resembled any sort of believable truth. There are people in my life that would struggle to come up with my legal given name, and that has never struck me as an oddity. It is a comforting feeling having people refer to my nickname as if it were the name on my birth certificate. My dad, before he passed away, made sure that my legacy follows me everywhere, literally. My last Christmas present from him was a license plate that says TOOIE.
Even though that moniker has followed me throughout my time on this earth, I would never change that part of my life. It is how I define myself. It is a term of endearment that was mysteriously bestowed on me at a young age and will follow me into my twilight years. When I am 90 years old, my nephews will still refer to me as Auntie Tooie.
Some people will shrug off a nickname as they get older, feeling like it is suspending them in an alternate linear timeline, but nicknames have a way of attaching themselves to our evolving reality. They are usually given as a sign of affection, and I will continue to embrace mine. Perhaps I will never know how it truly came to be, but I will cherish the family and friends that keep the sentiment alive and well by always referring to me as Tooie.
If you’ve ever been given a nickname….share it with me. I’d love to know what other names you go by!!
polysyllabic profundities 
My friends’ youngest child misunderstood my name and dubbed me Aunt Crazy. Almost two years later, it’s still in effect 🙂
http://tracicarver.com/2012/11/05/land-down-under-part-v-of-v/
Haha….I love it!!
I affectionately call my husband “idiotboy” — it is meant lovingly
Haha….that is, by far, my favorite!! 🙂
it is becoming his
He is a wise man!! 😉
he generally knows when to just let something rest (generally–not all the time)
😀
When I was young, my father called me Stonewall a reference to my stubbornness.
Love it!!
I’ve never had a nickname, but i like ‘idiotboy’! I laughed a lot wnen I read this. Classic! 😀
My sister and some friends call me “Old Bag” or “Bag” or “Baggie” and my niece and her friends call me “Aunt Weiner”.
Don’t be surprised if I refer to you as one of those next time I see you!!
There are a few nicknames that were given to me by my Father as a child and neither of them really stuck past childhood (thankfully). “Wormhole” and “Little Miss Miniver”. To this day I am still not sure of their intention, and unfortunately my Father has since passed away and I am unable to clarify them. Its funny I never really thought about them till now reading your blog. Brings back floods of good memories….thanks 🙂
I had several other names growing up as well and they always bring back good memories! 🙂 I promise not to call you Wormhole.. 😉